How to find emergency and crisis services when reporting a rape or sexual assault. Many people do not know how RAINN operates or how to find a local crisis center, where the best emergency room is or how to find a victim's advocate. Please add any US or International directorys or rape crisis center resources to the external links area or add them to the steps area.

[edit] Steps

The first thing you can do after being assaulted is call a crisis counselor at 1 800-656-HOPE (4673) in the USA. Local hotlines can be found by state or zip code at RAINN. Call 911 if you are in danger now.
- - International hotlines can be found in this: World Wide Directory
  - For further international hotlines see: Broken Spirits
  - For a list of hotline directorys see: RCIP
  - Another directory can be found at Pandys resources
After you have contacted a crisis center please read advice from RAINN on what to do immediately after being assaulted which includes: Write down all the details you can recall, find a safe environment and preserve evidence of the attack (don't brush your teeth or shower).
The next step would be to seek medical attention and have a rape kit done. It is important to make sure there is not a pregnancy (emergency contraception prevents this) or an STD. Urine samples determine whether there is a date rape drug in your system. The sooner you have these tests done the better. You can find local rape crisis medical services at medline, in a search engine or in the phone book.
After seeking medical care you should think about reporting the crime to the authorities. If you choose to file a report with the police it is important that you have a victim's advocate. You can find victim's advocates at your local rape crisis center or at Rape Crisis Victim Assistance. For immediate victim assistance call 1 800-879-6682. Studies have found that victims who had advocates with them during the police interview had a better overall experience. The advocate can also walk you through the entire legal process.

[edit] Tips

RAINN actually forwards you to a local crisis hotline. If you call RAINN you will be speaking to a local crisis center.
Remember that the rape survivor community includes all types of people including men, LGBTQ, diverse cultures and the disabled. You are not alone.
If you are feeling suicidal please call 1.800.SUICIDE (784.2433)
Because you are usually the only witness, it is hard for a charge to be pressed if you wish not to. Therefore, it is your decision whether or not to attempt to have charges pressed.

[edit] Warnings

Beware of victim blame, rape myths and secondary victimization.
There is nothing you don't have to fight for when it comes to victim advocacy.
Do not bathe or change your clothes. Evidence of the assault must remain intact.