Remember it is not your fault! No matter what you did, where you were, or how you responded, the person that assaulted you is the one to blame.

Go to a safe place. Call someone you trust for support. Advocates are available 24 hours a day. Call 503-640-5311.

Help preserve evidence. Don’t wash any part of your body, douche, change your clothes, comb your hair, or straighten up the area of assault. Also don’t brush your teeth, gargle, eat or drink anything.

Get medical attention as soon as possible. Call 911 if you are severely injured. An exam is important to detect injury as well as getting options regarding pregnancy or protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Consider reporting to law enforcement. Reporting the crime can give you a sense of control; the information you offer may help prevent the attacker from assaulting again.

If you decide to report the incident, call the police and then go to hospital emergency room as soon as possible. Bring a change of clothes as the clothes you were wearing during the assault may be collected as evidence. An advocate can be with you for support.

If you feel uncomfortable about answering personal questions to a man, you can request a female officer. Law enforcement is sensitive to sexual assault survivors and will try to accommodate your requests.

Following an assault you may feel shame, guilt, embarrassment, shock, disbelief, anger or nothing at all. These are normal reactions to a violent crime.

You may be eligible for compensation of medical costs or losses associated with the crime. In order to receive assistance, you must report the assault to law enforcement. Call us for further information.

When you are ready, seek counseling. We can provide you with resources.

Decisions made after a sexual assault are difficult, whatever decision you make should be the right one for you.

You need not be alone
24 hour crisis line: 503-640-5311
Toll free number: 1-888-640-5311