What to do if you have just been sexually assaulted

1. If you are in immediate danger call 000 and go to a place you feel safe. 
2. Your health and wellbeing is paramount; go to your local hospital emergency department for medical advice. 
3. Go to your local police station. 
4. Call someone you trust and talk to them .
5. Seek assistance from a counsellor.

We know that it might be difficult, but if you are thinking of reporting to police, it is important to NOT –

•  Do not change or clean your clothes,
• Do not comb your hair,
• Do not wash or shower yourself, 
• Do not move, clean up or otherwise disturb anything at the place where the assault happened.

Don’t worry if you have already done some of these things.  It is still possible for forensic evidence to be collected.  We understand it is a difficult time and it might be a lot to ask of you, but the more evidence collected the more it may assist the investigation. 

If you decide to have a medical examination the medical officer will:

• talk with you about the examination process,
• gather evidence in case you decide to report the assault to the police, and
• talk with you about the possibility of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. 
• If you think you may be at risk of pregnancy, talk to a doctor about emergency contraception.