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What do I do if I’ve been raped?
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A thread.
When it comes to rape or #sexualassault, it is important to remember that it is never your fault.
When a person is raped, the period immediately succeeding it is critical. A victim is often blank, confused and unsure of their next move.
Here's a list of important steps to take.
When a person is raped, the period immediately succeeding it is critical. A victim is often blank, confused and unsure of their next move.
Here's a list of important steps to take.
1. Get to a safe place
This is the very first thing you need to do if you are a victim.
Leave the scene of the assault.
Get away from your abuser and go to a place where you feel safe.
If the victim is a child, take the child away from the reach of the perpetrator.
This is the very first thing you need to do if you are a victim.
Leave the scene of the assault.
Get away from your abuser and go to a place where you feel safe.
If the victim is a child, take the child away from the reach of the perpetrator.
2. Call someone
Once you are in a safe place, get in touch with someone you trust and have them come to meet you or go to them, if you can.
For a victim who is a minor, call a parent or guardian (provided they are not the perpetrator).
Once you are in a safe place, get in touch with someone you trust and have them come to meet you or go to them, if you can.
For a victim who is a minor, call a parent or guardian (provided they are not the perpetrator).
3. Go to the hospital
You and your trusted person (friend, family, neighbour, colleague etc.) should go to a hospital and request a rape kit.
Also request post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), some antibiotics and tests in case of any exposure to STDs.
You and your trusted person (friend, family, neighbour, colleague etc.) should go to a hospital and request a rape kit.
Also request post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), some antibiotics and tests in case of any exposure to STDs.
A consultation with a doctor might be required and treatment for any physical injuries that might have been sustained.
Remember not to take a shower or bath before going to the hospital so that evidence is not tampered with.
Remember not to take a shower or bath before going to the hospital so that evidence is not tampered with.
4. Make a police report
Once a doctor’s report and/or a rape kit has been secured, go to the nearest police station and file a report.
This is necessary to officially document the assault and will become a primary source of evidence should you plan to seek legal redress.
Once a doctor’s report and/or a rape kit has been secured, go to the nearest police station and file a report.
This is necessary to officially document the assault and will become a primary source of evidence should you plan to seek legal redress.
5. Contact any agency that might be of help
There are many organizations established to assist against sexual and gender-based violence globally.
In Nigeria, a significant number of them do work with impact across a spectrum of issues connected to sexual violence.
There are many organizations established to assist against sexual and gender-based violence globally.
In Nigeria, a significant number of them do work with impact across a spectrum of issues connected to sexual violence.
Some of the well-established ones include @StandtoEndRape, @wineandwhineng, @WARIF_NG, @MirabelCentreNG, @HandsOffNG and so on.
Reach out to any of them to get effective guidance on navigating any form of sexual violence you or anyone you know has encountered.
Reach out to any of them to get effective guidance on navigating any form of sexual violence you or anyone you know has encountered.
6. Begin the process of healing
Start to heal. Mentally, physically and other wholesome ways.
Some of the organizations mentioned above provide guidance and counselling on dealing with the trauma that results from a #sexualassault incidence.
Start to heal. Mentally, physically and other wholesome ways.
Some of the organizations mentioned above provide guidance and counselling on dealing with the trauma that results from a #sexualassault incidence.
While you heal, do not feel pressured to pursue legal action if you have not attained that level of mental and physical preparedness.
Focus on your healing and take actions only when you are ready to.
Focus on your healing and take actions only when you are ready to.
Most importantly, have it in mind that the incidence is in no way your fault.
You did not ask for it, you did not encourage it and you are not responsible for the actions of another person.
Leave the blame where it belongs, with the perpetrator.
You did not ask for it, you did not encourage it and you are not responsible for the actions of another person.
Leave the blame where it belongs, with the perpetrator.
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This thread was culled from our website where you can find information and conversations on love, sex, relationships and reproductive health - https://lovematters.ng/love-nwantinti/sexual-harassment/what-do-if-you-have-been-raped
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