First and most importantly: what happened to you was not your fault. Whatever you were wearing, wherever you were, whatever your relationship to the person — you did not deserve this, and you are not alone.
In the hours and days after a sexual assault, it can feel impossible to know what to do next. This guide is not a list of demands — it is a set of options. You are in control. You get to decide what happens next.
1. Get to a Safe Place
Your safety is the first priority. If you are still in immediate danger, call 911. If you can, move to a location where you feel secure — whether that's a friend's home, a family member's house, or a public space.
2. Consider a Medical Exam — Even If You're Not Sure About Reporting
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam can be done within 120 hours (5 days) of an assault. This exam serves two purposes:
- It treats any physical injuries and addresses immediate medical needs, including STI prevention and emergency contraception.
- It collects forensic evidence that can be preserved — even if you're not ready to report yet. Evidence can be stored anonymously in many states.
You do not have to report to law enforcement to receive a SANE exam. Many hospitals and clinics offer them confidentially. Use our Resource Map to find a SANE program near you.
3. Reach Out to a Crisis Hotline
Talking to someone trained in trauma support can help you process what happened and understand your options — without any pressure to take action you're not ready for.
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
All calls are confidential. Advocates are available 24/7.
4. Preserve Evidence If You Can
If possible — and only if you feel safe doing so — try to:
- Avoid showering, bathing, or changing clothes before a medical exam
- Keep any items that may contain evidence (clothing, bedding) in a paper bag, not plastic
- Write down or voice-memo everything you remember — details fade quickly
- Screenshot or save any relevant communications
These steps are helpful but never required. Your wellbeing comes first.
5. Know Your Reporting Options
Reporting is always your choice. You can:
- Report to law enforcement — local police or campus security if the assault happened at a school
- File a Title IX complaint — if the assault happened at or involved a school or university, Title IX requires the institution to investigate
- Report confidentially — many campuses and hospitals have confidential reporting options that don't automatically trigger a police investigation
- Not report at all — this is a valid choice. Healing does not require a police report.
6. Seek Ongoing Support
Recovery is not linear, and it doesn't happen alone. Counseling, support groups, and advocacy organizations can make a profound difference in long-term healing.
"I didn't know what to do. But knowing I had options — that I didn't have to do everything at once — gave me back a sense of control."
— SWF Community Member
The Summer Willis Foundation connects survivors with vetted local resources, including counseling, legal support, and crisis services. Visit our Resource Map to find help near you, or reach out to us directly.
You Are Not Alone
Millions of people have experienced sexual violence and gone on to live full, meaningful lives. Healing takes time, and it looks different for everyone. Whatever path you choose — we are here to walk alongside you.