What to do when raped
The following are measures that one should take immediately after being raped
- Go to a safe place; home, a friend’s home, a police station, or a hospital. Move away from the area of assault.
- Get medical care as soon as possible; within 72 hours of assault.
- Preserve all physical evidence. Save all the cloth you are wearing in a paper bag. (Brown bag). Never store any clothing/evidence in plastic bags
- Call a friend , a family member or someone else you trust who can be with and give you support
- Give as much information as you can remember about the circumstances of the assault, including description of assailant to relevant authorities such as the police officer, medical officer.
What not to do
- Do not clean or disturb anything in the area where the assault occurred.
- Do not shower, bathe, douche, eat or drink , wash your hands until after medical examination
- Do not use plastic bags to store your clothes.
- Do not comb your hair or brush your teeth after assault especially in incidences of forced kissing.
- Do not blame yourself for the violence, seek help.
Why it is important to report to a medical facility within 72 hours.
- So that evidence can be collected
- To increase the efficacy/ effectiveness of drugs.
- To prevent Pregnancy
- To prevent or sexually transmitted diseases (STDS).
- To prevent HIV.
National Toll Free Hotlines: 116 (Child abuse) 1195 (Gender Based Violence)