What happened is not your fault. Your immediate priorities are getting to safety and receiving the care you need.
There is no single correct way to respond. Take one step at a time.
Get somewhere safer
Move away from the attacker if you can. Go to someone you trust, an open business, a security point, a police station or another place where you can ask for help.
If you are in immediate danger, call:
- Your local CPF or neighbourhood watch; or
- 10111 for the police.
Seek urgent medical assistance for serious injuries.
Contact someone you trust
You do not have to manage the next steps alone. Ask a trusted person to meet you, take you for medical care or remain with you while you contact the police.
Tell them what you need. This may be practical help, quiet company or assistance making calls.
Seek medical care
Some injuries may not be immediately visible. Medical care may also be needed following strangulation, a blow to the head or sexual violence, even if you do not see an injury.
After sexual violence, a Thuthuzela Care Centre can provide medical care, counselling and assistance with opening a police case. The South African Government states that a survivor may approach a centre directly or be referred through a police station.
Preserve possible evidence if you want to
If you may want forensic evidence collected after sexual violence, try not to wash, shower, brush your teeth or change your clothing before receiving medical assistance.
If you have already done any of these things, you can still seek medical care and report the attack. Do not assume that all possible evidence has been lost.
Place changed clothing or other possible evidence in separate paper bags where available, rather than washing or discarding it.
Preserving evidence should never delay lifesaving treatment.
Record what you remember
When you feel able, write down what happened. Include descriptions, words used, locations, times, vehicles and possible witnesses.
Trauma can affect how memories are stored and recalled. Remembering additional details later does not mean that your account is unreliable.
The choices remain yours
You may need information before deciding what to do next. Ask a healthcare worker, counsellor or victim-support organisation to explain the options available to you.
Nothing about your clothing, route, decisions, relationship with the attacker or response during the assault makes you responsible for the violence.
