Medical Needs
There are several basic medical needs that every person should have attended to immediately after they are raped. These include:
Early checks for sexually transmitted diseases;
Care for general body trauma;
Prevention of pregnancy for women.
Regardless of whether you report the rape to the police or not, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Caring for your body is one way to start regaining the control that was stripped away by the rape. The Rape Crisis Centre keeps a list of sympathetic doctors and can assist you to contact one of these doctors.
Children are also advised to seek medical assistance accompanied by a parent or guardian. A doctor who the child knows and is comfortable with would be the best choice. There is also a doctor at the Child at Risk assessment unit at the Canberra Hospital Care for your immediate physical needs. You may have been injured in ways that you are unaware of as yet.
You may be feeling too shocked or 'numbed' to really be in touch with damage that may have been done. A sympathetic doctor can tell you about any problems that may arise for you and ways to prevent or treat them. You will also get an opportunity to ease any fears you may have about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or unwanted pregnancy.
Knowing what the possibilities are and having a supportive doctor will help you to feel you are regaining control of your life.
Page Last Updated 31/5/2001
© 2001 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
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