What To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted

Remember:
YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME FOR BEING SEXUALLY ASSAULTED!

• Go to a safe place.

• Do not change clothes, bathe, douche, or alter anything in the area.

• Call the police to make a report. Ask them to notify a local center dealing with sexual assault. In Washtenaw County, call Safe House, 734.995.5444, or the Assault Crisis Center, 734.483.7273.

-and/or-

• Go to your local Emergency Room for treatment for injuries, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), pregnancy and for evidence collection. Ask the clinician to notify a local center dealing with sexual assaul.

-and/or-

• Call the Assault Crisis Center at 734.483.7273 or Safe House, 734.995.5444. Both angencies provide 24-hour crisis counseling and can assist you with police and court proceedings.

• Call a friend or family member for additional support.

• Write down everything you can remember about the assailant and the assault. You don't have to prosecute, but the report might help someone else who does.

• Even if you do not plan to prosecute, it is best to preserve any evidence. With information about the law and support for their feelings, many women later decide to prosecute, and physical evidence makes this easier.

• Whether or not you report the assault, it will probably affect you and relationships with your family and friends. If you have been assaulted recently or in the past, you may benefit from talking confidentially to a counselor by telephone or in person. Support/therapy groups are also available.

Remember: YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME FOR BEING SEXUALLY ASSAULTED, EVEN IF YOU KNOW YOUR ASSAILANT. MORE THAN HALF OF ALL ASSAULT VICTIMS KNOW THEIR ASSAILANTS!

Adapted from: Assault Crisis Center Ann Arbor, MI

Counseling Services
Eastern Michigan University
Snow Health Center, Top Floor
734.487.1118

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