Help right now

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 (RAINN).
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 (RAINN).
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 (RAINN).
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 (RAINN).
Reporting is your choice: now, later or never. Evidence from the exam can be kept in case you decide to report later (RAINN). To report, you can call 911, contact your local police, or tell a nurse or doctor you want to report (RAINN).

It's not your fault. What happened is not your fault, and you deserve to be believed (RAINN).

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 (RAINN).
You can stop, pause or skip any part of the exam, and you can bring a support person (RAINN).
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 (RAINN).

Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?