What Do I Do If I’ve Been Sexually Assaulted In New York?

Experiencing sexual assault or abuse is an incredibly traumatic event that can leave survivors feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the proper steps can be crucial for your physical, emotional, and legal recovery. As a New York sexual abuse attorney, I provide this guidance on five critical actions survivors should take:

Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety

Your immediate priority should be to move to a safe place. Whether the incident occurred at home, work, or in a public area, getting away from the perpetrator and finding a secure location is essential. Survivors often experience shock or dissociation, which can make it hard to think clearly. If you are able, seek a trusted environment where you can feel protected and begin to process what happened.

Step 2: Confide in Someone You Trust

Talking to someone you trust can provide vital emotional support in the immediate aftermath. This could be a close family member, friend, or counselor. Sharing your experience with someone you trust can help you feel less isolated and provide the stability you need to begin healing.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

It is crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible after the assault. Visiting an emergency room or a medical center equipped to handle sexual assault cases will ensure your physical health is prioritized. Medical professionals can:

• Treat injuries and provide necessary medications
• Offer a sexual assault forensic exam (often called a “rape kit”) to collect bodily evidence and DNA, which may be critical if you choose to pursue legal action later
• Document any injuries that can serve as valuable evidence 

Even if you are unsure about filing a police report, preserving evidence can protect your future legal options.

Step 4: Begin Processing the Trauma

Survivors may feel the urge to suppress or avoid confronting the experience. However, avoiding the trauma can delay healing. Support groups, therapy, and counseling can provide safe spaces to work through the emotional and psychological impact of the assault. Professional guidance, combined with support from trusted individuals, can play a significant role in the recovery process.

Step 5: Consult a Sexual Abuse Attorney

Whether or not you are ready to file a police report, seeking legal advice is vital. I offer survivors private, confidential, and cost-free consultations to help them understand their options. Survivors often have concerns about retaliation, social stigma, or reporting an assaulter who is a figure of authority or someone they know. I can:

• Ensure forensic evidence is collected and preserved for future use
• Discuss your legal options and provide clarity on the next steps
• Protect your rights and pursue the justice and financial compensation you deserve

By consulting with an experienced attorney, you can regain control and feel empowered knowing the law is on your side.

Why Legal Support Matters

Time is crucial for preserving evidence and building a strong case. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible can make a significant difference.

I hold both a Master of Arts and a Master of Education in Psychology from Columbia University. Throughout my post-graduate studies and subsequent work as a clinical therapist, I have been trained in counseling and have counseled countless survivors of sexual abuse. This experience equips me with a unique understanding of how to empower survivors to share their stories, confront the institutions that failed them, and seek the journey towards closure. 

I fight against the facilities and institutions that fail to protect survivors by enabling their abusers and have achieved some significant victories along the way. For instance, I secured the highest settlement for a sexual abuse case against the New York City Board of Education. Where I obtained a record-breaking $16 million verdict on behalf of a child who was sexually molested by her teacher at a New York City school.

If you are coping with the aftermath of a sexual assault, my team and I are dedicated advocates for survivors, providing compassionate representation and steadfast support. Contact me today to protect your rights and explore your options.