As a result of the assault, we recognize that you have experienced serious, emotional and physical trauma and you may not remember or understand all of the information you have received at the hospital involving your medical, emotional, legal and/or follow-up counseling concerns. Below you will find information about concerns related to an assault along with some after-care suggestions
Medical/Pregnancy Concerns
We strongly encourage a follow-up gynecology appointment 4-6 weeks after the assault for a recheck of possible sexually transmitted disease(s).
Contact your physician or emergency room physician if you experience any physical problems or medical concerns related to the assault.
Take prescribed medications as ordered by your physician. If you experience unpleasant side effects from the medications, notify your physician immediately.
If you suspect you might be pregnant, contact your physician or the Family Planning Clinic.
Legal Concerns and Questions
If you have reported the assault to the sheriff or police, here is some helpful information regarding the law enforcement and criminal justice system.
The State's Attorney is your lawyer and will not cost you anything.
The social counselor may be your support person in dealing with the lawenforcement system.
The law enforcement officer will investigate by asking you many questions:
Where were you prior to the assault.
Where and when you met the assailant.
What conversation occurred between you and the assailant prior to, during and after the assault.
What you did immediately after the assault.
Whom you told about the assault.
A description of:
the type of forced sexual activity
the weapon (if used)
the assailant(s)
name, race, age, weight, height, hair color/length, eye color, unusual marks, scars, tattoos, rings, speaking/accent patterns, direction of escape
where the assault occurred (i.e. auto license #, make, model and color).
These questions may be difficult and unpleasant to answer. If and when your case goes to court, the State's Attorney and the police:
will review the circumstances of the assault before you testify. Even if you and the State's Attorney choose to prosecute, it is conceivable the case will never go to trial because of pleading guilty, plea bargaining or insufficient evidence. In court, the State's Attorney will ask you to testify about what happened to you during the assault. Then, the assailant's lawyer will ask you questions.
In court, your testimony usually involves the same questions asked by the law enforcement officer as noted above. Your sexual history is inadmissible as evidence, unless there has been previous involvement with the defendant.
Emotional Concerns
As a result of the sexual assault, you may experience a wide range of extremely upsetting reactions and feelings. It is important for you to realize that these reactions and feelings are normal reactions that may or may not occur.
Shock and numbness -- initially wondering what to do first and who to inform.
Shame and humiliation -- feeling personal violation and degradation.
Fear -- that the assailant will come back to retaliate or to sexually assault you again.
Anger -- both at the assailant and at the world in general.
Dirtiness -- feeling damaged and perhaps wanting to take many showers or baths.
Guilt -- feeling the assault was your fault or you should have tried to do "something different".
Powerlessness and helplessness -- feeling you have no control over your own life or body.
Distrust -- feeling suspicious of the "world" and being very cautious.
Fright -- feeling you want someone to be with you at all times.
Sexual fear -- feeling you wish to stop the sexual relations with the significant person in your life (husband, boyfriend or lover) or that you will never enjoy sexual relations again.
References:
Social Services, Department Of. "Domestic Abuse Program." Domestic Abuse. Department of Social Service, Autumn 2011. Web. 07 Mar. 2013
