Medical care can be an important first step following an incident of sexual assault. Treatment of injuries that resulted from the violence and protection from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections can be offered when needed.
Survivors DO NOT have to report to the police in order to receive medical care following an assault.
Within 5 days or 120 hours of an assault
You can be examined and cared for at the Outer Banks Hospital emergency department. The sooner you get to the hospital after an assault, the more options you may have.
- Try not to bathe, shower, brush your teeth or go to the bathroom. This is important for keeping evidence. If you already have, it is still possible to collect evidence.
- If possible, do not change your clothes. If you already have, put your clothes in a clean paper bag, such as a grocery store bag, and bring them with you to the emergency room.
- Preventative treatments for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are more effective during this time.
- Forensic evidence collection is an option within the first 120 hours after an assault. You do not need to report to the police to have evidence collected, but if you do have evidence collected, you may have more options in the future. Learn more about filing a police report and other legal issues.
- Toxicology testing is available within the first 96 hours after an assault if there are signs that drugs or alcohol may have been used in the assault. Ask for a toxicology kit during your visit to the hospital if you think that you might have been drugged.
- PERK exams and prophylactic protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are provided at the hospital at no cost to the survivor.
- If you have concerns about the hospital exam being billed to your insurance or your parents insurance, you can tell the hospital staff.
Anytime After 5 Days or 120 Hours of an Assault
It is best to visit your own primary health care provider or health clinic for medical care. If you do not have a provider or don’t want to go to them about the sexual assault, call Outer Banks Hotline and we will try and help you find appropriate medical care.
Preventative treatments for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections can still be effective.
You still have the option to report to the police. Learn more about filing a police report and other legal issues.
You can still get support by calling our hotline. NO matter what decision you make, know that you have done the best that you can.
