Photo Credit: Pixel 4 Images/ShutterShock

Text Size:

The Recovery Process
Medical Treatment

You should see a doctor as soon as possible after a rape or sexual assault. All victims need to be checked for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and genital or other physical damage. Women and older girls/teens will be checked for pregnancy as well:

• Merck Manual: Medical Examination of a Rape Victim
• 911 Rape: Getting a Medical Examination
• RAINN: Sexually Transmitted Infections
• RAINN: Pregnancy
• Womenshealth.gov: FAQ Date Rape Drugs

Psychotherapy

The aftermath of a sexual assault, or ongoing sexual abuse, is usually extraordinarily difficult. Most people benefit from working with a mental health professional who specializes in rape or sexual abuse. The treatment you receive may include medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs:

• RAINN: Search for a Local Crisis Center
• PsychologyToday.com: Find a Therapist

Creating a Support Circle

• Set up your TSC survivor profile.
• Join support groups of other survivors or start your own.
• Interact and provide updates on your progress.

Books Survivors Recommend

• The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-By-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault by Aphrodite Matsakis
• The Truth About Rape by Teresa M. Lauer
• After Silence: Rape & My Journey Back by Nancy Venable Raine

What Survivors Wish They’d Known

Communicating with Your Health-care Providers

• Be completely honest with your physicians; it will help ensure you receive the best treatment possible for your case.
• Let your doctor know if you are experiencing any new physical or emotional symptoms.
• Do not hesitate to ask your doctors questions if you don’t understand something or would like to know more.
• Keep contact information for those in your support circle, including health-care providers, readily available.

Comments / Post a comment