Get Help for Yourself or Someone You Know
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted in the last 5 days you can take the following immediate steps:
Go to a safe place and tell someone you trust about what happened.
It is your choice to report the crime to the police. Call 911 if you want police assistance.
If you want evidence collected: Do not shower, bathe, douche, brush your teeth, or throw away any clothing that might contain evidence of the assault. Save articles of clothing, bedding etc. in separate paper bags and bring them to the hospital or give to the police.
Get medical assistance! You may seek medical care without reporting the crime to the police! Go to the hospital emergency room for treatment of injuries, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and crisis intervention and emotional support services. Physical evidence for medical/legal services can also be collected at this time. Evidence can be collected within 5 days of the assault.
Get support! Call the Rape Crisis Intervention Program at (617)-667-8141. The Rape Crisis Intervention Program offers crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling and support groups for sexual assault survivors.
Services also include:
- Emergency room services 24hrs/day offering medical care, forensic evidence collection, and crisis counseling
- Crisis counseling and trauma-focused therapy for survivors and their families and friends
- Support groups
- Follow-up medical care
- Medical accompaniment for HIV-post exposure prophylaxis
- Assistance navigating medical, criminal justice, and other institutions and systems
- Assistance accessing community resources and services
***Visit our Resource page for Hotline numbers that offer live help 24hrs/day!***
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)-certified site. SANE-certified nurses are specifically trained to perform exams and collect forensic evidence from sexual assault survivors. You can seek medical care whether or not you report the assault to the police. You may receive free care and do not have to use your insurance. For more information visit the Department of Public Health.
