Q: I was raped yesterday. Is there anything I can do to make sure I don’t get HIV?
A: You should go to the nearest hospital. If you do this within 72 hours (three days) of being abused, the doctor or nurse will be able to give you medication to help to prevent you from being infected with HIV. It is called PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). You will have to take these pills every day for 28 days.
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Q: After I was raped I changed my clothes and washed? Will the police still be able to investigate the case?
A: You should not take a bath or shower or change your clothes after being raped or sexually assaulted. Wait until you have been to the hospital.
If you have already changed your clothes, take them to hospital with you. Be sure to put them in a paper bag or a bag made of cloth or even a clean pillow case This will help to preserve evidence on your clothes such as semen, blood, or hair. Do not put your clothes in a plastic bag because plastic can damage the evidence.
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Q: I went to the hospital after I was raped and I was turned away because I did not have a J88 form. I do not know what a J88 form is or where to find one?
A: A J88 form is a form used by doctors and nurses to keep a record of injuries and medical evidence of sexual abuse. This form becomes part of the police docket and the patient file. It is not your responsibility to get the form. It should be at the hospital. Doctors and nurses do not need have the J88 form to treat you. It is your right to get medical help.
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Q: I went to the hospital and they examined me but they didn’t give me any treatment or medication.
A: You always have a right to be treated for any injuries you have suffered. If you are examined within 72 hours (three days) of being abused, you also have the right to receive free medication to protect you against HIV. You also have the right to receive free medication to prevent you from falling pregnant.
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Q: I went to the hospital and after my medical examination the nurse told me that I am pregnant. I don’t know what to do.
A: The doctor or nurse must explain your options to you, including abortion, adoption, or keeping the baby.
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Q: I went to the hospital, the nurse was shouting at me and telling me to go home. She refused to examine me. I left and went home and now I am afraid to go back.
A: The nurse is not allowed to shout at you, or to send you home without a medical examination. You have the right to a medical examination and treatment when you need it. It is important for you to go back, but you should take someone you trust with you.
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Q: Do I need a lawyer to help me when I go to the hospital for the examination and to get treatment?
A: Usually you don’t need a lawyer at this stage. But some doctors and nurses don’t know about your rights and may refuse to give you the treatment or medication you are entitled to. If this happens, you may need to get a lawyer to help you. (See the list of helpful numbers where you can find a lawyer)