If you think you are the victim of rape

Rape is rape. Rape by someone you know is the same as rape by a stranger. It is just as real, just as dangerous, just as serious and is a crime.

Rape is never the victim's fault. Rape victims should never feel ashamed of or guilty about being raped.

Report It

While it's a personal decision, remember - no one has the right to have sex without the complete consent of the other person. If you do decide to report, do it as soon as possible so evidence of the crime won't be lost, making prosecution more difficult.

Get Help

If you are raped, go to a safe place immediately and get help. Call the police or go to a hospital. If you think you've been drugged, ask the hospital to take a urine sample so the police can analyze it for any substance used to incapacitate you.

Preserve Evidence

If possible, do not bathe, douche, urinate or engage in any activity that may contaminate or destroy valuable evidence such as semen, saliva, hairs and blood. This includes eating, chewing gum, smoking, drinking, brushing teeth and gargling. Doing so might destroy evidence. If you have to urinate, collect the urine in a clean jar with a lid and refrigerate the specimen until you can give it to a medical professional. If the evidence is preserved, it can be used in the prosecution of the rapist.

Even if you choose not to have a forensic sexual assault examination, you should see a doctor to be treated for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The doctor, however, will by law have to report the assault to the police.

If the report is delayed, evidence may still be available. Do not wash your clothes, sheets or bedding or dispose of any items associated with the sexual assault.