What to do after Sexual Violence

What to do after Sexual Violence/Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking

People who are a victim of Sexual Violence/Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or stalking react in many different ways. There is no right or wrong reaction. Please do not blame yourself.

  • Go to a safe place as soon as you can. If you are in immediate danger
  • Once you are safe, contact someone such as a friend, family member, and/or counseling and mental health services.
  • Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you do not have any apparent injuries. You may have injuries of which you are unaware. Medical providers can also test you for sexually transmitted diseases, and provide emergency contraception if desired.
  • Sexual Assault Exams and Evidence Collection. The State of Florida provides for individuals who have been sexually assaulted to have an exam and forensic evidence collected at no cost.
  • Try to preserve all physical evidence of the assault, even if you do not know whether you want to report the assault or press charges. Please do not:
    • Bathe, douche, or urinate
    • Smoke, eat, drink, or brush your teeth
    • Change your clothes. Take a full change of clothing, including shoes, for use after a medical examination
  • You are encouraged to contact the police to report the assault. Reporting can protect other people from being assaulted by the person who assaulted you.
  • You do NOT need to report the incident to the police to seek medical attention or receive help from other sources. The decision to report the incident to the police is yours to make.

Available Resources