Each sexual assault survivor is unique and has individual reactions to an assault. Peace River Center Victim Services and our Rape Recovery Program advocates are here to help you through your healing process.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, there are some important actions you need to know about. The first is that the sexual assault survivor immediately seek medical treatment. Whether through a local emergency room or off-hours at Peace River Center’s Lakeland Victim Services office (see more details below), having a medical exam is critical. Below is more information as to why and other actions you should and should not take following a sexual assault.

Things To Do If You Have Experienced Sexual Assault

• Do seek immediate medical attention. This is important because the survivor may be injured internally or externally. You could become pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted disease. A medical examination may provide important evidence of sexual assault if you decide to take legal action. Remember even if you select not to report the sexual assault, you should still receive medical care.
• Do call PRC’s Rape Recovery Program. Our compassionate and knowledgeable advocates are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to meet you at the hospital and help walk through this process with you. They provide guidance on your legal rights and bring a care kit that includes cloths and other items you might need. Call our Rape Recovery Program advocates any time of day or night at 863.413.2707, toll-free 877.688.5077
  or TTY 863. 733.4412.
• Do decide if you want to report the sexual assault to local law enforcement. You are not required to report to receive services.

Things To Avoid If You Have Experienced Sexual Assault

• Don’t bathe or douche. The first thing you might want to do is to bathe or douche. DON’T—you might destroy evidence. Instead immediately seek medical treatment.
• Don’t eat, drink or smoke. If there was any oral contact evidence could be destroyed.
• Don’t change clothes. Clothing may contain hairs or other evidence that might identify the perpetrator.

Every survivor’s journey is unique. But always know we believe you and sexual violence is never your fault. You are not alone. Peace River Center Victim Services is here for you.

Emergency Room Alternative

As mentioned above, sexual assault survivors may choose to have their sexual assault/forensic exam performed at the our Polk County Victim Services office instead of a hospital emergency room. An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner from the Polk County Health Department is on-call 6 pm to 6 am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday for those 18 years and older who have no physical injuries or bleeding associated with the sexual assault.