What To Do After an
Assault
- Get to a safe
place.
- Do not eat, drink,
bathe, or use the restroom.
- Call the police (calling the
police and filing a report DOES NOT mean you have to press charges and
go to court).
- Go to the
emergency room.
- Call a family
member, friend, or Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis. NWARC
advocates can support you during the medical and legal processes.
- As
soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the rapist
and the assault. Keep the notes in a safe place.
The Medical Process After a Sexual Assault
If the rape
occured within a
limited number of hours (usually 72-120), you will receive a rape
examination during which time a doctor or nurse will gather evidence
for the rape kit. This will include a blood test and pelvic
examination, often with a colposcope. The evidence in the rape
kit can be used to prosecute the rapist.
If you
agree to report the crime and go to the emergency room WITHIN 72
HOURS, the rape kit and medical examination will be paid for through
the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board.
You must report the sexual assault to the police before a doctor or
nurse will perform a rape exam.
You
will be offered preventative treatment for pregnancy (if
applicable) and sexually transmitted diseases.
You
will be given instructions and options for follow-up care.
The Legal Process After a Sexual Assault
An officer from
the area in which
the rape occurred will take a report. Try to give a complete
description of your attacker. The police may find the assailant
in the vicinity.
After
reporting to the local police, a detective will be assigned to
investigate your case and will interview you. The detective will
ask you to go over the assault in detail. Talking about it may be
difficult, but this information is necessary to find the rapist and
gather evidence about this person.
If you
have any questions about the progress of the investigation or if
you remember more details, call your detective.
When
the attacker has been identified and there is sufficient evidence
to prosecute the case, an arrest will most likely be made.
The
prosecuting attorney will be assigned to prosecute your case.
The P.A. will discuss the assault with you in order to prepare the best
possible case for trial.
During
the court process, which may stretch out over a period of
months, you wil receive support from your NWARC advocate and from the
Victim Assistance Coordinator at the prosecuting attorney's office.
Keep
in mind that a rape is considered a crime against the state.
When you testify, you are classified not as the victim, but as a
witness to the crime of rape.
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Contact
NWARC
What
To Do After an Assault
Rape
Trauma Syndrome
Secondary
Survivors
What Can I Do If a Friend is Raped?
Resources
and Links
Event
Photos
24-hour
Hotline:
479-927-1020
or
800-794-4175
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