1.Go to the doctor, your own doctor, rape crisis, if that is appropriate, the emergency room and/or whatever you feel comfortable doing. If you are thinking about pursuing the matter with the police or in a court, call the police or 911 and let them tell you which choice to make because they will know. If you can deal with it at all, get the evidence and then you can decide later if you want to use it.
2. Call a friend or family member, or both and get them to go with you when you get medical attention. You will be glad you have the support. Choose someone you can trust and someone that will keep the secret and not share anything you don't want them to broadcast to others.
3. Find a therapist. (Yes, I know a good one) Find one that you feel comfortable with and who specializes in this kind of thing because this is a very specific issue and you need someone that know what to do and has experience. (I know a good therapist with 30 years experience)
4. Make sure you are somewhere safe and you have a place to stay where you can feel comfortable and have others around you. This is not the time to be alone.
5. If you have the police involved, be sure you follow what they want you to do. They may give you specific instructions about what to do or not do and it will be a problem for your case if you don't follow instructions.
6. Take care of yourself and let others take care of you. You have been through a traumatic experience and healing is going to be difficult. Try as best you can to relax and think about something else, ( almost impossible, but try)
7. Remember that you are never at fault, there was nothing you could do. Don't beat yourself up.
8. Make sure you follow up with the therapist, the medical resources, and law enforcement, if they are involved.
As a survivor of rape, I can tell you, you can make it, with some help. You can some out on the other side and make positive choices in your life again. Follow these 8 steps, they will get you started, and I know the name and phone number of a good therapist. Look below and it will be there.
Carolyn Wilson, LCSW 954-793-3201
Owner, Founder of Personal Solutions, LLC
Helping You Find Your Personal Solutions
Owner, Founder of Personal Solutions, LLC
Helping You Find Your Personal Solutions
Carolyn has been providing therapy for clients for 30+ years and although she has worked with all kinds of clients in all kinds of environments, her passion continues to be providing services for clients who have dealt with sexual abuse issues and trauma. She currently provides all types of therapeutic support for victims of sexual abuse assault rape and incest. Serving Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Miami area
