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A thread that no one asked for but I’m making anyway [tw]:
If you’re ever r*ped or m*lested and you’re going to go to the hospital to get taken care of, don’t take a shower, brush your teeth, wash your hands, take off your makeup - nothing - no matter how uncomfortable it is. They need these things for DNA testing.
If you’re going to file a police report (which is not required but heavily encouraged), bring a change of clothes unless you want some from the hospital. You’ll have to give yours up to be sent away for testing.
You can deny them taking photo evidence but I will strongly encourage you to do so because it helps solidify your claim. They more than likely will also do a UA and bloodwork. Once they do the mouth swabs, chug water because you’re probably dehydrated.
They’re going to give you a lot of pills, especially if you’re biologically female. You may even get a shot - it varies case to case and what you and the provider decide is best for you.
It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be uncomfortable. It’s okay if you’re not immediately able to talk about it. It’s okay because you’ll be in a safe place with professionals who deal with these things -typically specially trained nurse practitioners - who are there to help.
Bring someone with you if you can - you may feel as if you can be strong and go through it alone, but by having someone there that knows you, they can also help point out irregularities such as swelling or bruising. Plus, just like, it’s a traumatic event. Take the support.
Tell them anything and everything you can think of. Head hurts? Tell them. Jaw hurts? Tell them. Hips hurt? TELL THEM. Nothing is too small to be concerned over.
YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TELL ANYONE IN YOUR LIFE WHAT HAPPENED UNLESS YOU DEEM NECESSARY. It is your mental, physical, and emotional health that is the most important right now. Don’t over extend yourself.
I suppose, lastly, TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF. Once you’re home, take a shower, eat something and make sure it stays down, and take a heavy nap. Don’t force yourself to do things. It’s normal to feel drained/angry/scared/helpless. It won’t be an easy road but things can get better.
