Raped — what next?

Finding that ray of hope in a time of crisis

Once a rape victim is faced with the full reality of what has happened, everything will seem hostile and hopeless. However, there is a ray of hope despite the ordeal. In this article, we suggest some immediate steps that rape victims should take to restore their dignity.

Raped.  A brief word, but the epitome of inhuman senselessness and brutality. For the victim it is a time of sheer darkness, self pity, embarrassment, loneliness, anger and fear of infection with sexually transmitted infections. What do I do now?’ is every victim’s predicament. Where do I go and who do I tell? Should I really tell anyone?’

What you must do immediately after rape
Move away from the site of rape

At the earliest opportunity get yourself away from the site of rape. Move to a location that is not convenient for a rapist, preferably one within the eyes of the public. Although the inclination of a rape victim is to hide and cry in a lonely place, precaution is necessary to avoid the added risk of repeat rape, gang rape or opportunistic rape by a passerby. For instance, a girl who remains traumatized in the bush after rape can easily find herself confronted by new gangs or individuals who may not necessarily have premeditated rape but pounce because they have found easy prey in a convenient location.

Do not bathe or shower

A rape victim’s first instinct is to rush to the nearest bathroom and ‘scrub off the smell and touch of the rapist. Strange as it might sound, this is not advisable. You must avoid bathing or taking that shower! Bathing destroys the evidence that could help arrest and prosecute the culprit. Rather, you need to get to a hospital immediately. Before changing clothes or bathing, where medical persons can gather clinical evidence of the rape. Many rapists get away even when identified simply because evidence cannot be presented to prove the complainant’s case.

Volunteer to take post-rape tests to determine your health status

Many women who got infected with sexually transmitted infections and even HIV could have avoided the infection if only they had acted quickly and reported the rape case to a hospital. The procedures to assist rape victims are now well known in most leading medical institutions. Ideally you should report to a hospital immediately (if possible within 24 hours but in any case not later than 72 hours since your rape ordeal). This enables the hospital to give you the best chances of avoiding infections.

Report the rape incident to a law-enforcement agent

Initially most rape victims hesitate to report the matter to law enforcers, especially the police. However, it is important that you record a statement with the police about the incident. In case the culprit is captured, you will not only have better chances of presenting your case strongly, it also enables the police to undertake immediate investigations that will aid your case. Always remember that a rapist, irrespective of his or her identity, is a criminal. By not turning him or her in, you give this rapist good reason to attack another victim or make a repeat attack on you because the rapist knows you will not get him or her apprehended.

Talk to someone you trust

After rape one is bound to feel confused, anxious and unsure of the next step to take. It is absolutely important that you do not suffer in silence. Talk to someone, let them know what happened. To avoid regret and anger at yourself, discuss your situation with someone you trust, who is likely to help you and empathise with you. Because of distress you may be in temptation to tell anyone and may later feel guilty that you told the ‘wrong’ person.

Never blame yourself

While it is true that some men or women put themselves at the risk of rape or play a role in creating the ‘right’ environment for rape to occur, it is important to note that you are not to blame for the eventual act of rape. No one has a right to rape another, irrespective of the victim’s carelessness or ignorance to the risk they place themselves in. For instance, the fact that you did not close the door through which the rapist entered does not give him/her the right to walk in and rape you!

Seek the assistance of a rape counselor, help-line or counseling organization

To assist with your recovery and speed up healing, speak to a recognized rape counselor or organization. There are some rescue organizations that focus on rape victims, and others on related crisis pregnancies. Associating with them may be beneficial. Find out about the organization or counselor you choose to speak to and how they can help.

Choose your counselor wisely

Depending on your personal rape circumstances, select a counselor who is likely to understand your predicament. For instance, an elderly, experienced and married counselor will most likely understand marriage rape more competently than a young, recently qualified and unmarried counselor.

END: PG 2/18-19

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