Experiencing sexual assault can be overwhelming. You may feel shocked, frightened, angry, numb, confused, or unsure of what to do next.
There is no "right" way to react.
Some people seek help immediately. Others may need hours, days, weeks, or even longer before talking about what happened.
Whatever you're feeling, know this:
You deserve medical care, support, and respect.
This guide explains practical steps you may consider after a sexual assault. You do not have to do every step, and you can choose what feels right for your situation.
Step 1: Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate safety comes first.
If you're in immediate danger:
- Leave the area if you can do so safely.
- Go somewhere you feel secure.
- Contact someone you trust if possible.
- Seek emergency assistance if you're in immediate danger or have serious injuries.
You do not need to handle everything alone.
Step 2: Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
Even if you don't have visible injuries, medical care can still be important.
A healthcare professional may be able to:
- Treat injuries
- Assess your overall health
- Discuss emergency contraception if pregnancy is possible
- Evaluate the need for medicines that may reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Offer testing or arrange follow-up care
- Document injuries if you choose
Seeking medical care does not require you to report the assault to law enforcement.
Step 3: Consider Emergency Contraception If Pregnancy Is Possible
If the assault involved penile-vaginal contact and pregnancy is a possibility, emergency contraception may help reduce the chance of pregnancy.
Emergency contraception works before pregnancy begins by delaying or preventing ovulation.
It is not an abortion pill.
Different emergency contraceptive pills have different recommended time windows:
- Some are intended for use within 72 hours (3 days).
- Others may be effective for up to 120 hours (5 days).
The sooner emergency contraception is taken, the more effective it is likely to be.
If you're unsure whether it may still help, speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
StillSafe PH Initiative
StillSafe PH now offers free emergency contraception for eligible survivors of sexual assault, subject to availability. Our goal is to reduce one barrier to timely care while treating every inquiry with compassion and respect.
Step 4: Think About STI Prevention and Testing
Pregnancy isn't the only health concern after sexual assault.
Depending on what happened, a healthcare professional may discuss:
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections
- Preventive medicines for certain infections
- Follow-up testing after an appropriate interval
- Vaccinations if indicated
Only a healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate care based on your circumstances.
Step 5: If You Think You May Want to Report the Assault
Reporting is a personal decision.
Some survivors report immediately.
Others report much later.
Some choose not to report.
Whatever you decide, remember that the decision belongs to you.
If you're considering reporting, seeking medical care sooner rather than later may help preserve options for documentation and evidence collection.
Step 6: Preserve Evidence If Possible
If you're thinking about reporting the assault, you may wish to avoid:
- Bathing or showering
- Washing your clothes
- Throwing away clothing worn during the assault
- Brushing your teeth (if relevant)
- Cleaning the area where the assault occurred
These steps may help preserve forensic evidence.
However, if you've already showered, changed clothes, or cleaned up, it's still worth seeking medical care. You have not "ruined" your chance to receive help.
Step 7: Remember That Emotional Healing Matters Too
Sexual assault affects more than the body.
Many survivors experience:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fear
- Flashbacks
- Depression
- Guilt
- Anger
- Difficulty trusting others
These reactions are common after trauma.
Healing takes time, and everyone's experience is different.
Speaking with a trusted friend, family member, counselor, psychologist, or other mental health professional may help if and when you're ready.
What If You're Not Ready to Tell Anyone?
Many survivors keep what happened private for a long time.
There are many reasons someone may hesitate:
- Fear of not being believed
- Shame
- Concern about family reactions
- Fear of retaliation
- Emotional shock
- Not knowing where to start
Whatever your reason, know that you still deserve medical care and support.
Common Questions
What if I don't have visible injuries?
You should still consider seeking medical care.
Some injuries are not immediately obvious, and healthcare professionals can also discuss pregnancy prevention, STI prevention, and follow-up care.
Can I still get emergency contraception tomorrow?
Possibly.
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Some options have recommended use up to 72 hours, while others may be used up to 120 hours.
If you're within those time frames, seek advice promptly.
Do I have to report to the police before receiving medical care?
No.
Medical care and reporting are separate decisions.
You can receive healthcare even if you choose not to report the assault.
Is emergency contraception the same as an abortion pill?
No.
Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy before it begins.
It does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
You Are Not Alone
If you've experienced sexual assault, you may feel like your world has changed overnight.
Recovery doesn't happen all at once.
It happens one step at a time.
Taking care of your health is one of those steps.
Whether that means seeking medical attention, talking to someone you trust, considering emergency contraception, or simply reading articles like this to understand your options, every step forward matters.
How StillSafe PH Can Help
StillSafe PH is committed to providing trusted reproductive health education and improving access to emergency contraception.
As part of that commitment, we now offer free emergency contraception to eligible survivors of sexual assault, subject to availability.
We hope no one ever needs this program.
But if you do, we're here to help with compassion, privacy, and respect.