Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis

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.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, 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. Evidence can be collected up to 120 hours after an assault. 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 at any time. 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 96 hours of the assault.
  • HIV prophylaxis is much more effective if initiated soon after the potential exposure.

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.

Get Help from the CVPR for Sexual Assault

The BIDMC’s Rape Crisis Intervention Program, founded in 1974, is one of the first hospital-based rape crisis centers in the country. In 1997, this program became part of the CVPR. Patients can seek medical care whether or not they report the assault to the police. You may receive free care and do not have to use your insurance. The program offers comprehensive services for survivors of sexual assault, their families, and friends. Services include:

• In the emergency room of BIDMC: crisis intervention for emotional trauma and contact with social worker to receive information on patients’ rights, options, resources
• Contact with social worker for patients in the Infectious Diseases Clinic for a follow-up session
• 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/systems
• Assistance accessing community resources and services

Impact of Sexual Assault

Sexual violence affects everyone differently. A survivor’s experience of trauma is unique which is why it can cause a wide range of emotions. There is no right or wrong way to react to trauma. In order to recover and heal, it requires time and support. There are normal reactions and side effects to the trauma. Learn how side effects of trauma can help survivors normalize and identify reactions they are experiencing.

Resources for Sexual Assault