SEXUAL ASSAULT: WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE?
Recent assault. In adult sexual assault, as it is usually women, rather than men, who are assaulted, we will discuss the options with reference to women. Men are not denied assistance, and similar options are available to men who have been sexually assaulted.
If a woman has been recently assaulted, she can seek help immediately. She may contact a sexual assault crisis centre or information line, and be given information about what specific support is available in her local area, and options available to her regarding her legal and medical rights.
She may choose to report the offence to the police. The police can take her to the nearest hospital with facilities for a special medical examination. If the police are going to convict an offender they need evidence. The woman can undergo a medical examination by a doctor who is trained in collecting evidence for this sort of crime (a forensic examination). If she is to undergo this examination, which should be performed as soon as possible, she should be aware that washing herself or changing her clothes may remove evidence.
Many women are afraid to involve the police, for fear of not being believed, or fear of further humiliation and trauma which may be involved with the investigation and arrest of the offender. Most of us have heard stones, or seen movies about women being given a rough time by the police and the legal system with regard to sexual assault. This is not the experience of all women. Police departments now have officers specifically trained to assist victims of sexual assault. Those in the legal system have attempted to make the court process less traumatic, in order to encourage more people to report sexual assault. (The laws regarding sexual assault differ between states. Legislation often changes, so accurate and up-to-date information is probably best sought through local centres.)
If a woman who has been assaulted does not wish to go to the police, but still wants to be examined by a doctor, she can see her own, or any other doctor. She may choose to see a doctor associated with a sexual assault centre. These centres are often located at public hospitals. The reasons for having a medical examination include getting treatment for any injuries a woman may have sustained, and to have checks for sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy. If it is within seventy-two hours of the offence, she may wish to take the morning-after pill. A woman can be given advice regarding any further tests she may choose to have.
it is the woman’s right to choose what type of examination or tests, if any, she will have. It is also her right to decide whether or not to take legal action. Decisions about these matters are often difficult in a crisis situation, and women can benefit greatly from having the assistance of trained sexual assault workers.
*235\52\4*
