Sexual Violence:What happens next

Sexual violence indeed does occur.

In case you are sexually violated; always remember that you are not fault. You should not blame yourself for what has happened to you.

There are services that are easily available at the police station and health facility. You can only however access these services only when you present to these institutions.

When sexually violated,it is advisable for one to:

1. Talk to a friend or family member you trust.
2. Go to the nearest hospital/police station as soon as possible, preferably within 3 days of the assault (The earlier the better).
3. Do not wash, comb or clean any part of your body no matter how much you may want to before you visit a hospital and are examined by a health care provider.
4. If possible do not change clothes so that medical staff can collect evidence such as hair, nail and skin particles that got caught in the clothes.
5. Do not wash or destroy your clothing; wrap them in a newspaper or brown paper bag-NOT A PLASTIC BAG-as this may destroy the evidence.
6. Take the clothes to the hospital with you and let the health care provider examine them. If possible carry an extra set of clothes.
7. Do not tamper with anything at the scene of the assault since important evidence may be found at the scene.
8. You, your family or the hospital staff can call the police to report the assault.

In Closing:
Whether you are violated by a stranger or relative there is still help for you at the hospital. In my previous articles, I have mentioned on the rise in occurrences of sexual violence within the wider society and domestic violence(word press).