OPTIONS

You have the following options:

• Receive general medical care
• Report to law enforcement and receive a medical-forensic exam
• Receive a medical-forensic exam without reporting 

Do I Need Medical Care?

Medical care is strongly recommended immediately after a sexual assault and in the following months. It is important for you to know what you can do to reduce your risk of infections and other health concerns.

Should I Report The Assault To Law Enforcement?

Whether or not to report to law enforcement can be a big decision. (Law Enforcement can be police, the sheriff’s department, border patrol, the FBI, or many other agencies. The law enforcement agency which handles your case depends on where the assault occurred, among other factors.)

If you were assaulted recently and you want to report, call 911. In some cases, you may be unable to make a decision about whether you want to report or be involved in the criminal justice system in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault. You should be aware that even if you are not ready to report at this time you have a right to document assault-related injuries and preserve evidence within 120 hours (5 days) of the assault in case you should report at a later date. This could be invaluable to the investigation and prosecution if you should report later. If you have not yet decided to report, the sooner you report the better. Evidence from a sexual assault does not last long. It is important for you to recognize that a delay in reporting can reduce the ability of law enforcement to investigate, collect evidence or prosecute.

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