If you believe that you are the victim of sexual abuse:
- Get to a safe place.
- Do not bathe, shower, eat, drink, brush your teeth or go to the bathroom before going to the emergency room. Valuable evidence remains on your body and clothes. If you have showered, brushed your teeth, etc., please seek medical care. You may have injuries that you can’t see.
- Do not change your clothes (if you already have, put your clothes in a clean paper bag and bring them with you to the emergency room). Bring a change of clothing if you can.
- Seek medical attention. If you are considering police involvement, you should go to the emergency room within 48 hours.
- If within Allegheny County, you can request that the hospital staff contact a PAAR medical advocate. This is a free and confidential service. If not in Allegheny County, you can have a hospital staff person contact the nearest rape crisis center.
- If you are concerned about pregnancy, ask for emergency contraception. There are two prescription methods available, but both must be given within 72 hours. The regimen involves taking two doses of pills administered 12 hours apart. Emergency contraception (EC) is very safe with no known adverse side effects. If you are already pregnant, EC will not end or cause harm to the pregnancy.
- If concerned about HIV, contact Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force at 412.242.2500. Testing done anonymously. If done at the hospital, it will be part of your medical record.
- Please be aware, however, that hospital staff will likely report your assault to the police. It is up to you if you would like to talk to the officer or not. If you decide to make a police report, the sooner you report the better.
- As a victim, you may be eligible for reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses from the Pennsylvania Victims Compensation program. Contact PAAR for additional information at 412.431.5665.
- Please call us for support. No matter what you decide to do, you have done your very best. If you need further help, we are here for you. Contact PAAR at 412.431.5665 to ask for a counselor.
PAAR also conducts a series of FREE lectures at our office for survivors. Topics include managing triggers and flashbacks, self-injury, depression, addiction and managing anger. Lectures are on Wednesday evenings in the spring and fall from 6:30-8:30 PM. For more information, call 412.431.5665.
For additional information regarding support groups, click here.
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