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If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, get to safety and seek emergency medical care first. If you want evidence collected, contact a local sexual assault service, forensic examination provider, or hospital promptly for instructions. Not washing or changing may help preserve possible evidence, but you can still get care if you have already done either—or if time has passed.
What to do right now
- Get somewhere safe. If you have a serious injury or need urgent medical attention, go to an emergency department or contact local emergency services. Do not delay treatment to preserve evidence.
- Contact a local specialist service or hospital. Ask where you can receive a sexual assault forensic examination and whether you need an appointment. Procedures and evidence-collection opportunities depend on location and circumstances.
- If it is comfortable and practical, avoid washing or changing while arranging care. Try not to bathe, clean yourself, brush your hair, or wash or discard clothing worn during or immediately after the assault. If you have changed, keep the clothing you wore then. RAINN also advises avoiding restroom use before a planned examination when possible.
- Do what you need for your wellbeing. If you need to wash, use the restroom, eat, or change clothes, do so. Tell the clinician what has happened; there is no need to feel embarrassed. These actions do not mean you cannot seek care.
RAINN says a paper bag can be used temporarily for potential evidence items. It is not professional evidence packaging or an evidence kit, and no purchase is necessary. Follow instructions from the local forensic service instead.
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How long after an assault can evidence be collected?
There is no single deadline that applies everywhere or to every kind of evidence. RAINN gives 72 hours as a general US window for DNA collection, while noting that other evidence may still be available afterward. UK local guidance describes different windows for particular evidence, and opportunities can vary by service and circumstances.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsContact a service as soon as you can rather than using a timing figure to decide whether it is too late. Washing, changing, using the restroom, or waiting does not automatically rule out an examination. UK forensic guidance says these activities are common and should be recorded and considered; NHS guidance says someone can still contact police after washing.
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What happens at a forensic examination?
A sexual assault forensic examination—often called a SAFE in the United States—is carried out by a trained clinician. It can address medical needs as well as collect possible evidence; it is not a substitute for emergency treatment of an acute injury.
The clinician should explain the examination and discuss which samples or steps may be appropriate. You can ask questions, pause, decline a step, or stop the examination. Do not try to collect intimate samples yourself unless a local trained service gives you specific instructions. UK guidance says sampling requires consent and that the patient’s needs take priority.
Where to get help
For immediate danger or serious injury, use local emergency services. For specialist care, contact a sexual assault referral or forensic examination service, a hospital emergency department, or a sexual assault advocacy service. A local advocate, crisis worker, or trusted person can also help with practical arrangements and emotional support; ask whether a support person can accompany you during the examination.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- In the United States: RAINN provides a route to find SAFE providers. RAINN says a person may seek a SAFE even if they are not currently interested in reporting to police.
- In England: NHS guidance directs people to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). SARCs can provide medical, practical, forensic, and emotional support.
- In England and Wales: Government guidance says you do not need to report to police to visit a SARC. Some SARCs can store evidence for several years if asked, and the government guide says evidence is given to police only if the person chooses to report. Independent Sexual Violence Advisors can offer support without a police report.
Before choosing a service, ask about how to access it, opening hours, age eligibility, transport, privacy, evidence storage and release, and whether an advocate can attend. Reporting duties, confidentiality, and storage policies vary by location; in the US, age-related reporting duties and other rules may also apply. Ask the service what applies in your situation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Ask about health care as well as evidence
A clinician can assess injuries and discuss pregnancy risk, emergency contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) evaluation, and follow-up. The right care depends on your circumstances, so ask a clinician about your options rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all medication plan. Advocacy and emotional support are also valid reasons to contact a service, whether or not you want an examination or police report.
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