What should I do if I’m sexually assaulted?
Surviving sexual assault is a difficult experience, but you are not alone. If you have been sexually assaulted, rest assured that there are resources available to help you when you are ready to talk or do something about it. This article offers guidance on what to do when the time comes.
If you’ve been assaulted, do something as soon as you can. It’s important for you to get help, and by taking action, you can help prevent future assaults. Here’s what you can do:
- Talk to a person you trust. It’s not easy, but it’s important to talk about it so you’re no longer alone with this secret.
- Don’t hesitate to get help from a parent, a teacher, a counsellor at school or the CLSC, or Tel-jeunes. You will then be supported and protected if the aggression continues.
- Consult a doctor. It’s better to go see a doctor soon after the assault, without taking a shower or bath. This consultation will allow any injuries to be treated, a BBSTI to be detected, pregnancy to be prevented, and evidence of the assault to be collected, which could be useful if you decide to file a complaint. Contact Tel-jeunes; we can direct you to a specialized clinic.
- File a complaint. When you feel ready, you can file a complaint with the police. It’s not an obligation, but you can make this choice to protect yourself, protect other people from a possible assault, or because it’s a way of returning to your normal life.
It’s never too late to report an assault to the police. You can even do it after several years have gone by.
