Dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse can feel like too much, especially when you’re unsure what steps to take next. You could feel scared, angry, numb, or unsure of what just happened, or even all of these emotions at once. The first and most important thing to understand is this: none of it is your fault. However you’re feeling right now, it’s valid. 

You can reach out to sexual abuse lawyers at File Abuse Lawsuit so you can get legal advice or start a case. But before that, here are the other immediate and longer-term steps to consider.

Step One: Get Somewhere Safe and Seek Support 

If something has just happened, the very first thing you need to do is find somewhere safe. This could be your home, a trusted friend’s place, or any public place where you feel secure. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 right away.

Once you’re in a safe environment, consider reaching out to someone you trust. It could be a friend, family member, or a support line. You don’t have to explain everything right away; just let them know that you need support.

You can contact a Rape Crisis helpline where trained staff will listen without judgment. They believe you. They’ll help you think through your next steps, no matter what you decide. 

You can also speak to someone at a local Rape Crisis center in person. These centers offer free, confidential support, including information, emotional support, and help with making decisions, like whether to go to the police. 

Step Two: Consider Medical Help and Evidence Collection 

If the assault happened recently, a SARC can offer you practical and medical support. Even if you’re not ready to talk to the police, you can still go to a SARC. There, you can get checked for injuries, get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and take a pregnancy test if needed.

One important service SARCs provide is a forensic medical examination. This is a procedure done by a specially trained nurse or doctor who collects evidence from your body and clothing. 

You don’t have to decide right away if you want to report to the police. This exam just helps preserve your legal options in case you want to make a report later. If you choose not to report, that’s completely okay too. 

Step Three: Emergency Contraception and STI Testing 

If there’s any risk of pregnancy, you have to act fast to prevent it. Emergency contraception works best when taken as soon as possible.

You have two choices:

• Tablets (the morning-after pill): These can be taken up to 5 days after the assault. You can buy them at a pharmacy, get them for free from a GP or sexual health clinic, or ask for them at a SARC.
• IUD (also called a coil): This needs to be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse and must be done within 5 days. You can get this at your GP or sexual health clinic. 

Pregnancy tests are available at pharmacies, supermarkets, your GP, or sexual health clinics, and also from SARCs. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and remember, it might take a few days or weeks before a test gives an accurate result.

If you do find out you’re pregnant and don’t want to continue with the pregnancy, there are options available, including abortion. You can speak to your doctor or visit the NHS website for more information. 

And then, you might not feel any symptoms, but it’s still important to get tested for STIs after a sexual assault. Many infections don’t show signs right away, but they can still be treated effectively if caught early.  

Step Four: Thinking About Legal Action 

Deciding whether or not to go to the police is entirely your choice. No one should pressure you. But if you do want to report, it helps to speak to an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) through a Rape Crisis center. They can guide you through your rights and the process ahead.

If the assault happened within the last 7 days, there may still be forensic evidence that could support your case in court. You don’t need to decide right away; having a forensic exam done can give you more time to think about whether or not to report later.

If you decide to speak to the police, you can do so at any time, even weeks, months, or years after the incident. If charges are filed, you may receive a court protection order to help keep the offender away.