Steps To Take After Sexual Assault/Abuse in Maryland

Sexual assault/abuse is a traumatic and life-changing experience. After being sexually assaulted or abused, it is difficult to know how to feel, what to do, or what options are available. However, if you have been a victim of sexual assault or abuse, taking the right steps without delay is crucial. This can help ensure safety, emotional well-being, and justice. Here are some of the crucial steps to take after sexual assault or abuse.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide professional advice. For professional guidance, speak to an attorney or another professional.
- Get To a Safe Location
The first crucial thing to do after a sexual assault or abuse incident is to find a safe place. This is easy to overlook in the immediate aftermath of emotional trauma, but it is vital to ensure you are in a safe place. This could entail calling a friend or family member you trust and asking them to come over and pick you up or stay with you.
If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911 for emergency assistance.
- Seek Medical Attention
Getting medical treatment after a sexual assault or abuse incident is crucial, even if you don’t have any visible injuries. It is critical to seek medical care as soon as possible after a sexual assault or abuse incident. A medical professional can check for injuries that may not be easily apparent to you.
Maryland offers sexual assault forensic exams (SAFEs) at designated hospitals. These exams are free and include evidence collection, medical care, and HIV exposure consultation.
- Collect Evidence
Another critical step after a sexual assault or abuse incident that is easy to overlook is gathering evidence. Gathering and preserving evidence is crucial if you decide to pursue legal action. It is vital that you don’t shower, bathe, or wash your clothes. This will help preserve physical evidence. Place the clothes you were wearing in a paper bag and bring them to the hospital. Take pictures of any visible injuries and write down as many details about the incident as you can remember.
- Report the Assault/Abuse
Sometimes, victims of sexual assault or abuse don’t want to involve the police. Telling the police about the incident can be difficult, and you will be asked some uncomfortable questions, but reporting the assault can be a powerful tool towards justice. If you are hesitant about reporting the incident to the police, consider reporting to a trusted organization such as the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA).
- Seek Support
Organizations like MCASA can provide emotional and practical support after a sexual assault or abuse incident. Talking to an individual trained to help survivors of sexual assault and abuse can help with your recovery process.
- Consult a Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Suppose your sexual assault or abuse was the result of negligence – for instance, inadequate security in a hotel. In such a case, you can file a sexual assault/abuse claim and seek justice and compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other damages. An attorney can help you with your legal case.
Legal Help Is Available
If you’ve been sexually assaulted or abused, contact our Towson sexual abuse lawyer at Hardball Law to schedule a consultation. With experience representing clients in Towson, Baltimore, and throughout Maryland, we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Source:
mcasa.org/survivors/getting-medical-attention