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us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
the person who sexually assaulted you appears unexpectedly at your home, work, or an event

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Move to a locked, staffed, or otherwise safer place and avoid direct contact. If you believe you are in immediate danger, the person is trying to enter, or they are threatening, following, or preventing you from leaving, call 911.

Do not do these things

  • Do not approach or confront them to demand answers.
  • Do not open a door or leave a secure area to check whether they have gone.
  • Do not let anyone pressure you into speaking with them.
  • Do not share your current location publicly or with someone who may pass it on.
  • Do not drive if you feel too shaken or distracted to do so safely.
  • Do not put yourself at risk to photograph, record, or monitor them.

What to do now

  1. Go to the nearest safer place. At home, lock the doors and move away from entrances. At work, go to security, reception, or a trusted supervisor. At an event, go to staff, security, or a busy staffed area.
  2. Call 911 if you need immediate police, fire, or medical assistance. Give the call-taker your exact location, explain what is happening, answer their questions, and follow their instructions.
  3. Tell one trusted person what is happening. Ask them to stay with you, contact security, meet emergency responders, or arrange a safe ride.
  4. Avoid engaging with the person. Ask staff or security to handle any contact and not to disclose your location, schedule, or departure arrangements.
  5. If you need to leave, ask a trusted person or security worker to accompany you. Go somewhere the person is unlikely to know you are going.
  6. Only if you choose and it can be done without increasing your risk, save any messages or ask staff to retain an incident record or available security footage.
  7. From a device the person cannot access or monitor, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline or VictimConnect if you want immediate support or help finding local services.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether to make a report, change your job, move home, contact the person, explain the assault to others, or make any permanent decision. Focus only on reaching safety and getting through the immediate encounter.

Important reassurance

You do not have to speak to them, explain yourself, remain nearby, or manage their feelings. Freezing, struggling to think, or needing someone else to handle practical tasks can happen during a frightening encounter and is not a failure.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Later decisions about workplace arrangements, event access, reporting options, or other protections may require support from a sexual assault advocate or another qualified specialist.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal, medical, therapeutic, or other professional advice. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the call-taker’s instructions.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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