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Sexual Assault

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

Sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact made by another person. You may not agree to the contact, or you may agree to it because you are pressured, forced, or threatened. Sexual assault can include touching your genital areas (vagina or penis), or rape. Rape is when a man's penis enters the vagina of a female, or the anus or mouth of a male or female. Sexual assault is not your fault. The attacker is always at fault.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Seek care immediately if:

Call your doctor if:

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Seek support or counseling:

It may take time to heal from the emotional harm from a sexual assault. It is common to have many feelings, including fear, anxiety, or anger. It may help to find someone to help you work through these feelings. Ask for resources and therapists that work with sexual assault survivors in your area. It may help if you can stay with a family member or friend, or have them stay with you for a few days.

Follow up with your doctor within 1 to 2 weeks:

You may need to return to have tests to see if you are pregnant or have an STI, such as syphilis or HIV. If you received a hepatitis B vaccine after your assault, you will need follow-up doses. You will need the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose. You will need the third dose 4 to 6 months after the first dose. You need all 3 doses for the vaccine to work. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For support and more information:

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.