What to do after a sexual assault:

Get to a place where you feel safe.

Preserve Evidence

AVOID bathing, showering, douching  or changing clothes.

AVOID disturbing the crime scene; save all clothing and items involved.

AVOID drinking anything or smoking cigarettes until after you have been examined.

Even if you have done these things, you could still have an exam and evidence may be found up to 96 hours after an assault.

Get Help

Seek medical attention for all injuries at an emergency room.

Call the Washington Parish Sexual Assault Center Line at (985) 732-4961

A volunteer rape escort will:

• • Meet you at the hospital

  • Stay with you throughout the medical examination

  • Stay with you during your conversation with the police

  • Provide support to ease your pain

Bring a change of clothing if possible.  Law enforcement may ask to use the clothes you are wearing for evidence.

Call 911 if you want Police involvement - even if you don’t want to file charges, evidence can be collected and held for a year.  You can file an informational report that may help police locate your attacker.

Emotional Recovery

Each person responds differently to a sexual assault; yet there are many common reactions.  If you have been assaulted, you are likely to be highly emotional and experience shock. You may experience guilt, shame or embarrassment.  As a rape victim, you need a sympathetic person to help you express your fears and mixed emotions. Therapy with a trained counselor can hasten your full recovery.  Like many victims, you may go through the following phases:

• •  First Phase:  shock, disbelief, incoherence, helplessness, fear, 

  • Second Phase:  withdrawal, indifference, denial, false appearance of recovery

  • Third Phase:  depression, bitterness, a return to emotional feelings felt in the first phase, possible abuse of drugs and alcohol, suicidal thoughts and feelings

  • Fourth Phase:  feelings of self-worth and control of one’s life return

What you need to know

• • Sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual contact.  

  • Sexual assault is an act of anger/aggression- not one of passion.  You did not turn him on.

  • You are not to blame.  If your family and friends do not believe and support you, call someone who will.  Crisis Hotline (985) 732-4961.

  • Sexual assault is an extremely traumatic experience.  You may experience severe mood swings from anger to depression.  You may feel “dirty”, guilty or afraid.

  • Give yourself permission to grieve.  Something horrible has happened to you.  Do not expect to be back to normal or forget about the rape within a couple of days.  It takes time. Give yourself that time.

  • Although you had no control over being sexually assaulted, you do have control over your recovery and life.  Get help!

We Care About You

People who suffer from rape or sexual assault often feel alone and that no one really understands or can help them.

The Washington Parish Sexual Assault Crisis Center has, however, helped many people overcome the pain and trauma associated with sexual assault.

Our services are confidential.  Call us at (985) 732-4961 to learn what we can do for you.  We know you are faced with a lot of hard work in pulling your life together. Please let us help.

Whether the assault is done by a stranger, friend, or relative makes no difference.  No one has the right to rape or molest you.

Counseling Services

You may receive free individual and group therapy by professional counselors trained specifically to help you recover your confidence, feelings of self-worth and sense of control of your life.  Counselors are also available to assist family or friends to understand and deal with the impact of your sexual assault.

Professional staff and trained volunteers are available to:

• • • Provide information and answer questions about the legal process.

    • Monitor your case’s progress through the court system and let you know at  regular intervals what is happening.

    • Explain and help you apply for financial assistance from the Louisiana Crime Victim’s Reparation Fund to reimburse you for lost wages, counseling, or medical bills caused by your assault.

    • Provide information programs for community organizations, schools, clubs, churches, and groups.

Resources for Survivors and Families

• ADAPT, INC  216 Memphis St., Bogalusa, LA  70427   Phone:  985-732-4961

• STAR (Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response)  24/7 Hotline:  855-435-STAR (7827)  www.star.ngo 

• Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault  24/7 Hotline:  888-995-7273  https://lafasa.org 

• Metro Centers for Community Advocacy   24/7 Hotline:  504-837-5400  www.mccagno.org

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)  24/7 Hotline:  800-656-HOPE (4673)  www.rainn.org

• 211 or VIALINK   VIALINK provides information & referrals for help locating resources & services.  24/7 Phone:  2-1-1 or     504 -269-2673  TEEN TEXTLINE :  504-777-EASE (3272)   www.vialink.org

• Louisiana Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)

• Stalking 24/7 Hotline:  800-621-HOPE (4673)