Why Go for Help After Sexual Assault?

Because there may be internal injuries, there needs to be a physical examination. There is also a need to discuss the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Finally, the assault needs to be legally documented and evidence collected.

The initial impulse may be to try to forget the incident. There may be no desire to ever go to court. Even so, it is best to have evidence collected in case the decision is reconsider later.

The exam should be done no more than 72 hours after the assault. However, the sooner the exam is done, the better. Even if more than 72 hours have elapsed, a physical exam is still strongly recommended.