What To Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
Sexual assault is shockingly common in New York. Data from the New York City Alliance against Sexual Assault (NYCAASA) states that approximately 50,000 women are sexually assaulted in New York City every year and that number is probably growing because of the bail reform laws that are in place.
Being sexually assaulted can leave you traumatized and unsure what to do. In this article, we take a look at six important steps you need to take after a sexual assault.
Steps to Take After a Sexual Assault in New York
- Get to a safe place. It could be your home, a friend’s home, the nearest hospital, police precinct, or any other place where you can be safe. Survivors of sexual assault often tend to wander around in a state of shock – trying to process what happened. It can be extremely dangerous, as you might run into your assaulter again.
- Get in touch with a family member, friend, or any other trusted person for emotional support. Experts say that sexual assault survivors tend to feel dissociated – a feeling of being disconnected from their own self. At a time like this, you need someone to provide you with the emotional support and comfort you need.
- Get to a hospital. Timely medical care is extremely important to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. It’s judicious to undergo a sexual assault forensic exam – commonly referred to as a rape kit – to collect DNA evidence that can be used to identify the perpetrator (if you were assaulted by a stranger) and to prosecute them.
- Before you undergo the exam, you should try not to shower, comb your hair, or change your clothes, as it can compromise the DNA evidence. Many hospitals in New York allow you to freeze the DNA evidence and store it, so that you can access it later.
- File a report with the police. Tell them exactly what happened without omitting any details. Make sure you bring someone with you, as talking to the police right after being assaulted can be a stressful experience.
- Process what happened. A large number of sexual assault survivors tend to avoid processing the incident, as they want to forget that it ever happened. It’s not a logical idea, as the bottled up emotions can affect your mental health and make it harder for you to lead a normal life. Talk to someone you trust or seek professional help if needed and make sure you process the experience the right way.
- Get in touch with a New York sexual assault lawyer. As a victim of sexual assault, you have the right to sue the perpetrator and recover monetary damages for the pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and financial losses you suffered because of the assault.
Get Legal Help from Proven and Dedicated Sexual Assault Lawyers in New York
Attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff has extensive experience in handling sexual violence related tort claims and has helped numerous victims of sexual assault get the restitution they deserve. A highly rated civil litigator, Mr. Lamonsoff has received some of the most prestigious honors and recognitions and is a member of the Multi Million Dollar Award Forum.
We can provide you with the compassionate and empathetic representation you need, hold your assaulter accountable, and make sure you are compensated for what you had to go through. Call us today at 212-962-1020 or use our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a seasoned New York sexual assault lawyer.