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If you've been sexually assaulted

FirstIf you're in danger or hurt, call 911. When you're safe, you can call RAINN at 800-656-4673.

Get safe, then get support. What happens next is your choice.

Get somewhere safe. If you're in danger or need immediate help, call 911. Source: RAINN³
Talk to someone trained. RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline is free, confidential and open 24/7: call 800-656-4673, chat at online.rainn.org, or text HOPE to 64673. You don't have to give your name. Source: RAINN¹
Get medical care. A hospital or clinic can do a sexual assault forensic exam with a specially trained nurse who checks for injuries and helps with aftercare. You can get one even if you aren't sure about reporting. The hotline can help you find where. Source: RAINN²
If you can, before the exam, avoid showering, changing clothes, using the restroom or brushing your hair, and bring a change of clothes. Put clothes you want to keep as evidence in a paper bag. Sooner is better: DNA usually needs to be collected within 72 hours, but other evidence can be found later. Source: RAINN²
Reporting is your choice: now, later or never. Evidence from the exam can be kept in case you decide to report later. Source: RAINN² To report, you can call 911, contact your local police, or tell a nurse or doctor you want to report. Source: RAINN³

It's not your fault. What happened is not your fault, and you deserve to be believed. Source: RAINN⁴

Good to know

You should not be asked to pay for a sexual assault forensic exam. If you get a bill, contact a local sexual assault service provider. Source: RAINN²
You can stop, pause or skip any part of the exam, and you can bring a support person. Source: RAINN²
If you're under 18, the nurse may be required by law to notify police. The hotline stays anonymous unless you share your name and location; if you do and you're under 18, RAINN is required to report. Source: RAINN²

Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.