After being raped, you may not necessarily want to see a doctor or nurse immediately or at all. But you don’t have a choice if you want to access anti-HIV drugs or get emergency contraception. The window for getting post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) that can reduce your risk of HIV or and emergency contraception to prevent a pregnancy is just 72 hours.

Don’t wash take a shower.
Keep the clothes you were wearing and don’t wash them. Don’t even shower or bath as the police will be able to gather evidence (like hair, blood and semen) from your clothes.

Get to a clinic or hospital.
The clinic will also be able to provide medicine, counselling and support for you.

Report it.
Once you’ve visited the clinic or hospital, you should report your rape to the nearest police station. It’s very important that you report it within 24 hours so that you give the police a better chance of catching your rapist.

Ask for help.
If you are a victim of violence at the hands of someone you know or love, get immediate help and support to leave or report them. You are going to need lots of love and support from those around you to heal from a rape.

Rape is an act of violence, anger and control that uses sexual acts as a weapon. You have not chosen it, but you can choose to act quickly and get medical help to reduce the chance of a pregnancy, HIV or an STI. You can also get counselling and support. If you are a boy, you do not have to hide the rape, report it and get help.

Have you been sexually assaulted or raped? Has someone you know? Visit a police station and report it. Find more support organisations in our Help pages below.