What To Do If You Have Experienced A Recent Sexual Assault
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Call someone for support (a trusted friend/professor/therapist/911).
You can call the MSU Sexual Assault Crisis Line and a trained Medical Advocate can accompany you to the hospital and provide information, support, and advocacy during the evidence collection process.Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline: (517) 372-6666 (24 Hours)
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Don’t bathe, douche, or change clothes.
Washing or changing clothes may remove forensic evidence. If you do bathe, douche, or change clothes, a hospital will still provide a forensic evidence exam. If you are considering reporting your assault to law enforcement, a forensic exam should be completed within a 72 hour period after an assault. -
Get medical attention.
Both your physical and emotional well-being is important. You could have an internal injury, a sexually transmitted disease, or become pregnant. A medical exam could also provide important evidence for prosecution. If you go to a hospital for evidence collection and medical attention, they are required by law to call law enforcement; but it is not required that you speak to them. Law enforcement officers are available, however, to take your statement at the hospital. If you go to a clinic (like a Planned Parenthood) for medical attention only, law enforcement will not be called. -
Make a police report.
Making a report is not the same as pressing charges. You can make a police report even if you are unsure if you want to press charges. The decision to prosecute is completely up to you.
If you suspect you have experienced a drug facilitated sexual assault or were given what’s commonly called a “date rape drug” go to the hospital immediately. These drugs can harm you and any evidence of the drug leaves the body quickly.
