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If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

• Go to a safe place such as a police station, hospital or to a friend's house.
• Contact a friend or family member that you trust.
• Call the NSW Rape Crisis Centre or a Sexual Assault Service for support and information.
• If you are planning to make a report to the police, it is advisable not to wash, eat, drink or brush your teeth. Do not use the toilet unless it is urgent. Do not tidy anything including yourself, as this may destroy evidence.
• Have a medical examination as soon as possible.

Reactions
Everyone reacts differently to being sexually assaulted. There is no right or wrong way to react. Whatever you are feeling is normal. There can be many different short and long term effects of sexual violence. It is important that you are informed of your options. The most important thing is to look after yourself as best as possible.

Remember this is not your fault.

Safety
After being sexually assaulted, you may feel vulnerable, powerless, humiliated and depressed. It is very normal to feel afraid, especially when you are reminded about the assault by things around you.

Whether or not you were attacked in your own home, you may not feel safe there, especially if you live alone. Many people who have been assaulted have this feeling. Some have found it helpful to stay with a friend or relative until they feel less frightened, or until they are able to move or make their home safer. Talking to someone such as a counsellor can help you decide what you want to do to feel safe such as having a friend stay with you or staying at a women's refuge.

If you know your attacker and you are frightened that he may approach you again, you can apply for an Apprehend Violence Order (AVO) from the local court. This may stop the perpetrator from contacting you, your family, or friends. The police will help you with this.

Remember that the responsibility for your safety is not yours alone. Preventing violence and increasing people's safety is everyone's responsibility including governments, police, and communities.

Medical Examinations

• It is important to seek medical attention, even if you do not think that you have been injured or you do not want to report the assault.
• Medical examinations will treat any injuries that you have, you may be in shock and not even know that you have injuries.
• Medical evidence can be collected if you decide to report the assault.
• You can also talk to the doctor about sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, injuries or anything else that you may be worried about. You can get medical treatment at your nearest hospital or sexual assault service, sexual health clinic or Aboriginal Medical Service.

Some people feel embarrassed or ashamed about receiving medical treatment following an assault. Remember that doctors and nurses are specially trained to assist you.

Talking to the Police

• You do not have to make a formal report straight away.
• It is your choice whether or not you make a statement to the police. Police policy states that it is your decision.
• If the assault was recent, the police may ask you to have a forensic examination. This is your choice.
• You can have a support person with you while you are interviewed by the police.
• You can choose to make an informal report if you do not want charges laid. This might help both you and other women in the future.

Many people have mixed feelings about reporting to the police, only YOU can decide whether you want to speak to the police.

Support
It is your decision who you tell about the assault, many people find it difficult talking to the people who are most important to them about what has happened. You may be concerned about how they will react or that they will not understand.

You may want to talk to someone who can provide you with support and information, who will believe you and who will not judge you.

Many women have found it helpful to talk to a sexual assault counsellor. They are specially trained and are sensitive about how you may be feeling. They will give you support and can assist with decisions about what you want to do.

You can call the NSW Rape Crisis Centre to talk to a telephone counsellor, or to get a referral to your local sexual assault service, 24 hours a day.