You can survive a violating experience. Anything you do to survive is all right.

You are not to blame for the sexual assault.

If You Are Considering Reporting This Crime to the Police

Do not bathe or change clothes before seeking medical attention. Important evidence may be on your body and/or clothes, which can be collected during the medical examination.

How You Might Feel If You've Been Assaulted

As no two sexual assaults are the same, no two victims feel the same. However, there are some general feelings that many victims have.

• You might feel responsible for the assault. Remember the victim is never responsible for the assailant's behavior.
• You might feel angry and take your anger out on those you love.
• You might feel ashamed of what has happened to you.
• You might feel helpless because it seems you have lost control of the situation.
• You might want to deny that the assault was serious or that it happened at all.
• You might feel unclean even after bathing.
• You might not be able to sleep at night or you might have nightmares. You might not be able to resume your normal sexual relationship with the person you love.

We want to assure you that you are not alone as you work through your experience.