Sexual Assault
Need help figuring out next steps?
Call and speak to one of our advocates, 706-542-7233
Call and speak to one of our advocates, 706-542-7233
Immediate Concerns After Violence
After an assault, the most immediate concern may be safety, followed by the need for medical care.
Safety
If possible, leave your attacker and get to a place of safety to call 911. If you are not sure where you are, take note of surroundings for landmarks or street signs. If at a residence, you may be able to locate a piece of mail that has the address.
Emergency Medical Attention
Even if you don’t see or feel physical injuries, we encourage you to go to an Emergency Room, the University Health Center, or another medical facility to check for injuries. What may feel like minor aches and pains from an assault may be difficult to distinguish from a serious injury especially when you may be in shock
If you have been sexually assaulted, you may also want to get information about risks regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and, pregnancy. Most emergency rooms, the University Health Center, and SANE nurses can provide preventive medicines for STIs and emergency contraception. You have the right to receive these medicines, even if you choose not to file a police report or have an evidence collection exam. It may be too early to test for infections and pregnancy, but typically you will be advised to follow up for testing within a few weeks. RSVP advocates can assist with all scheduling and arranging services for follow up care.
*Saint Mary’s Hospital in Athens, Georgia does not dispense emergency contraception, but you may purchase it over-the-counter at a nearby pharmacy.
Evidence Collection
Many survivors have not yet decided whether or not to report to police, but would like the option of collecting evidence in the chance they decide later to make a report. Evidence can be stored anonymously for up to 2 years after the exam, during which time the survivor has the option to make a formal report. Call the RSVP hotline (706-542-7233) for further information regarding immediate concerns and what next steps are available to you.
If you think there is even a remote chance that you will pursue legal action for a sexual assault and the assault occurred within the past 120 hours, we recommend that you get in touch with a RSVP advocate as soon as possible to request a forensic evidence collection exam. Forensic evidence collection exams are free, confidential, and are conducted by specially-trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). You always have the option of having a RSVP advocate with you during the exam or they can wait outside the room until your exam is complete. If the emergency room staff does not immediately offer a RSVP advocate to you, you can request one.
After an assault, the most immediate concern may be safety, followed by the need for medical care.
Safety
If possible, leave your attacker and get to a place of safety to call 911. If you are not sure where you are, take note of surroundings for landmarks or street signs. If at a residence, you may be able to locate a piece of mail that has the address.
Emergency Medical Attention
Even if you don’t see or feel physical injuries, we encourage you to go to an Emergency Room, the University Health Center, or another medical facility to check for injuries. What may feel like minor aches and pains from an assault may be difficult to distinguish from a serious injury especially when you may be in shock
If you have been sexually assaulted, you may also want to get information about risks regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and, pregnancy. Most emergency rooms, the University Health Center, and SANE nurses can provide preventive medicines for STIs and emergency contraception. You have the right to receive these medicines, even if you choose not to file a police report or have an evidence collection exam. It may be too early to test for infections and pregnancy, but typically you will be advised to follow up for testing within a few weeks. RSVP advocates can assist with all scheduling and arranging services for follow up care.
*Saint Mary’s Hospital in Athens, Georgia does not dispense emergency contraception, but you may purchase it over-the-counter at a nearby pharmacy.
Evidence Collection
Many survivors have not yet decided whether or not to report to police, but would like the option of collecting evidence in the chance they decide later to make a report. Evidence can be stored anonymously for up to 2 years after the exam, during which time the survivor has the option to make a formal report. Call the RSVP hotline (706-542-7233) for further information regarding immediate concerns and what next steps are available to you.
If you think there is even a remote chance that you will pursue legal action for a sexual assault and the assault occurred within the past 120 hours, we recommend that you get in touch with a RSVP advocate as soon as possible to request a forensic evidence collection exam. Forensic evidence collection exams are free, confidential, and are conducted by specially-trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). You always have the option of having a RSVP advocate with you during the exam or they can wait outside the room until your exam is complete. If the emergency room staff does not immediately offer a RSVP advocate to you, you can request one.