Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Intervention Program
Sexual assault is a crime of violence and control. Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact without consent between two or more people, regardless of their gender or marital status. In Massachusetts, there are 2 categories of sexual assault: rape and indecent assault and battery.
Rape occurs when the sexual assault involves vaginal, anal or oral penetration by a penis, other body part, or object. Rape also occurs if the victim is unable to give consent because he or she is unconscious for any reason.
Indecent assault and battery occurs when the offender has intentional physical contact of a sexual nature with the victim against the victim's consent.
Facts/Statistics
Common Reactions
Each person reacts differently in a crisis and it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions. These feelings do not disappear immediately. It takes time and support to recover from this trauma.
- You may be frightened and feel helpless and vulnerable. Rape can be a life threatening experience. Get as much support as you need!
- Self-doubt and self-blame are common. Remember — Rape, by definition, entails a lack of consent. It is never the fault of the victim.
- You may experience a loss of trust in others and in the safety of the world around you. You have survived a traumatic experience and it will take time to rebuild that trust.
- You may experience, nightmares, flashbacks, depression and mood swings. These are normal reactions to the trauma
Get Help for Sexual Assault
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. Tell someone you trust about what happened.
- Report the crime. It is your choice to report the crime to the police. Call 911 if you want police assistance.
- Collect evidence. 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.
- If you suspect that you were given any type of drug, there is much greater likelihood of being able to detect the drug if the testing is administered as soon as possible up to 72 hours after the assault.
- For pregnancy prophylaxis, you must begin the medication within 72 hours of the assault.
- HIV prophylaxis is much more effective if initiated soon after the potential exposure.
- Get support. BIDMC’s Rape Crisis Intervention Program was founded in 1974 and is one of the first hospital-based rape crisis centers in the country. In 1997, this program became part of the CVPR. The program offers:
- Emergency room services 24hrs/day offering medical care, forensic evidence collection, and follow-up medical care
- Trauma-focused therapy for survivors and their families and friends
- Support groups
- Medical accompaniment for HIV-post exposure prophylaxis
- Assistance navigating medical, criminal justice, and other institutions and systems
- Assistance accessing community resources and services
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.
