What to do After Rape or Sexual Assault?

If you have experienced rape or sexual assault, know that it’s not your fault and you’re not alone. You may be experiencing many emotions: you may be shocked, scared, angry, confused, or even numb or emotionless. We all respond to trauma differently, and there is no “right” way to respond.

Below are some steps you can take if you have experienced rape or sexual assault:

1. Don't wash or change

If you are able to, try to avoid anything that could potentially damage medical evidence such as:

  • Bathing
  • Showering
  • Using the restroom
  • Changing clothes
  • Combing hair
  • Cleaning up the area

It’s natural to want to do these things after a traumatic experience. Even if you have done any of these, you can still have a medical examination.

2. Go to the "One Stop Crisis Centre" at government hospitals

As soon as you can, go to the “One Stop Crisis Centre” (OSCC), which is located in the emergency room of government hospitals.

At the OSCC, you can receive medical treatment, emergency contraceptives, screening for STIs, and collect medical evidence. You can also make a police report at the OSCC if you have not made one.

Generally, DNA evidence needs to be collected within 72 hours in order to be analysed by forensics. Your clothes will be packed in bags provided by the hospital. Thus, you may want to bring some spare clothes with you.

The OSCC will also provide follow up care for you, but only if you feel comfortable with it. You are free to choose whether or not to return to the OSCC following your first medical treatment.

3. Contact WAO

WAO Hotline: +603 3000 8858

WhatsApp/SMS: +6018 988 8058.

You call always call us, and we’ll be there to listen and help you make sense of what you’ve just experienced. Depending on your location, we may also be able to accompany you to the hospital, and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. Remember, it’s not your fault and you’re not alone.

 

References:

RAINN, ‘What is a Rape Kit’ <https://www.rainn.org/articles/rape-kit>

OSCC, One Stop Crisis Centre Policy and Guidelines for Hospitals, Ministry of Health Malaysia <http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/file_manager/dl_item/5547397361584e704c30395451304e666347397361574e354c6e426b5a673d3d>

 

遭强奸或性侵犯后该怎么办？

如果你遭受过强奸、性侵犯或性骚扰，你可以采取以下步骤来获得法律保障以及行动支持。

 

首先，，尽量避免任何可能损害医学证据的事情，例如洗澡、使用洗手间、换衣服、梳洗以及清理遭受侵犯的部位。在经历过创伤之后想要做这些事情是很自然的，所以纵使你做了其中任何一项，你仍然可以到医院进行体检。这些医疗检查结果能在法庭上作为呈堂证供。

 

在遭受侵犯后，我们建议你尽快前往位于政府医院急诊室的“一站式危机处理中心” （OSCC）。在 OSCC，你将接受治疗、获得紧急避孕药具、性传播感染筛查以及收集医学证据等。如果你还未向 OSCC 报案，你也可以向警方报案处理。一般来说，DNA等证据需要在72小时内收集以便法医进行分析。你当时的衣物也会被装进医院提供的袋子里。因此，可能需要随身携带一些备用衣服。此外，OSCC 还将为你提供后续护理，但前提是你对此表示同意。你可以自由选择在第一次治疗后是否返回 OSCC。

 

此外，我们还建议你联系WAO。WAO是一个为保护女性权益而存在的非政府组织。以下是WAO的联系方式：

热线：+603 3000 8858
WhatsApp/短信：+6018 988 8058

你可以随时拨打WAO热线，他们会倾听并帮助你理解你刚刚经历的事情。根据你所在的位置，他们还可以提供协助和陪伴，和你一起走过这艰难的旅程。要记得，受到侵犯不是你的错，你并不孤单。

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