You have had an exam today because of a sexual assault. The purpose of this exam is to:
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Assess how you are doing emotionally and to arrange mental health support or services
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Answer any questions you might have
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Find out if you have any injuries that need treatment
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Offer treatment to prevent gonorrhea and chlamydia infections (common sexually transmitted infections or STIs)
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Offer treatment to prevent HIV infection and syphilis
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Offer treatment to prevent pregnancy
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Offer the hepatitis B vaccine series
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Collect specimens to be turned over to the law enforcement agency
After a sexual assault, it's normal to have many strong and unexpected feelings. Shock, embarrassment, fear, depression, blame, guilt, shame, and anger are all very common and normal feelings. You may also have:
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An inability to remember important parts of the events. This is commonly seen in traumatic events.
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A general sense of anxiety and fear
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Inability to concentrate
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Recurring thoughts or nightmares about the event
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Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
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Feelings of depression, sadness or low energy
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Irritability, periods of uncontrollable crying, or being upset easily
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The need to stay away from activities, places, or people that remind you of the event
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Panic when put in triggering situations in the future.
Home care
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For the next few days, you may prefer to stay with family or a trusted friend. This will help give you emotional support and a sense of physical safety.
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Sexual assault is a crime of violence. Remember that it was not your fault.
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Many states have victim assistance programs. These agencies provide advice on reporting, managing the legal system, and victim financial compensation. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Hotline provides free and confidential services by phone and an online chat (800-656-HOPE; www.rainn.org).
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A sexual assault can affect your self-esteem. It can also affect relationships with partners, family members, and friends. Talking with a counselor who understands these issues may be helpful to you. Sometimes, months or years after the assault, feelings may come to the surface again. Counseling or a support group can be helpful at these times.
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Many states require your healthcare provider to tell a law enforcement agency when they treat a victim of a violent crime. This does not mean that you have to prosecute or go to trial. But if you decide to prosecute, the evidence taken today will be useful in support of your case.
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You may be able to be compensated for medical costs or losses that relate to the sexual assault. Talk with your counselor or the local law enforcement agency for details.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised. Generally, a follow-up medical visit occurs within 1 to 2 weeks after the first evaluation. At this visit, you will be asked how you're doing both emotionally and physically. Depending on your initial treatment, you may also have additional follow-up tests.
If emotional or mental symptoms last more than 3 weeks, you may have a more serious traumatic stress reaction. Follow up with the counselor, local support group, or agency we referred you to for emotional support. There are treatments that can help.
For certain treatments:
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If you started the hepatitis B vaccine in the emergency department, you need 2 more doses. You should get the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose. The last dose should be given 4 to 6 months after the first dose.
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If you were screened for syphilis, experts at the CDC recommend repeating the test at between 4 and 6 weeks, and then again at 3 months.
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If you were screened for HIV, the CDC recommends that the test be repeated at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
Ask a family member or close friend to help you make a schedule of the follow-up appointments. Right now, it may feel overwhelming to keep track of anything.
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen:
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Redness, swelling or increasing pain in any injured area
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Extreme emotional distress, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, or thoughts of self-harm
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Vaginal discharge or unexpected bleeding
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Lower belly (abdominal) pain
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your healthcare provider
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Pain or burning with urination
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Symptoms get worse you have new symptoms
For support
For support services after a sexual assault, contact:
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Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) at www.rainn.org or 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673)
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VictimConnect Resource Center at www.victimconnect.org or 855-484-2846 (call or text)
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National Center for Victims of Crime at www.victimsofcrime.org or 202-467-8700
