Get to a safe place
If you are injured, call 911 for immediate help
Contact a Victim Advocate at 644-7161 or 644-2277 – after hours call 644-1234 (FSU police dispatch) and ask to speak to an Advocate. An Advocate can talk to you about your options to help you make an informed decision as to what to do next.
Deciding whether or not to report the crime to police may be very difficult for you. It is strongly recommended that you visit an emergency room within 24 hours for a rape evidence examination to preserve evidence. An Advocate can accompany you to the hospital for support and explain the process.
Until you decide whether or not to have evidence collected, DO NOT shower or brush your teeth, if at all possible DO NOT use the restroom. DO NOT drink or smoke. DO NOT change your clothes, or underwear. If you have removed this clothing, bring it with you to the hospital in a paper bag. This may preserve a lot of evidence.
If you decide to go to the hospital, hospital staff will alert the police of your arrival. It is up to you if you would like to file a police report or to talk to a police officer. If you decide to make a police report, the sooner you report the crime the better. If you file a police report, the exam will be paid for by a special State fund set aside for this purpose. If you do not file a police report, the exam may be your financial obligation.
If you are concerned about STD’s (sexually transmitted disease), ask the nurse at the hospital about antibiotics given at the time of the exam.
If you are concerned about pregnancy as the nurse about emergency contraception that is available. There are prescription methods available, but must be given within a few days.
If possible, take a trusted friend or relative with you to the hospital to provide additional support.
If you choose NOT to report this crime to the police or NOT have evidence collected, but are concerned about STD’s or pregnancy, Thagard Health Clinic, GYN program, can assist you. Contact them at 644-5255 to make an appointment or contact a Victim Advocate for assistance.
Remember – being raped is not our fault. It is the fault of the person who raped us.
Remember – rape is a very traumatic crime with many short-term and longer-term adverse emotional and physical effects.
Remember – to take care of yourself. Seek aftercare. You deserve understanding support.
Remember – Victim Advocates at FSU can assist you.
