What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tina Baker
  • 354th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  When a sexual assault occurs, medical evidence quickly diminishes. Since the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program was established, the majority of all victims who made a report at Eielson did not come forward until two to three days later. This delayed reporting can have a dire impact for the investigation and collection of evidence.

If you or someone you know becomes a victim of sexual assault, it is imperative to take the immediate following steps:

· First and foremost, go to a safe location away from the attacker
·· If you are hurt, call 911

· Preserve all evidence of the assault: Do not bathe, wash your hands or brush your teeth. Do not clean or straighten up the crime scene

· Contact your local sexual assault response coordinator, victim advocate, healthcare provider or chaplain to make a restricted (anonymous) report, or contact the office of special investigations or law enforcement to pursue an investigation. (NOTE: Only active duty military personnel can make a restricted report)

· Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant or acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. Ask your healthcare provider to conduct a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination to preserve forensic evidence

· If you suspect 'date rape' drugs were involved in the assault, request a urine sample be collected

· Write down or record all the details you can recall about the assault and your assailant. This will help law enforcement with the investigation, should that be the route you decide to take.

If you have any questions, contact the SARC 24/7, at 377-SARC.