Your Support Network: Rape-Related Pregnancy

Where to Go from Here — Where to Find Support

• Sexual violence is one of the greatest affronts to human dignity imaginable.
• Any non-consensual sex is a terrible wrong. Therefore, it is considered a criminal offense.
• Young girls and women are often concerned that they may have conceived due to rape. A positive test would trigger a multitude of thoughts and emotions.

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• 🤰🏻 Am I pregnant? Take the Online Pregnancy Test.
• ⚖️ Should I have an Abortion? Take the Abortion Test.
• ☎️ Need immediate advice? Find out where to receive help by here in this article.

Rape/Sexual Abuse: When You Have Been Assaulted

You may have gone through this terrifying event recently and most likely feel like you are at the end of your rope. Was this a one-time situation, or have you had to suffer through this repeatedly?

Some young girls and women don’t realize what happened until later, after the incident... In the meantime, they go through the motions of everyday life... This is a common reaction to trauma. The perpetrator may have spiked your drink with knockout drops. Perhaps you don’t even know who he was.

The abuse may not have happened at the hands of a stranger. Tragically, this crime is often committed by an acquaintance or even someone you had trusted.

If the perpetrator is a family member, or your partner, it can be difficult to know whom to trust...

You Are Worth It! Immediate Support:

Regardless of the details of your harrowing story, you do not have to deal with it on your own!

Support is available 24/7:

• to process what has happened
• to know what steps to take

As well as for your safety:

• if you are afraid that it could happen again
• if threats and force continue to be used against you
• if the perpetrator is (still) in your vicinity

You may have already informed the police or be thinking about filing a report; or maybe taking this step feels too daunting, and you may still want to think about your options.

Below you will find a list of places you can turn to for advice. Of course, you have the right to remain anonymous.

☎️ 24-hour helpline for victims of sexual assault:

👤 Are you being trafficked (prostitution, forced marriage...) and have no one to turn to?

🏠 Need a safe place to go? Find a Safe House Near Me.

👩🏽‍💻 Looking for direction? Our digital coaching services are available 24/7:

• Start by taking the ⛑ First Aid Test

Medical Treatment

Additionally, a head-to-toe examination by a sexual assault nurse examiner within the first hours or days can allow for evidence collection. Therefore, it is important not to bathe or change before receiving medical attention. A “rape kit” is used for this purpose. By law, this must be provided free of charge. You will not receive a bill from your medical provider.

Your decision, whether to report to the police or not, is irrespective of medical findings. Any evidence is kept on file for at least ten years, should you choose to make a report later.

ℹ️ You may wonder whether your case would be classified as sexual assault since you did not say “No” or “Stop” and did not try to defend yourself. His advances may have come completely out of the blue, making you too shell-shocked to react. If he went against your will, using coercive measures, he committed a criminal act. You have the right to a medical examination and a police report. This assault was not your fault!

NOTE:

• Doctors are required to maintain confidentiality.
• In most areas, doctors are not required to file a report unless the victim is a minor.
• You have the choice to receive medical attention without collecting evidence. It is your choice whether a rape kit is used.
• No step can be taken without your prior permission.

🏥 Emergency Rooms with on-call gynecologists or sexual assault nurse examiners are best equipped to meet your healthcare needs and uncover evidence.

Anxious About Being Pregnant?

Sometimes the fear of a possible pregnancy is instant. Other times this fear comes more slowly after you have processed what happened. It is also possible that you were not fully aware of what was happening at that moment.

Are you becoming more anxious about a possible pregnancy because of potential early pregnancy symptoms or a late period?

ℹ️ Even if you could fend off the attack before intercourse, he may have gotten close enough for you to wonder if you could be pregnant. In this case, pregnancy would be very unlikely, but it is understandable that you want to be sure.

How to Know for Sure:

• Describe your symptoms when taking our Online Pregnancy Test. You will receive an immediate evaluation.
• Take an at-home pregnancy test. You can purchase one at most pharmacies and convenience stores. These urine-based tests provide reliable results when taken at least 14 days after the assault. Some tests can be used earlier.
• When seeking medical attention for possible injuries or infections, you may also be able to find out whether you are pregnant via blood test or ultrasound.

💊 Wondering whether to take the morning-after pill? Take the Test.

Pregnant — Where to Go from Here?

You may be concerned about the “What if...”. Or maybe your fears have already come true.

The circumstances leading up to the pregnancy were against your will — and now you find yourself pregnant with someone you would probably never have chosen as the father of your child. Understandably, you would be wondering where to go from here...

It makes sense that you would consider abortion as your only way forward. Still, you might have mixed feelings about this. You may be wondering what steps to take and what your unique path could look like.

💬 Read about the questions other women in your shoes are contemplating! They might be the same as yours.

You may also like:

• 📝 Abortion: Pros and Cons (including a self-evaluation)
• ⚖️ Abort or keep the baby? Take the Abortion Test.

➡️ Read about regulations for abortion in cases of rape here.

Questions and Experiences

From the outside looking in, it is impossible to know what you must be going through. In addition, every lived experience is unique and incomparable.

Still, some questions are repeatedly raised in our counseling sessions by women who have become pregnant by rape.

Often these questions conjure up competing thoughts and emotions that are equally valid. Feel free to click on each rubric and allow your thoughts to marinate. What is at the forefront of your mind right now? What would be the most decisive factor for your course of action?

This Is Your Path

If you are a rape victim and this act of violence has led to pregnancy, you could have a lot on your mind right now. When considering your needs and options, take the time to assess what steps are right and helpful for you.

On the one hand, consider what would be the best course of action in the long run as you focus your thoughts on the pregnancy.

• 💬 How Do I Make a Good Decision?

On the other hand, direct your attention towards healing from this trauma. Even though nothing can make this assault undone, seek avenues that lead to healing. You are worth it! ❤️‍🩹

We would be honored to walk this road alongside you. Check out our digital coaching services. They are available 24/7 and provide an immediate evaluation.

Further Support Near Me💚

Unsure what kind of services are provided to sexual assault survivors?

Here is an overview:

Mental Health

A neutral party familiar with sexual assault cases can support you on your journey toward healing. Step by step, a counselor can give you the tools necessary to process your trauma and move on.

• You may like: 💡 Solution Finder Test

Support Groups

Knowing that you are not the only one in this situation can feel good. Sharing stories in a community of like-minded people can provide much-needed stability. This context will help you rediscover your strengths and personal resources.

• You may like: 💪🏻 Strengths Finder Test

File a Police Report

Rape and sexual abuse are criminal offenses. Filing a report can help bring the perpetrator to justice. A report would aim toward a court hearing and a verdict.

This can help you heal, protect you from a repeat offense, and shield others from falling victim to the same offender.

This process can be very emotionally challenging. Therefore, keep in mind that you get to dictate the process. Questioning, for example, can be paused and set for a later time, should you need a break.

• You may like: 👥 Personality Test

Legal Assistance

Legal aid is made available to you to provide you with advice. You may be thinking about filing a police report but want to know what to expect. Your legal advocate will be able to walk you through each of the steps beforehand.

If you are pregnant and desire to keep the baby, a legal advisor could answer questions about child support.

Many women fear that keeping the baby would legally bind them to the perpetrator. Your legal aid will help you know your rights so you and the baby remain protected.

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