If it happens

If You Are the Victim of a Sexual Assault
Here are some suggestions for what to do if you are sexually assaulted:

• Get to a safe place as quickly as you can.
• Don’t shower or wash yourself or change your clothes before getting medical attention,otherwise you could destroy evidence that will be needed if you report the assault to the police.
• Seek medical attention right away if you have been physically injured and/or the assault included vaginal or anal penetration (You may need to be tested or treated for sexually transmitted infections). Clearly inform the medical staff (nurses/doctors) that you have been sexually assaulted.
• Call a sexual assault hotline or sexual assault crisis centre for advice and help. The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres provides a list, with contact information, of sexual assault crisis centres across Canada. Click here for the contact information for the sexual assault centre nearest to you: http://www.casac.ca/content/anti-violence-centres
• Strongly consider reporting the incident to police. By reporting the incident, you may help prevent another person from being assaulted by the same perpetrator, the person that assaulted you can hopefully be brought to justice, and it may help you make the transition from victim to survivor.
• Being sexually assaulted is a very traumatizing experience that can have a lasting impact on a person. Feelings of shock, fear, and shame are common reactions to sexual assault. It can be very helpful to talk to trusted close friends and family members who can offer you support.
• Contact a sexual assault crisis centre if you want the help and support of a health professional with experience in assisting sexual assault victims.

Supporting a Friend or Family Member Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted
If a friend or family member tells you that they think they may have been, or have been sexually assaulted, it is important to help and support them as best you can. Sometimes a person who has been sexually assaulted may appear dazed and confused. Or they may be visibly traumatized or upset.

Here are some points to consider:

• Does the person feel physically safe where they are? If possible escort the person to a place where they feel safe.
• Is the person physically injured? If a person has been sexually assaulted they should be encouraged to seek medical attention even if they feel physically OK.
• Offer to accompany the person to an emergency room or clinic and stay by their side.
• Call a sexual assault centre for guidance on what to do and how to support your friend or family member.
• If the person is an adult it is up to them to decide if they want to report the assault to police. However, you can encourage them to report it. Help them by offering to stay at their side during the reporting process.
• The most important thing you can do is provide your understanding and emotional support to your friend or family member in a difficult time.