If you get sexually assaulted, it is important to take steps to preserve evidence right away, even if you haven’t yet decided whether you want to report it. While the aftermath of an assault can be traumatic, frightening and overwhelming, do your best to keep in mind what to do to preserve evidence before it’s too late.
Reserve Evidence From Your Person
First, make sure you are safe. Go to a safe location away from the perpetrator. Once you’ve ensured your physical safety, do your best to preserve evidence that may be on your person. Either go directly to the closest hospital for a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) or preserve items in bags yourself.
Doing it yourself might be a good idea if you are not sure whether you want to report the assault yet. Either way, it’s best to collect evidence while it’s still available. Take pictures of yourself, being sure to capture any physical marks or bruising. Place the clothing and underclothes you were wearing in a clean paper bag (not plastic, as this could lead to mold damage) and seal it shut.
Seek Medical Attention
Get medical care promptly for your own health and well-being, as well as to collect any physical evidence that may be available. To have professionals gather evidence for you, go directly to a hospital in Illinois that has trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).
If possible, do not shower, bathe, wash your hands, drink, eat, smoke, brush your teeth, change your clothes or urinate before going. A trained nurse will collect forensic evidence from your body during a thorough examination. Even if you do shower, a forensic exam can still gather DNA evidence within five days.
Write Down What You Remember
It is important to write down an account of what you remember early on, while the details are still fresh and clear in your mind. It is okay if you have gaps in your memory, if you were unconscious or you don’t remember much. Write down what you can recall about the sexual assault, the perpetrator (if known), the location and any potential witnesses.
Report the Assault
Although this is optional and completely up to you, reporting the sexual assault to the authorities is a good way to put it on the record. A police report can provide solid documentation of the incident, including statements from you shortly after the incident, official photographs of physical injuries and forensic evidence. If you don’t feel comfortable going to the police, telling someone you trust about the sexual assault can still help document the attack.
Keep Relevant Communications
If there is any written evidence – such as text messages, emails, notes, letters or social media posts – from the perpetrator or pertaining to the incident, do not delete them. Take screenshots, download them to an electronic device or print them out before they can be deleted by others.
We Are Here to Support You
When it comes time to tell your story and seek justice in the criminal or civil courts, having strong evidence makes a big difference. A sexual assault attorney can gather key evidence for you, saving you the trouble and emotional strain of having to do it yourself. Then, your lawyer can build the evidence into a compelling story and present it before the courts.
If you are a recent survivor of sexual assault and are unsure of what to do next, contact the Mahoney Law Firm for immediate help. We offer free and confidential case consultations, where we will listen to you, believe you and support you – whether or not you choose to move forward with a civil case.