What should I do?
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted...
1. Find a safe location away from the perpetrator. If you believe you are still in danger, call 911.
Once you're out of danger, ask someone you trust to be with you for support.
2. Know that what happened was not your fault--whatever you did to survive was the right thing to do.
3. Consider reporting to police. If you would like to report, call 911.
While many survivors chose to report the assault to police, only you can decide if it is the right choice for you.
4. Go to the hospital as soon as possible for a forensic exam (sometimes called a "rape kit").
If you are an adult in the Greater New Orleans area go to:
Forensic Program: Enter through the Emergency Department
University Medical Center, New Orleans
2001 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 702-4542
For children who have been sexually or physically abused, go to:
Audrey Hepburn CARE Center
Children's Hospital
200 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans 70118
(504) 896-9237
5. Seek medical attention (even if you don't want to report the attack to police).
Even if you don't want evidence collection, the Forensic Program at University Hospital or another medical provider can still help you with with other medical concerns following a sexual assault:
6. Take care of yourself
Healing from rape takes time, but things will get better! It is important to remember that there is no one "normal" reaction to sexual assault. Every individual's response will be different depending on the situation.
7. Know that it is never too late to call for help.
Even if the attack happened years ago, it's never too late to get help. Many survivors do not realize they need help until months or years later.
Once you're out of danger, ask someone you trust to be with you for support.
- If you are under 18, tell a trusted adult. (But remember, not every adult is able to help. You may need to tell more than one person before you find someone who can help.) It's important to know that the person you tell may be required by state law to alert authorities.
- If you do not have a trusted adult in your life or want to talk confidentially, you can call the Child Help hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
- You can also call Child Protective Services at 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) or 911.
2. Know that what happened was not your fault--whatever you did to survive was the right thing to do.
3. Consider reporting to police. If you would like to report, call 911.
While many survivors chose to report the assault to police, only you can decide if it is the right choice for you.
- If you have questions about reporting, call the NOLA Family Justice Center at 504-592-4005 or 504-866-9554 after business hours.
4. Go to the hospital as soon as possible for a forensic exam (sometimes called a "rape kit").
If you are an adult in the Greater New Orleans area go to:
Forensic Program: Enter through the Emergency Department
University Medical Center, New Orleans
2001 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 702-4542
- Let the front desk know you were sexually assaulted. They will bring you to a private room where you will be treated by a friendly nurse who is specially trained in sexual assault called a Forensic Nurse. This is the only hospital in Orleans parish with this program, so try to go here if at all possible. For Jefferson Parish, Tulane Lakeside also provides forensic exams.
- If possible, don't bathe, use the restroom or brush your teeth in order to preserve any DNA evidence that may be on your body. Also bring the clothes you were wearing during the assault if possible.
For children who have been sexually or physically abused, go to:
Audrey Hepburn CARE Center
Children's Hospital
200 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans 70118
(504) 896-9237
5. Seek medical attention (even if you don't want to report the attack to police).
Even if you don't want evidence collection, the Forensic Program at University Hospital or another medical provider can still help you with with other medical concerns following a sexual assault:
- At the UMC Forensic Program and other hospitals, you can get help with preventing STIs, HIV and pregnancy as a result of the assault.
- Even if you have no visible injuries it is still good to be checked by a doctor to make sure nothing is wrong.
6. Take care of yourself
Healing from rape takes time, but things will get better! It is important to remember that there is no one "normal" reaction to sexual assault. Every individual's response will be different depending on the situation.
- Talk to someone who can help you heal. To find a free or low-cost counselor, go to Find a Counselor
- For more tips on healing and what to expect, go to Healing from SA
7. Know that it is never too late to call for help.
Even if the attack happened years ago, it's never too late to get help. Many survivors do not realize they need help until months or years later.
- Call the New Orleans Family Justice Center at (504) 592-4009 or (504) 866-9554 (after business hours) to speak with someone or schedule a counseling appointment today.