Sexual Abuse or Assault (Rape)

Sexual abuse or assault (rape) can happen to anyone. You are not to blame. Sexual abuse is any type of sexual activity that is done against your will. It can be nonviolent sexual abuse, such as nontouching sexual exposure (such as being forced to look at sexual pictures), unwanted or forced sexual touching, or it can be violent sexual assault, such as attempted rape, or rape. The attacker may be a stranger, someone you do not know well, a close friend, or a family member (incest). Many victims of abuse or assault know their attacker.

It is often hard for people to talk about sexual abuse or assault. The abused person often feels shame or guilt and may be too afraid of the abuser to say anything. But it is important to seek help and then continue to get help for as long as you need it. Talk to the police or to a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor. Or call a local rape crisis center. Any of these people can help you get medical treatment, deal with your feelings, and take steps to stop the abuser or rapist.

Nonviolent sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can be something spoken or seen, or it can be anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact. This type of abuse may occur over and over. Examples of nonviolent sexual abuse include forcing a person to:

• Look at a naked body or naked genital area.
• Watch, look at, or be a part of sexual pictures.
• Watch a sexual act, such as masturbation.
• Be touched (fondled).

Violent sexual assault

Sexual assault is any forced sexual contact where something is put into (penetrates) the vagina, anus, or mouth. Violence or fear is used to force the person to have sex. Examples of violent sexual assault include:

• An object placed into the vagina or anus.
• Forced oral sex.
• Forced sexual intercourse (rape).

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a health professional.

• You think you are in immediate physical danger.
• You or someone else has just been sexually abused or assaulted.
• You have been physically hurt and do not have someone who can safely take you to emergency care.

Note:

Preserve evidence of the attack—do not change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review risk factors that may increase your chance of becoming a victim of sexual abuse or assault.

If you have:

• Been abused by your partner: Go to the topic Domestic Abuse.
• Been physically abused: Go to the topic Physical Abuse.

Note: If you have been sexually abused or assaulted, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (toll-free 1-800-656-4673) or a local rape crisis hotline are resources for you. These resources have free and confidential counseling.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

If you feel threatened or need immediate help:

• Call 911 .
• If you have been assaulted:
  • Call the police immediately.
  • Remember the assault (rape) was not your fault.
  • Find a safe environment—anywhere away from the attacker.
  • Preserve evidence of the attack—do not change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.
  • Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV. To preserve evidence, ask the hospital to do a special exam (called a forensic medical exam). If you think you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be taken.
  • Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline toll-free (1-800-656-4673) for free, confidential counseling.
• Call the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline toll-free (1-866-331-9474).
• Find local resources that can help in a crisis. Your local rape crisis center or hotline, YMCA, YWCA, police department, mental health clinic, or hospital can help you.
• Be alert to warning signs, such as threats or drunkenness, so that you can avoid a dangerous situation.
• If a child tells you he or she has been sexually abused or assaulted, stay calm. Tell the child that you believe him or her and that you will do your best to keep him or her safe. Report the abuse or assault to the local police or a child protective services agency. For more information, see the topic Child Abuse and Neglect.

If you have been a victim of abuse and continue to have problems related to the abuse, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more information, see the topic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

If you are concerned that sexual abuse or assault has occurred, use the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine when you need to see your doctor.

Reduce your chance for sexual abuse or assault:

• When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
• Do not leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Do not allow yourself to be alone with someone you do not know or trust. Do not get a ride from someone you do not know.
• Think about how intimate you want to be in a relationship and clearly state your limits.

Reduce the chance of your child being sexually abused or assaulted:

• Teach your children that it is against the "rules" for adults to act in a sexual way with children. Use examples.
• Teach your children that it is okay to say no and it is okay to leave the situation if they are uncomfortable.
• Teach your children that their bodies are their own and that it is okay if they do not want a hug or other contact that might make them uncomfortable.
• Speak to your children about using the proper names for their body parts. Informed children are better able to talk to you about someone acting in a sexual way with them.

Organizations such as Planned Parenthood can help you learn more about reducing your chances of being a victim. Contact Planned Parenthood toll-free at 1-800-230-PLAN (1-800-230-7526) or online at www.ppfa.org.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

If you have made an appointment with your health professional, you may be able to get the most from your visit by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• Has anyone forced you to have sexual activities?
• Has the sexual abuse increased recently? When was the last forced sexual contact?
• Has a child, family member, or friend been forced to have sexual activities? When did it occur? What action was taken?
• Has the abuser threatened violence against your children or other people? Is he or she violent toward your children?
• Is the person who harmed you using any illegal drugs or alcohol?
• Does the person who harmed you have access to guns or other violent weapons?
• Do you have any risk factors that increase your chance of becoming a victim of sexual abuse or assault?

Organizations

When to See a Doctor

See significance of sexual abuse or assault (rape) if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review risk factors that may increase your chance of becoming a victim of sexual abuse or assault.

Note:

In some situations, it may be better to call 911 or the police to get the help you need. Preserve evidence of the attack—do not change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.

	Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes	Have you been sexually assaulted (raped)?
Yes	Have you been touched or fondled against your will?
Yes	Has someone forced you to look at or watch sexual pictures or acts?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

See significance of sexual abuse or assault (rape) if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review risk factors that may increase a person's chance of becoming a victim of sexual abuse or assault.

Note:

In some situations, it may be better to call 911 or the police to get the help you need. Preserve evidence of the attack—do not change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.

	Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes	Do you think or know a child has been sexually assaulted (raped)?
Yes	Do you think or know a child has been touched or fondled against his or her will?
Yes	Do you think or know a child has been forced to look at or watch sexual pictures or acts?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

See significance of sexual abuse or assault (raped) if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review risk factors that may increase a person's chance of becoming a victim of sexual abuse or assault.

Note:

In some situations, it may be better to call 911 or the police to get the help you need. Preserve evidence of the attack—do not change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.

	Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes	Do you think or know that a family member has been sexually abused or assaulted (raped)?
Yes	Do you think or know that a friend has been sexually abused or assaulted (raped)?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.