PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
you are considering a medical or forensic exam after a suspected sexual assault and feel overwhelmed

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

Short answer

Get to a safer pause. If you want help deciding, contact a sexual assault advocate or ask an ER or clinic about a sexual assault medical forensic exam, then ask what choices and local rules apply before agreeing to any part.

Do not do these things

  • Do not force yourself to decide about police, charges, or evidence while you feel overwhelmed.
  • Do not assume it is too late to ask about an exam or medical care.
  • Do not delay urgent medical care to preserve evidence.
  • Do not feel obliged to bring another person. Ask for an advocate or bring a trusted person only if that would help.
  • Do not confront the person involved or post publicly while you feel overwhelmed.

What to do now

  1. Reach a safer pause. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, call 911 or go to an ER.
  2. Ask for help finding the right facility. Contact RAINN at 800-656-4673, text HOPE to 64673, or use its hotline page. Ask for a nearby hospital or clinic that provides sexual assault medical forensic exams. Staff may call this a SAFE exam or refer to a SANE program.
  3. Request an advocate if you want one. Say: “I am considering a sexual assault medical forensic exam. I feel overwhelmed. I would like an advocate if one is available.”
  4. Ask for the choices before anything starts. Say: “Please explain the medical care, evidence collection, reporting options, local rules, and possible costs before we begin.” Ask whether non-reporting or anonymous evidence-collection options are available where you are.
  5. Ask promptly about time-sensitive healthcare. A clinician can discuss injuries, STI-related care, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, and emergency contraception if relevant.
  6. Set a manageable pace. Ask which parts of the exam are optional. Tell staff if you want an explanation, a pause, or to stop.
  7. Preserve options only if it feels manageable. If preserving evidence may matter to you, avoid washing or changing clothes for now and place changed clothing in a clean paper bag. Go for care anyway if you already washed or changed.

What can wait

  • You generally do not need to decide immediately whether to make a police report. Ask what local rules apply.
  • You do not need to prepare a full account before asking for care.
  • You do not need to choose every part of an exam before you arrive.
  • You do not need to answer messages, confront anyone, or explain the situation to family, friends, or work right now.
  • You do not need to make long-term decisions today.

Important reassurance

Overwhelm, numbness, and confusion can happen after a suspected sexual assault. Asking about options does not mean agreeing to an exam. You can ask what local rules apply before sharing details, ask staff to explain the options slowly, and request pauses.

Scope note

These are first steps only: reaching a safer pause, finding support, asking about medical care, and keeping options open. Later decisions may need help from a clinician, sexual assault advocate, or other specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not medical, legal, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, call 911 or go to an ER.

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.

Support us