Sexual Assault

WHAT TO DO

If You've Been Raped, Sexually Abused, Assaulted, Harassed or Attacked

DO NOT

Shower
Change your Clothes
Wash Up
Go to the Bathroom
Drink or Eat Anything
Gargle or Brush Your Teeth

Go to the Emergency Room

Call C.A.R.E. 475-6465 or 627-6000

Notify Law Enforcement (You don't have to make a final decision right then about prosecution, but it keeps your options open, and the exam is free if you cooperate with law enforcement)

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The hospital will call C.A.R.E.,and Law enforcement. Both of them will send someone over for you.
Law enforcement will take the report.
C.A.R.E. will send an advocate to be with you throughout the process, as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. The Sexual Assault Team has someone on call 24 hours a day to assist you, free of charge.
A Forensic Exam will be completed. This is an evidence gathering exam. Unfortunately, it is uncomfortable and invasive. Evidence is collected from your clothes, body, saliva, hair and nails. A pelvic exam is done and evidence is taken from the vagina as well as the anus. Blood samples are often taken.
Often times the evidence collected at this time can be invaluable in making the case and corroborating your story.

AFTER THE EXAM

Go Home
Take a Shower
Brush Your Teeth and Gargle
Take a Nap
Eat Something
When You Wake Up
Call C.A.R.E at 475-6465 or 627-6000 We can set up an appointment for you to talk to a professional rape counselor, free of charge. This is confidential and protected by Florida Statute (FS. ____) or, talk to a friend, parent, priest, minister or rabbi. But do Talk, Talk, Talk. C.A.R.E. also provides a survivors group to help you to heal and reclaim your life and power.

REMEMBER

It is NEVER the victims fault.
Everyone has the right to say NO.
Say NO clearly.
You can say NO at any point, in even the most intimate relationships.
If you are the aggressive person, be aware that yes means yes, and Everything Else could send you to prison.
Even if you think your partner is being coy, or "likes it rough" you are putting yourself in jeopardy - you could be charged with sexual battery (a felony) (F.S.794.011)
Consent is not the same as submission.

One Word Of Caution! Falsely accusing someone of rape is a crime in Florida and you can go to jail for seeking this type of revenge (F.S.837.05,837.06)

Click HereFOR MORE INFORMATIONAbout Sexual Assault

Click On The Links Below For Information About:
Making a Safety Plan
How To Get An Order For Protection
Support Groups and Counseling
Emergency Shelter
Crime Victim's Compensation
Return to CARE Homepage
C.A.R.E.
CARE_Charlotte@ hotmail.com