Embarassing as it is, Guam has the highest rape per capita in the US! From the year 2005 to 2009 722 rapes were reported in a population of 150,000. This is a very sensitive subject but I think writing will be worth the good source of information after discovering that many young women and men do not know what to do after they get raped. This is what you do.

  

The thing to do is get to a hospital’s emergency room fast. Do not take a shower, defecate, urinate, or wipe because doing so could erase any DNA evidence. Once you are at the hospital request a rape kit. Many people would argue to contact the police first but you can do that at the hospital. The point is to get to a hospital fast so you can get a rape kit to extract the DNA and get immediate treatment for STDs, and pregnancy.

After being raped, there is no point in calling a lawyer or talking to a therapist. Go to the hospital, get a rape kit, and a police officer will be summoned. Although you may feel highly embarrassed, doctors and medical personnel are trained professionals and part of their training is to keep your identity and rape situation confidential. They will check your genitals for any semen deposits, take photographs of your body, check your fingernails, and ask you to go over the story over and over again. Although this sounds highly frustrating, they are doing this to help you and not humiliate you.

Another good reason for going to the hospital is to get checked for and treated for sexually transmitted diseases. Even if you have not been rape but have had many sexual partners, you can get tested at Guam clinics. If you live in the mainland U.S.,  getting tested for STD has gotten more convenient via online std testing services. Getting test online provides fast testing and complete privacy... but remember, if you are raped, immediately go to the hospital and get checked up within the hour. Don't wait online for your results!

Victims in many rape cases are at high risk in getting STDs such as HIV, hepatitis B and C.  The sooner prophylaxis is started for HIV and Hep B (there is none for Hep C), the less chance of transmission.  Remember that time is very critical. HIV prophylaxis for example, is supposed to be administered within an hour after exposure but still effective up to 72 hours... but the sooner the better.

CDC guidelines suggest HIV prophylaxis up to 72 hours after exposure (very limited randomized data) though the clearest benefit is within 36 hours. However, Hepatitis B immunoglobulin may be given up to 7 days after exposure.

Going to a hospital also allows contraceptive measures to be taken. Sometimes the treatment will not be mentioned at all so you must ask about it.  Many women’s lives have been deeply affected by bearing the child of a rapists. Living in a dominantly Catholic society also discourages the use of contraception but in this case, this is insemination by force.

 

It may sound difficult and it will take courage to bring the rapist to justice but it’s worth it.

Remember health first.  Get to a hospital, get the DNA evidence, get prophylaxis for STDs, and get emergency contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.

Get checked now and get $25 off  from an 8 test STD panel from STD Test Express. It's fast, private and embarassment free! 

 

 

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