What to do after a rape
Updated
Rape is sexual penetration without consent, by force, threat, or when the person can't consent. If you've been raped, it was not your fault. You can get medical care and a forensic exam for free without reporting to police, talk to a confidential advocate any time at 800-656-4673, and decide later whether to report or take legal action.
If you are in danger right now
Call 911. RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline is free, confidential and open 24/7 at 800-656-4673.
What to do right after a rape
- Get safe. Go somewhere you feel safe and, if you can, contact someone you trust or call RAINN.
- Get medical care. Even without visible injuries, a hospital can test and treat for infections, offer emergency contraception, and start HIV-prevention medicine (most effective within 72 hours).
- Ask about a forensic exam. A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) can collect evidence, usually within about 72 to 120 hours. It's free, and you don't have to talk to police to get one.
- Keep evidence if you can. Try not to shower, bathe, or throw away clothing before the exam. Put clothes in a paper bag. Save messages, call logs and photos.
- You're in control. You can stop any part of the exam, bring an advocate, and decide later whether to report.
If it happened a while ago
It's never too late to get support. Many people tell someone years or decades later, and many of the major cases on this site came from survivors who spoke up long afterward, including the Catholic Church, Penn State and Ohio State cases. Time limits for criminal charges and lawsuits depend on your state and the circumstances. Several states have removed time limits for rape or opened temporary windows for older claims.
When an institution is involved
If the person who raped you was an employer, coworker, teacher, coach, doctor, clergy member, guard or officer, or it happened at an organization that should have protected you, the institution may also be legally responsible. Institutions have been held liable for ignoring complaints, moving abusers instead of removing them, and failing to supervise. Browse major cases or institutions to see how these cases unfold.
Talking to someone
- RAINN: 800-656-4673 or rainn.org (24/7, confidential).
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 if you're having thoughts of harming yourself.
- Hollywood Council for Restorative Justice: report anonymously and choose whether you want to be contacted.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do right after being raped?
Get to a safe place, consider medical care for injuries, infections and pregnancy prevention, ask about a free forensic exam, and contact the RAINN hotline at 800-656-4673 for confidential support.
Is it too late to report a rape that happened years ago?
Not necessarily. Many states have extended or removed time limits for rape, and some have opened lookback windows for older civil claims. Support is available at any time.
Can an institution be responsible for a rape?
Yes. Employers, schools, churches, hospitals, youth programs and government agencies have been held liable for ignoring warnings, failing to supervise, or concealing abuse.