If a sexual assault has just occurred, call 911. A police officer will be immediately dispatched to your location to ensure your safety. A sexual assault investigator will be notified to investigate the report. Learn more about the Hanson Police Department Sexual Assault Investigation Unit.
If the assault occurred recently
- Get to a safe place and call someone. Call 911, a friend or a family member. Don’t try to deal with this trauma by yourself.
- Seek medical attention immediately for possible injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy. Evidence will be collected to be used later to prosecute criminal charges. You can remain anonymous and still receive medical attention.
- To preserve evidence, do not shower, wash, bathe, or douche. Try not to urinate.
- If you change clothes, place the clothes from the incident in a paper bag (plastic destroys evidence).
- Regardless of whether or not you desire to proceed with criminal charges, there are many support services available to you.
If the assault occurred some time ago
- You may just now be realizing that you still have options available to you. In Massachusetts, certain instances of sexual assault can be successfully prosecuted, many years after it has occurred, even though the assault was not previously reported.
- Medical attention may still be needed for treatment of physical symptoms.
- Seek counseling. Unresolved experiences of sexual assault can have long-term psychological effects.
If someone you know has been sexually assaulted
- Make time to listen. Be supportive and non-judgmental. Avoid making decisions for the victim.
- Believe the victim. Accept what you hear. Don’t minimize the experience. Don’t let your own biases get in the way.
- Make it clear that the sexual assault was not the victim’s fault. Avoid ” Why? ” and other questions that may sound blaming.
- Offer options. Encourage action. Suggest seeking medical attention, calling the police, contacting a counseling center or a rape crisis center for emotional support.
- Let the victim decide what actions to take. Making choices helps one to regain control lost during the assault.
- Get help yourself. You may need to talk to someone about your feelings.
Remember! Sexual Assault is Never the Victim’s Fault. Reporting a sexual assault may lessen the chances of it happening to others. Resources are here for You. Believe in Yourself. Get Support. It Takes Time to Heal.
