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us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
someone threatens to rape or sexually assault you

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Move to the nearest safer place with other people and call 911 if you believe the threat may be carried out now, the person is nearby, or you cannot leave safely. If the danger is not immediate, contact a trusted person and a sexual-assault support service, using a safer device if you think yours may be monitored.

Do not do these things

  • Do not meet or confront the person alone to find out whether they are serious.
  • Do not go to a place the person has chosen or where you may be isolated.
  • Do not tell the person about your safety plans if that could increase the danger.
  • Do not let anyone pressure you into making a non-emergency reporting decision immediately.
  • Do not keep responding to threatening messages solely to gather more information.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause. Move toward other people, a staffed business, a security desk, a trusted neighbor, or another place where help is available. If moving could put you at greater risk, call 911 from where you are.
  2. Call 911 if the person is nearby, following you, trying to enter, blocking you from leaving, displaying a weapon, or you believe the threat may be carried out now. Give your location first, then say that someone has threatened rape or sexual assault and describe what is happening.
  3. Contact one trusted person. Tell them where you are, what was threatened, and what you need now, such as staying on the phone, meeting you in a public place, or arranging safer transportation.
  4. Do not meet the person or return alone to a place where they expect you. If the threat involves your home, workplace, school, or campus, ask security or local law enforcement whether they can help you enter, leave, or collect essential belongings more safely.
  5. If it is safe, keep one unedited copy of the threat, including the full message, account name or number, and date and time. Do not continue engaging with the person to collect more.
  6. Contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline for confidential support and local referrals. Call 800-656-HOPE, text HOPE to 64673, or use its online chat.
  7. If you are under 18 or depend on the threatening person, tell a safe adult who is not connected to the threat. If no safe adult is available and the danger may be immediate, call 911.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether to make a non-emergency police report, seek a protective order, change jobs or schools, move home, or tell a wider group. Those decisions can wait until you are safer and have support.

Important reassurance

The threat is not your fault. Taking steps to get somewhere safer is reasonable, even if you are uncertain what the person intends. Outside an immediate emergency, you can speak with a confidential support service about your options without being pressured to report.

Scope note

This guide covers the earliest safety steps after a threat. Later decisions about reporting, legal protection, work or school arrangements, housing, and ongoing safety planning may require specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, or other professional advice. Emergency responses, confidentiality rules, and reporting processes can vary by location and circumstance. Call 911 for immediate danger and use a qualified local service for advice about your situation.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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