After A Rape, what should you do?

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Lewa* recently joined a gym around her home. One evening one of the gym instructors started to talk to her and she got really close to him sooner than she expected. He tried to invite her over to his place severally, but she was really busy and couldn’t but she eventually obliged.
He made Noodles and poured her a glass of wine (Which she refused because she doesn’t take alcohol). They talked about so many things and soon Jide* started to come awfully too close but she could say anything because she thought it’ll be rude.
Jide grabbed her and struggled with her until he overpowered her and had sex with her despite her cry and plea, then later said that she consented when she decided to come to his place.
Lewa was terrified, in tears and shock.
So many rape victims are always in shock as well. But you can take steps to ensure you minimize health risk and also increase the chances of bringing the rapist to justice.

  1. Go somewhere safe.

    When you are in any form of danger, get to somewhere safe, real quick. This could be the home of your close friend, or a family member’s house (whom you trust). Consider talking to someone you trust about the incidence while it is fresh in your mind. This can help the investigation of the police.

    You can contact Agencies such as;

    Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team – info@dsvrtlagos.org, 112, 08137960048 or Dialling the USSD *6820# (MTN & Airtel Subscribers Alone)

    Mirabel center – Tel: 08155770000, 07013491769, 08187243468, 01-2957816
    http://www.pjnigeria.org
    sarc@pjnigeria.org,
    partners@pjnigeria.org,
    partners4justice@yahoo.com

    Women Arise – 07056622220

  2. Decide whether or not you want to report it.

    Reporting to the police immediately is the best thing to do, but often very difficult. If you are uncomfortable with going to the police immediately, you can go with your family member or anyone you really trust. This will help the police recover physical evidence (Take note that when you wash your clothes or take a bath you reduce the chances of retrieving evidence of rape)

  3. See a medical professional

    Whether or not you decide to see the police. Endeavour to see a medical professional. They can retrieve all the forensic pieces of evidence and After the forensic examination, the doctor will administer the “morning-after pill” to prevent pregnancy and antibiotics to prevent possible STIs You will also be given an HIV test and if it is negative you will be given antiretroviral treatment for 28 days to prevent contracting HIV. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Rapists must be brought to book to reduce the menace and eventually sent to extinction.
Stay safe and security conscious.
*Fake names, to keep the identity of the Lewa – who shared her story with us.

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