What to do if…
you think protection was removed or not used as agreed during sex
Short answer
Get to a safe place, then contact confidential support (RAINN) and/or seek medical care as soon as you can—there are time-sensitive options for pregnancy prevention and HIV/STD care. You don’t have to decide about reporting to law enforcement right now.
Do not do these things
- Do not confront the other person while you feel unsafe or emotionally flooded (especially in person).
- Do not delay medical care while you try to make sense of what happened—help is available even if you’re unsure.
- Do not pressure yourself to “act normal” or to keep it quiet; your first priority is safety and health.
- Do not post details online or involve lots of people while you’re distressed.
- Do not assume “it’s too late” if some time has passed—call anyway.
What to do now
- Get to a safer pause. If you’re still with the person and feel uneasy, create distance (bathroom, outside, leave). If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
- Call confidential help to steady the next step (24/7). Contact RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline):
- Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Text HOPE to 64673
- Or use online chat
They can help you find local services (medical care, advocacy, counseling) and talk through choices without pressure.
- Get medical care soon (even if you don’t want police). You can go to an ER and ask if a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE/SAFE) is available. If one is not available, ask the ER to help you find the nearest facility that can provide this care, or whether a transfer is possible; RAINN can also help locate a local service.
- Ask about emergency contraception now (time-sensitive). Clinicians can discuss emergency contraception pills and the copper IUD as emergency contraception (which has a limited time window).
- Ask about STI testing and HIV prevention (time-sensitive). If there’s any concern about HIV exposure, ask urgently about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure—the sooner the better.
- If you may want a forensic exam later: if it feels doable, avoid showering/bathing or changing clothes until you’ve spoken to the ER/SANE team. If you already did, you can still get medical care and support.
What can wait
- You do not need to decide today whether to report, make a statement, or pursue any legal process.
- You do not need to label what happened with a specific term to deserve care.
- You do not need to make big relationship decisions right now—focus on safety, health, and immediate support first.
Important reassurance
Confusion, freezing, going along to stay safe, or feeling numb afterward are common trauma responses. What matters is that your boundaries were not respected—getting help now is valid.
Scope note
This guide covers first steps to reduce harm and stabilise (safety, urgent medical options, confidential support). Longer-term decisions can be made later, with specialist support if you want it.
Important note
This is general information, not medical, legal, or forensic advice. If you are in immediate danger call 911. If you are not in immediate danger but want law enforcement involvement, you can contact your local police department’s non-emergency line.