A Guide to Surviving Sexual Assault and Rape

It is hard to believe that you may be a victim of sexual assault or rape, especially if the offender is an aquaintance. If you have been sexually assaulted or raped, it was NOT YOUR FAULT, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

F&M Sexual Assault Response Line

560-7311

-Confidential
-Available 24 hours a day
-You will be connected to an F&M health professional that can answer your questions, help you explore your options, and support you through the process of getting help.
-Calling the line does not obligate you to take further action.

 * IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED OR RAPED *

  1. Get to a safe place.
  2. Contact the F&M SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE LINE at 560-7311.
  3. If you feel comfortable, find a friend you trust to be with and support you.
  4. Try to preserve physical evidence in case you later decide to take legal action. Do not shower, drink or eat, brush your teeth, douche, change your clothes (or bring in a bag), or go to the bathroom. It is natural to want to get cleaned up and you will be able to do so after the medical exam.
  5. Get medical attention as soon as possible. The Sexual Assault Response Line can assist you in getting to Lancaster General Hospital (544-5122), or can meet you at the facility. Lancaster General is the preferred facility; however, you can also get medical attention at Appel (291-4082) and Lancaster Regional Medical Center's ER (291-8111).
    Why you need medical care:
    -To be examined and treated for injuries
    -To be tested and treated for possible exposure to sexually transmitted diseases
    -To be tested in case you have been drugged
    -To discuss the risk of pregnancy and the option of emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy
    -In order to collect medical evidence; the sooner this is done the more reliable the evidence will be in the event that you decide to report the assault to police

  6. Write down everything that you remember happening, with as much detail as possible. This will help you with your own healing process and in any legal disciplinary action that you might initiate.

  7. Remember: THE ASSAULT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT

 

Franklin and Marshall On Campus Resources

  1. Counseling Services: 291-4083
  2. Appel Health Services: 291-4082
  3. F&M's Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate: 506-7311

 

Off Campus Resources

  1. YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center: 393-1735, 24 Hour hotline: 392-7273
  2. Planned Parenthood: 299-2891

 

 

 

 

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