If you have been sexually assaulted...

• Go somewhere you can feel safe – your room, a friend's place, your RA's room, even a crowded, public place. If you are near a blue box on campus, you can contact the police from there, and they will immediately send someone to you.
• Call someone. Calling a friend is good; calling someone with rape crisis training is even better. The Office of Career and Counciling, Health and Wellness Center, University Police, the Newport News Police, your RA, 800-FYI-CALL, or 411 can all get you the phone number for a rape crisis hotline in your area.
• If you have not taken a shower or washed in any way, DON'T. Avoid combing your hair, urinating, or drinking water until you see a doctor. Doing these things can destroy evidence of the assault. If you've already done them, however, don't worry about it.
• If you've changed your clothes, bring the clothes from the assault in a paper (not plastic) bag. If you haven't changed clothes, bring a complete (down to your shoes and socks) change of clothes with you.
• Get to the hospital. You need to be examined for physical evidence and injury. If you need a ride, ask a trusted friend, talk to your RA, get an escort from the campus police, or ask the hospital for an ambulance.
• Once you arrive at the hospital, you will have to fill out some forms. You will probably have to describe the assault to the doctor so he knows how to prepare for your exam. Blood is drawn for a pregnancy test and syphilis test. You might have to come back for follow-up STD and pregnancy tests. This sounds like an ordeal, but it's worth it to know.
• Reporting the incident means telling your story to the police; it isn't the same as entering the criminal justice system and pressing for an arrest. You may need to report to become eligible for crime victim compensation programs and other assistance, but you do not need to report to receive counseling or medical care. Reporting is an individual decision, so don't let anyone pressure you one way or the other.
• Even if you were raped a long time ago (for example, in childhood), it is never too late to talk to someone about it.