Sexual Assault Crisis & Recovery Services

Sexual violence affects everyone differently. A survivor’s experience of trauma is unique and 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.  

Common reactions to sexual assault include:  

• Feeling frightened, helpless or vulnerable. Rape can be a life-threatening experience. Get the support you need to feel cared for. Make sure you attend to your needs as someone who has experienced a traumatic event. 
• Self-doubt and self-blame. Remember that rape, by definition, has a lack of consent. It is never the victim’s fault. 
• Loss of trust in others and in the safety of the world around you. You survived a traumatic event, and it will take time to rebuild that trust. 
• Nightmares, flashbacks, depression and mood swings.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, take these steps right away.

Go to a Safe Place and Tell Someone You Trust What Happened

If you don’t feel safe in your home, stay with a friend or family member, even if it is only for a few hours. If that isn’t an option, go to a public space to collect your thoughts and plan for safety. 

Reach out to a hotline for support and to review your options. If you are physically injured or you cannot keep yourself safe due to feelings of self-harm or suicide, go to your nearest hospital emergency department for help. 

Before talking about a traumatic event, consider if this person usually supports you. Ask yourself if you generally feel better after speaking with this person. Do they listen? Do they genuinely care for me? Will I have to take care of them, if I tell them something difficult? You may still decide to tell the person because they are important to you and you want them to know what happened to you, but you’ll be better prepared for their reaction. Slow down to consider what type of support you need in the moment.

Report the Crime

It is your choice to report the crime to the police. Call 911 if you want help from the police.

Collect Evidence

Evidence can be collected up to 120 hours (5 days) 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 each article of clothing, bedding, etc., in separate paper bags. Bring them to the hospital or give them to the police.

Get Medical Help at Any Time

You may seek medical care without reporting the crime to the police. Go to the hospital emergency department for treatment of injuries, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and crisis intervention and emotional support services. Physical evidence for medical/legal services also can be collected at this time. 

You don’t have to provide documentation/immigration status in order to receive care. You can get care and an exam from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) free of charge if you’re reporting a recent sexual assault.

• If you think you were given a drug, detection is more likely if you are tested within 72 hours of the assault. 
• To prevent pregnancy, you must begin the medication within 96 hours of the assault. 
• HIV prophylaxis, or prevention, is much more effective if started soon after the potential exposure. 

BIDMC is certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) site. SANE-certified nurses are specifically trained to perform exams and collect forensic evidence from sexual assault survivors. 

Whether or not you report the assault to the police, you can get free medical care and don’t have to use your insurance. The program offers comprehensive services for survivors of sexual assault, their families and friends. 

Services include: 

• In the BIDMC emergency department, crisis intervention for emotional trauma and contact with a social worker to learn about on patients’ rights, options and resources. 
• Contact with a social worker for patients in the Infectious Diseases Clinic for a follow-up session. 
• Trauma-focused therapy, as well as support groups, for survivors and their families and friends. 
• Medical accompaniment for HIV-post exposure prophylaxis. 
• Help navigating medical, criminal justice and other systems. 
• Help accessing community resources and services.