Immediate Steps

The first few days after a sexual assault can be a very confusing time. You may have questions and be faced with difficult decisions. During this time you may not want, or be ready, to make many of these decisions. This is normal and okay.

You can call our 24-7 hotline at 434-977-7273 any time to talk about your options.

When you call:

• We will listen and not blame you.
• We will answer your questions courteously and respectfully.
• We will provide information about your options and your rights.
• We will respect your feelings.
• We will respect your feelings.

Within 5 Days or 120 Hours of an Assault

Update March 24, 2020: If you go to the hospital for a sexual assault exam and evidence collection kit, you can still request to speak with a SARA advocate by phone.

• You can be examined and cared for at the UVA emergency department. The sooner you get to the hospital after an assault, the more options you may have.
• Try not to bathe, shower, brush your teeth, or go to the bathroom. This is important for keeping evidence. If you already have, it is still possible to collect evidence.
• If possible, do not change your clothes. If you already have, put your clothes in a clean paper bag, such as a grocery store bag, and bring them with you to the emergency room.
• Preventative treatments for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are more effective during this time.
• Evidence collection is an option. You do not need to report to the police to have evidence collected, but if you do have evidence collected, you may have more options in the future. Learn more about filing a police report and other legal issues.
• Toxicology testing is available within the first 96 hours after an assault if there are signs that drugs or alcohol may have been used in the assault. Ask for a toxicology kit during your hospital visit if you think you might have been drugged.

You can get support. We have specially trained advocates who can meet you at the emergency room.

If you have concerns about the hospital exam being billed to your insurance or your parents' insurance, you can tell the hospital staff.

You can choose not to go to the emergency room and still get support by calling our hotline at 434-295-7273.

Anytime After 5 Days or 120 Hours of an Assault

• It is best to visit your own primary health care provider or a health clinic for medical care. If you do not have a provider or don't want to go to them about the sexual assault, call the hotline at # and they will help you find appropriate medical care.
• Preventative treatments for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections can still be effective.
• You still have the option to report to the police. Learn more about filing a police report and other legal issues.

You can still get support by calling our hotline. No matter what decisions you make, know that you have done the best that you can.