Sexual Assault
If you've been the victim of a sexual assault, no matter whether it was recently or some time ago, it's very likely you've experienced a wide range of emotions as a result, including shock, anger, confusion, flashbacks, and depression. First, and most importantly, all of your feelings are valid. You didn't deserve what happened to you, and the only person who's to blame is the person who assaulted you. Keep in mind, rape crisis centers aren't just for those raped recently; their services are for anyone, teens or adults, who has experienced a sexual assault--whether the assault occurred today or years ago.
If you are ever sexually assaulted, you really, really should call 911 to have your assailant arrested and criminally charged. The sooner you report the assault, the more easily the case can be proven. You may be asked to undergo a medical exam (often referred to as a "rape kit") that will preserve evidence of the assault. A nurse examiner will look for assault-related injuries, proof that sexual activity occurred, and DNA from the offender. Thus, if you plan to press charges, you should not eat, shower, brush your hair, or even urinate before the evidence is collected. Don't change your clothes since they, too, may contain evidence; instead, take a change of clothing with you to the hospital.
The medical exam is very important but also can be very stressful. Your local rape crisis center will most likely have a trained support person available to be with you at the hospital. For help finding your local rape crisis center, go to http://www.rainn.org. If you're working with the police (which we hope you are), they can contact your local crisis center for you, or you can request that a hospital staff member do so.
Even if you're not going to press charges (although we really think you should), please still seek medical attention. Why? First, it's very common to sustain injuries from a sexual assault. Second, some medical issues might not be immediately apparent, including internal injuries, pregnancies, or STDs. Third, certain medications, such as the "morning after" pill for pregnancy and antibiotics for STDs, are far more effective when taken immediately. Thus, even if you don't want to have a medical professional collect evidence for a criminal investigation against your assailant, you should get an examination in hopes of preventing possible future health problems.
If for whatever reason you're not going to report the assault (and we hope you will reconsider that decision), and you don't want to tell your parents, then you'll probably want to go to Planned Parenthood or a local government health department for medical treatment since these agencies are familiar with minors having a right to confidential services (such as disease testing). Also, the RAINN site that was mentioned earlier not only often has people online to help with counseling, but also has a wide variety of resources that they will put at your disposal.
Seriously, though. Report the person who did it. Remember, it wasn't your fault; you're not to blame. Talk to the people at RAINN. They'll tell you the same thing. Oh, and guys? Women aren't the only ones raped. It's possible for you to be raped too. You have the exact same rights as women do. Don't be ashamed; don't be embarrassed - no matter your gender, no matter the situation - report what happened. It was wrong.
If what happened to you took place some time ago, you may be unsure whether or not you can still press charges. Go to the Contact Us page, send us whatever information you can provide regarding your situation, and we'll let you know your options.