The First 72 Hours after Assault

The aftermath of sexual violence can feel overwhelming. Please know: what happened is not your fault. You deserve care, compassion, and support — on your own terms.

The first 72 hours after an assault are important for your health and healing. Getting medical care now can help treat any injuries, prevent sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy, and ensure you’re cared for gently and respectfully. This window is also when critical evidence can be collected, should you ever decide to report the crime — now or later.

You don’t have to decide everything right away. But knowing your options can help you feel more in control. India’s laws are in place to protect your privacy, dignity, and rights. Medical, legal, and police professionals are legally bound to follow protocols, and you have every right to question them if they are not.

We have created a simple guide to help you through each day in these first 72 hours. You do not have to make every decision today. Do what feels right for you. This guide is here to support, not pressure you. We hope is that this helps you take one step at a time, at your own pace, toward healing and hope.

You are in control. Your choices matter. And there is hope ahead.

A wooden pathway in a green field leads up to a sunset

Immediate Safety & Medical Assistance

Safety

Find a safe space

• Distance yourself from the perpetrator as soon as you can safely. • Contact someone you trust (friend, family, neighbour, NGO or helpline). • Go somewhere you feel safe - physically and emotionally.

You can help protect evidence

• This may be extremely difficult, but try to avoid bathing, changing clothes, eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. • It will help preserve important forensic evidence that is vital for your case. • If you have already done any of these, don’t worry. You can still report the crime, and evidence may still be collected.

Break all contact with the perpetrator

• Considering most perpetrators are known to victims, please prioritise your safety and, if possible, avoid contact with the perpetrator with great caution.

Medical

Seek immediate medical care

• Visit a government or private hospital, registered medical facility, or the nearest One Stop Centre (OSC). • Request a Rape Kit or medico-legal examination (MLE). • Medical care is free in public and private hospitals and must be given without delay - this is your legal right. • You do not need a police report to access medical care.

During the medical examination

• Ask for a Rape Specialist Doctor; they should know how to use a rape kit for collecting forensic evidence. • A female doctor should examine you, unless you give consent otherwise. • Every part of the examination must be done with your informed consent. • Inform the medical team if you think you were drugged or intoxicated. • If your clothes are taken as evidence, the hospital must give you replacement clothing free of charge. • Even if you’ve bathed or cleaned up, evidence can still be collected. DNA can be found in other areas like nails, scalp, and hair, not just semen.

After obtaining your written consent, the doctor will:

• Treat physical injuries and do a pregnancy test • Offer preventive medications: (a) Emergency contraception (within 72 hrs, ideally within 24 hrs) (b) HIV PEP (within 72 hrs, start as soon as possible) (c) Antibiotics to prevent STIs (within 24–48 hrs) (d) Hepatitis B vaccine (within 7 days, if unvaccinated / unsure) (e) Tetanus shot (if needed) • Collect forensic evidence using the Rape Kit (a) Vaginal, anal, oral swabs, clothing, hair, nails, etc. (b) Photographs of injuries with your consent (c) Maintain a chain of custody so evidence can be used in court

Police

Preserve Evidence now and Report when you are Ready

• It is critical to preserve evidence at the earliest. (a) Save clothes in a clean paper bag (not plastic). (b) Don’t delete any messages, photos, or communication from the perpetrator. • However, you do not have to report the assault to the police unless you choose to. Take the time you need to decide what feels right for you.

Filing an FIR: What You Should Know

• An FIR is not required for a medical examination. • You don’t have to file in person; someone else can file on your behalf. • The police must come to you if you request it. • Some states allow you to file FIRs online through state police websites.

Call any helpline listed here ; they can help arrange support to accompany you.

At the police station, by law:

• A woman police officer should record your FIR or be present during the process. • The FIR must be recorded promptly, accurately and in the language you’re comfortable with. • The officer must read the FIR back to you before you sign it. • A free copy of the FIR must be given to you.

Safety

Reach out for support

• Always have a trusted person as your Emergency Contact and call them for help. • You can also ask for a Support Person or NGO for help. Under the law, they can accompany you during all medical and legal procedures.

Consult legal aid services

• Call the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) at 15100 or visit their website for free legal aid.

• You can also reach out to your local District or State Legal Services Authority; they’ll help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Medical

Get psychological support

• Ask the hospital, NGO, or OSC for a trained counselor or psychologist; many offer free or low-cost support for survivors. • Having someone present to help you feel emotionally stable can make a difference. • Understanding how trauma affects the body and mind is important. See the link below to learn more. • Please know that everything you are feeling is valid. Professional counseling can support your healing journey

Learn More about how Trauma affects the mind and body here.

