Dear BeingGirl Experts,

I'm afraid to tell anyone, but I was raped last night. I know the boy! What should I do?

Scared

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Dear Scared,

Take a deep breath and pull yourself together. When you have done that several times you will want to think about an adult you trust and can talk to about this. Telling a trusted adult about this is important. Make sure you pick the person you are most comfortable sharing this with. It won't be an easy conversation but it is a necessary one for you to begin healing. What happened is not your fault. Don't forget this. Tell yourself over and over if you need to this is not your fault. Whoever did this to you needs to be stopped. 

You need to take care of yourself. You can help stop him and take care of yourself by going to the hospital for an exam. The nurses and doctors at the hospital will be understanding and helpful during your rape exam. During this exam, the medical personnel will treat any injuries you have, give you antibiotics to treat any STIs, give you the option of taking a pill to prevent pregnancy, and collect any evidence. Going to the hospital does not mean you have decided to press charges or report the assault. It means you are taking care of yourself and will have the option of pressing charges when you get yourself in a place you can decide what to do. Hospital personnel may be required to report some assaults. Understand in some situations this is necessary. Remember you will begin healing the moment you tell someone and an adult you trust is a great place to start.

Take care of yourself and always remember this is not your fault,

Your BeingGirl Experts