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Rape is sex you don't agree to, including forcing a body part or an object into your vagina, rectum (bottom), or mouth. In the United States, almost one in five women has been raped during her lifetime.
RAPE
Sometimes, sexual violence is committed by a stranger. Most often, though, it is committed by someone you know, including a date or a husband, ex-husband, or boyfriend. Sexual violence is always wrong, and a person who is sexually abused does not ever "cause" the attack.
Keep in mind that there are times when a person is not able to agree to sex, such as if they are drunk or have been drugged with a date rape drug, or if they are underaged. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, it is important to get help as soon as possible.
Getting help for sexual assault
Take steps right away if you have been assaulted:
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Get away from the attacker and find a safe place as fast as you can. Call 911.
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Call someone you trust or a hotline, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
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Protect any evidence. Do not clean any part of your body or comb your hair. Do not change clothes. Try not to touch anything at the crime scene.
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Go to your nearest hospital emergency room right away. You need to be examined and treated for injuries you may not even know you have. Ask to be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and for emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy. The hospital also can collect evidence like hairs, saliva, semen, or clothing fiber that the attacker may have left behind.
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Discuss filing a police report. If you're not sure whether you want to file a report, ask hospital staff if they can collect evidence without filing a report. It is best to collect evidence as soon as possible.
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