WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER ABUSE, ASSAULT OR VIOLENCE

Your immediate safety is the priority.

If possible:

• Move to a safe place away from the perpetrator.
• Contact someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague.
• If you are in immediate danger, call the police or emergency services – refer to our Emergency Contacts list.
• If children are involved, ensure they are moved to a safe location.
• If you need emergency accommodation, contact a shelter or support organisation – refer to our Emergency Contacts list.

Even if you do not have visible injuries, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

A healthcare professional can:

• Treat injuries
• Assess your physical wellbeing
• Provide emergency contraception where appropriate
• Help prevent certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Provide HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
• Collect forensic evidence if you choose
• Refer you for counselling and support

If you have experienced sexual assault, medical care should ideally be sought as soon as possible.

If you have experienced sexual assault, seek medical care immediately, even if you are unsure whether you want to report the incident to the police. You can receive medical treatment without deciding to open a criminal case. This must be done within the first 72 hours as it is critical for access to the above listed medications.

You May Seek Assistance At:

• A hospital – including Netcare’s Trauma Units
• A clinic
• A Thuthuzela Care Centre
• A doctor or healthcare provider

If you are considering reporting the incident, preserving evidence can help support an investigation and improve the ability of forensic experts to collect DNA and other evidence.

Forensic evidence can be important even if you are unsure whether you want to report the incident. Preserving clothing, personal items, and potential DNA evidence can help keep your options open should you decide to report at a later stage.

DNA evidence can sometimes be collected from a person’s body, clothing, belongings, bedding, or other items connected to the incident. DNA can be found in semen or other bodily fluids, blood, hair, skin cells, fingernail evidence (if you scratched the perpetrator).

If Possible, Try To Avoid:

• Bathing or showering
• Washing your hands
• Brushing your teeth
• Changing your clothes
• Combing or washing your hair
• Cleaning the area where the incident occurred
• Washing or disposing of bedding, towels, or other items that may contain evidence.

If You Change Your Clothing:

• Place the clothing worn during the incident in a clean paper bag, envelope, or wrapped in clean paper if possible.
• Store each item separately where possible.
• Avoid using plastic bags, as they can damage or contaminate evidence.
• Do not wash the clothing before handing it to medical personnel or the police

Remember: Preserving evidence does not mean you must report the incident. It simply helps keep your options open should you decide to report later.

You do not have to face this alone.

After an assault or act of violence, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Contacting someone you trust can help you stay safe, access medical care, preserve evidence, and get the support you need.

Consider Contacting:

• A trusted family member
• A friend
• A healthcare worker
• A social worker
• A counsellor
• A religious or community leader you trust

A Trusted Person Can Help You:

• Get to a safe place
• Accompany you to a hospital, clinic, or Thuthuzela Care Centre
• Help you contact emergency services or the police if you choose
• Assist with preserving important evidence
• Support you in making decisions when you feel overwhelmed
• Stay with you so that you do not have to go through the process alone

Whether or not to report what happened is a personal decision.

Some survivors choose to report immediately. Others choose to report later, and some choose not to report at all.

There is no right or wrong choice. The decision should be based on what feels right and safe for you.

Reporting Can:

• Help document what happened
• Assist in identifying the person responsible
• Support an investigation if you decide to proceed
• Help protect others from harm
• Provide access to additional support services

Remember:

• Seeking medical care does not mean you have to report the incident.
• Preserving evidence does not mean you have to report the incident.
• You can ask questions and learn about the process before making a decision.
• Support is available whether you choose to report or not.

If You Decide To Report

• You may report the matter at your nearest police station.
• You can request privacy when giving your statement.
• You may ask a trusted person to accompany and support you.
• Medical and forensic evidence collected after the incident may assist if an investigation takes place.

If you are unsure about your options, a counsellor, social worker, victim support service, healthcare provider, or legal advisor can help you understand the reporting process and the support available to you.