WHAT to do if you have been sexually abused or raped:
l If you have been raped go to a place where you feel safe. Try and keep warm.
l Immediately after being raped there are decisions you will have to make - the first is whether or not to report it to the police.
l If you are unsure whether or not to report the attack as soon as possible contact the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) in Warrington by calling 01925 221546 where experienced staff can accompany you to the police station, clinics and also at a later date to court.
l If you decide to report the attack to the police do so as soon as possible to preserve the maximum amount of forensic evidence and make sure you:
l Do not wash
l Do not brush your teeth
l Do not have a cigarette
l Do not eat or drink anything
l Do not change your clothes (or keep them safely to one side)
l Do not go to the toilet
l Do not remove or insert a tampon
l Do not take medication
l Do not clear up anything from the area of the incident.
l Even if you have already done some of these things it is possible there is still evidence to collect as well as injuries that can be documented.
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