Information for Sexual Assault Survivors

The hours and days following a sexual assault can feel like a blur. It can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn for help. The good news is, there ARE resources available. This guide is intended to help you take care of yourself and connect with people who can help.

Immediately after a sexual assault:

Go to a safe place.

If you are in a vulnerable location, it is important that you get somewhere safe as soon as possible. Considering going to your room, to a friend’s house, a locked car, or a place where there are several people.

Do not clean up.

Cleaning up may be the first thing you want to do, but don’t – even as much as you might want to. Bathing and douching will wash away valuable evidence. If you decide to change clothes, save what you are wearing, storing each item in a separate paper bag for police. Even if you do not think you want to report the assault, this allows you to hold on to that option until you have made a final decision.

Call someone you trust.

No matter how late it is, you do not have to go through this alone. Consider calling a trusted friend or family member. Also consider calling the a victim advocate or a counselor at either the Counseling and Wellness Center or the Alachua County Crisis Center.

Within 24 hours of a sexual assault:

Get medical attention

A medical provider will be able to check for physical injury, sexually transmitted infections, or pregnancy as a result of a rape. A secondary purpose of this medical examination can be to collect evidence to aid in the police investigation and/or legal proceedings. If you think there is any chance you may want to report this assault to the police, a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (“SANE nurse”) will be able to collect evidence during your examination. SANE nurses are on staff at the Student Health Care Center and at Shands. To request an exam at the Student Health Care Center after hours, or if you would like someone to accompany you to your examination, call the University of Florida Office of Victim Services. 

Consider making a police report

This is a personal choice. Keep in mind that reporting a rape is not the same thing as prosecuting a rape. Reporting to the police does not commit you to seeking prosecution. To contact the police, call 911. Operators will assist you in identifying and connecting with the correct law enforcement agency.

Seek out support

Many individuals delay seeking support because of fear or embarrassment. Some feel as though they are somehow to blame for what happened. Although these reactions are normal, these thoughts are not true. This is not your fault, and there are advocates and counselors available to support you and assist you. For more information on specific support resources, see our campus and community resources section.

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