What to do if you are raped

If you have been raped seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is important to have a medical exam to check for internal injuries, receive medication for sexually transmitted infections, discuss options for HIV and pregnancy prevention, and gather forensic evidence.

Do not shower, eat, drink or smoke this may destroy evidence. Even if you are not sure if you want to press charges now the evidence can be taken in case you change your mind. Your clothing will also be taken as evidence so bring a change of clothes or the forensic medical center can provide you with something to wear.

The forensic medical exam for adults and children 16 - 17 years old are conducted at the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center (PSARC).

Call 911 or Special Victims unit at 215-685-3251 and they will take you to the medical center for an examination. Even if you do not want to file a police report or are not sure the police will still need to escort you to the center for the forensic medical exam.

When you arrive at the forensic center the staff will contact the WOAR hotline and a counselor will meet with you before or after your examination. The counselor is there for support, to answer questions and to give you information about WOAR services.

In Philadelphia there are two children's hospitals that conduct a forensic medical exam. Call for hours of the clinics and for more information.

At these centers trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) will:

See the Court & Legal Information pages for more information.