Physical Health & Injury

Hospital/ER

If you have recently experienced a sexual assault, you may have external or internal injuries. Oftentimes internal injuries go undetected without a medical professional’s examination, so you should seek medical care as soon as possible. You may need to call 911, go to the Emergency Room, or visit your GP (general practitioner or pediatrician).

Please note that GP’s, pediatricians, and other medical professionals are mandated reporters. This means that if they become aware of a situation where a minor is in ongoing danger, they are required by law to report it to the authorities. We provide you with this insight not to deter you from seeing a physician after an assault, but to provide you with all of the information that you need to make the right decision for yourself. If you are in need of medical care, we strongly urge you to call 911, go to the Emergency room, or go see a doctor.

Common Physical Injuries Sustained from Sexual Violence

Long-term injuries are a possibility when it comes to sexual assault. While immediate, urgent injuries require swift action, longer-term injuries may go unnoticed and may require ongoing treatment. Injuries can range from things like bruises, sprains, dislocations, or more seriously, fractures or breaks in bones. 

It can be traumatizing to have visible injuries following an assault, particularly bruising. It is important for you to take care of yourself which may involve covering the triggering markings from your own sight, but it is extremely important that you seek help for injuries and do not attempt to hide them from others. The complicated emotions that follow an assault may lead you to try to hide the evidence and avoid seeking help, but your safety is more important than the temptation to hide the injuries. Before turning to a medical professional, you may want to turn to a trusted friend, family member, teacher, clergy member, or other loved ones to guide you through the process and offer emotional support. You never have to go through this alone. 

This is not a comprehensive list, but some injuries that may occur during or after an assault are:

  • Bruising
  • Fractures
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocations (subluxations/partial dislocations)
  • Torn ligaments and tendons
  • Sprains
  • Vaginal or anal injuries and scarring
  • Wounds/bleeding/scarring
  • Alcohol and Drug Poisoning

If you have been assaulted, you may not know that you have experienced these injuries. Ultimately, not seeking help for injuries can potentially lead to more harm. Please seek help from a medical professional. 

If you have sustained injuries from a sexual assault, be aware that future, non sexual violence related injuries and bodily functions might be triggering. For example, a sprain from sports, or a fracture from a fall might have an unwanted effect on your mental health. Periods, yeast infections, or other forms of vaginal rashes might also feel stressful, overwhelming, or triggering.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence

Domestic violence and sexual violence often go hand-in-hand. Whether your injuries are the result of a sexual assault, ongoing sexual violence, or physical domestic violence, you should seek help from a medical professional. Domestic violence is not limited to those who are married nor just to women- it can happen to anybody in a relationship regardless of age or gender. It is important to note that rape and assault can occur between two people in a relationship, even those who are married. Consent is needed for every sexual act regardless of your relationship status. If you are experiencing domestic violence, please seek help for your injuries.

Medical professionals can help you if you are in a violent or abusive relationship, but you can also seek help outside of medical personnel to help you escape the violence. These other resources can help you if you are a victim of domestic violence:

Resources