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What to do if…
you have memory gaps or unexplained signs that make you fear you were sexually assaulted

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

Short answer

Get to a place where you feel safer, call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency, and avoid driving if you feel impaired. Seek medical care promptly and contact a sexual assault support service; you do not need to know exactly what happened or decide about reporting before asking for help.

Do not do these things

  • Do not remain with someone you fear may have harmed you if you can safely move away.
  • Do not drive if you are confused, unusually drowsy, dizzy, intoxicated, or having difficulty staying awake.
  • Do not confront anyone or pressure yourself to recover missing memories.
  • Do not delay urgent medical care because you are uncertain whether an assault occurred.
  • Do not let anyone pressure you to report, explain what happened, or make major decisions immediately.
  • If you may want a forensic exam and it will not delay medical care, try not to shower or change clothes; seek care anyway if you have already done either.

What to do now

  1. Move to a place where you feel safer, such as a trusted person’s home, a staffed public place, or a hospital. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency.
  2. Ask a trusted person to stay with you or arrange safe transportation. Do not drive yourself if you feel impaired.
  3. Contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline or a local sexual assault service. A trained specialist can help you locate appropriate medical care without pressuring you to report.
  4. Seek assessment at a hospital or clinic promptly. Tell the clinician about the memory gaps, unexplained pain or injuries, medications, alcohol or other substances, and any concern that you may have been drugged.
  5. Ask whether toxicology testing is available. Testing for some substances can be time-sensitive, so raise the concern as soon as possible.
  6. Ask about treatment for injuries, testing or preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy-related care if relevant, and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. HIV PEP must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure.
  7. Ask whether a sexual assault forensic exam is available and what the process involves. The examiner should explain each part, and you can ask to pause, skip, or stop any step.
  8. If you feel unable to stay safe or may harm yourself, call or text 988. Call 911 for an immediate emergency.

What can wait

You do not need to decide right now how to label what happened, whether to contact police, confront anyone, tell other people, or make decisions about a relationship, school, work, or travel. Trying to reconstruct every missing detail can also wait while you focus on safety, medical care, and support.

Important reassurance

Memory gaps or unexplained signs cannot tell you by themselves exactly what happened, but they are enough reason to seek care and support. You do not need certainty before asking for help. Drinking or using substances does not make sexual assault your fault.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate safety, medical, and support steps only. Later decisions may require help from a sexual assault advocate, healthcare professional, counselor, or lawyer familiar with the rules in your state.

Important note

This is general information, not medical, legal, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Medical needs, forensic-exam procedures, reporting rules, and available services can vary by state, age, facility, and circumstances; ask a local healthcare provider or specialist service what applies to you.

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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