What to do in the first 24 hours after rape Back
Women often live with the very real fear of being raped or sexually assaulted. The dark alleys they cross, the late-night plans they make, and even the clothes they wear can bear marks of this fear.
What do you do if you are raped or sexually assaulted? In the first 24 hours, you must seek medical and psychological first aid, which are crucial for the treatment of physical injuries and overcoming trauma.
If you choose to report the incident and fight a case in court, evidence must be collected very soon after the assault. Because of importance of medical evidence in court, the longer the delay, the lesser the chance of getting justice.
In the first 24 hours:
- Find a place away from the assailant
- Seek the help of a person you trust. This could be anyone—a friend, a family member, an acquaintance or even an NGO representative
- Get immediate medical help by going to a public or private hospital.
- At the hospital, the doctor will check for any physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and give you emergency contraception
- The doctor will also conduct a medical examination to collect forensic evidence, which can strengthen the police investigation, and be used in court.
- Do not change your clothes, take a bath or brush your teeth until the examination is over and the doctor advises you to do so.
- Consider meeting a psychological counsellor as it may help you cope with the trauma of the assault.
- Lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at a police station.
For this:
- Try and give the exact time, date and place of the incident.
- Try and remember as many other details as possible.
- If you know the assailant, ensure that his name and your relation to him are on record.
- If you were threatened into submission, ensure that the methods used for intimidation or blackmail are on record. For example, being held at knifepoint.
- Anything you say at this stage is critical and difficult to change later.
* This article is written as a general guide for survivors and family members or friends of a person who has been raped or sexually assaulted. This, by no means, is an exhaustive list, nor constitutes complete legal advice and therefore does not cover all eventualities and contingencies. Specific guidance should be sought from experts.