The hospital emergency room had referred her to the rape counseling program where I worked. Like other rape survivors, Barbara faced many decisions in the hours, days, and months following the rape. My role was not to tell her what to do, but to help her think about her options and make her own choices. Although women are more often the victims of rape than men, and will be the focus of this article, male victims face many of the same recovery issues, as well as others that are specific to men. Whether and where to get medical attention Rape survivors often have physical injuries, including internal injuries, they may not be aware of.
Treatment can also prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
These services are available in hospital emergency rooms. Many hospitals treat rape survivors without advance payment, even if they have no insurance. Whether to report the rape to the police Many rape survivors want to see the rapist punished, and protect others from being victimized. They want society to make a clear statement that rape is a crime that will not be tolerated. Playing a part in the rapist's arrest and conviction can make a woman feel more powerful and less like a helpless victim.