After Sexual Assault

There is no “right” way to feel or respond after a sexual assault.

Some survivors may feel frightened, angry, confused, numb, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. Others may not immediately know how they feel at all. Every person's experience and response is different.

What happened does not change your right to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Your immediate safety and well-being are important. Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to seek medical care, speak with an advocate, tell someone you trust, report the assault, or simply take some time before deciding what you want to do.

You do not have to make every decision at once.

A C.A.R.A. advocate can listen, explain available options, answer questions, and provide support without making decisions for you. Whether the assault happened recently or some time ago, you can still reach out.

You deserve to have your choices respected. You deserve support. And you do not have to navigate what comes next alone.

Looking for more information about your options? Download our full After Sexual Assault resource for additional information about medical care, advocacy, emotional support, and steps you may choose to consider.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL RESOURCE

CARA_Resource_05_After_Sexual_Assault.pdf

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