Follow-up medical care

• Return to the hospital for follow-up treatment, lab tests, and to continue any preventive medications. • Watch out for any side effects from the medications you've already received and share that with your doctor.

Police

Consider filing an FIR

• You can file an FIR at any police station, even if the assault happened elsewhere (this is called a Zero FIR). • You have the right to report to a female officer. • You can file it in any language of your choice. • Police must register your complaint promptly. • You can also report anonymously, later, or when you feel ready. • A free copy of your FIR must be given to you immediately.

Here is a copy of a FIR form

Next steps after filing an FIR (1)

• Police will escort you to a government hospital for a free medical exam (if not already done); this is for your care and to collect evidence, not to prove rape. • Your statement will be recorded by a judicial magistrate in a safe and private space, with a female officer, NGO rep, or someone you trust present. • Police will collect evidence like clothes, bedding, phones, location data, and more. • If filed outside the jurisdiction, the FIR will be transferred to the correct station immediately. • An Investigating Officer (IO) will be assigned to your case. • If the police mishandle your case, you have the right to file a complaint to the State/National Human Rights Commission (at the link below or call the Helpline 14433) or to the National Women's Commission (at the link below or call the 24x7 women's helpline at 14490).

Contact the State/National Human Rights Commission

Contact the National Women's Commission

Safety

Get help

If reaching out to your family is not an option, you can still get help. Call any of the Helplines here.

With legal counsel, you can choose to file charges or seek protection orders.

Document what you can

• When you feel ready, try to note down details you remember, such as the location, time, what happened, a description of the perpetrator, any witnesses, and anything else that feels important. • Preserve any possible evidence—such as photos, vehicle numbers, or items with DNA. Collect and Keep Copies of: • Your medical report • FIR acknowledgement (if filed) • Any police or hospital documents

Rest, reflect & heal

Allow yourself to rest and not rush decisions. These healing strategies may help: • Body care: Stay hydrated (small sips if nauseous), eat warm, light, familiar foods, and rest as needed. • Breathing & movement: Try gentle breathing (inhale 4 sec, exhale 6 sec), pranayama, stretching, yoga, or short walks. • Safe space: Be somewhere you feel physically safe, preferably close to a trusted friend or relative. • Medical needs: Take any prescribed medicines on time. Use a heating pad or balm if sore. • Sleep tips: After evidence collection, try a warm shower or sponge bath, listen to soothing music, and take prescribed sleep aids. • Avoid overstimulation: Limit screen time and social media. Avoid people who pressure you to talk. • Emotional support: Reach out to a counselor or mental health first aid worker. Write down your feelings if that helps. • Ease back in: When you are ready, try small chores or routines to gently restore normalcy. • Set boundaries: It’s okay to say, “I’m not ready to talk,” or “Please just be with me, don't try to fix me.”

Medical

Start post-assault medical care

• Begin or continue HIV PEP; it must be taken for 28 days. Watch for side effects. • Monitor how other medications affect you; nausea and fatigue are common. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Schedule follow-up appointments

• Doctor visit: Within 1 week to check healing and review test results. • STI testing: After 2–4 weeks, as some infections may appear later. • Pregnancy test: After 2–3 weeks, repeat to confirm results. • Mental health support: As soon as you can, consider trauma counseling or therapy referrals if not already done.

Other important notes

• Keep all receipts and prescriptions; they may be needed for compensation claims. • Request copies of all your medical reports and prescriptions

Police

Next steps after filing an FIR (2)

• The hospital must send your medical report to the police within 24–48 hours. • Police begin recording statements from witnesses, family, friends, or neighbors (if any). • If the accused is known, they must be located at the earliest and arrested promptly. In case of multiple accused, all must be traced. • Police visit the place of occurrence for documentation, CCTV retrieval (if any), and further evidence gathering. • If needed, you will be offered safety, temporary shelter (e.g., One Stop Centre), and police protection.

Your privacy and rights are protected by law

• You must be treated with care and respect at every stage. • Your identity is legally protected and must not be revealed publicly, in any form of media. • If you are a minor, your statement and FIR must be recorded in the presence of a parent, guardian, NGO, or Child Welfare Committee representative. All procedures must follow the guidelines of the POCSO Act.

After 72 hours and filing of the chargesheet

• Forensic samples are sent to the FSL (Forensic Science Lab), and results may take weeks or months. • Police must file a chargesheet within 90 days.. • A Judicial Magistrate regularly monitors case progress, especially regarding bail or survivor safety. • Once the chargesheet is filed, the case moves to trial in a Special POCSO or Sessions Court, depending on the case specifics.

For References, click here.

Immediate Safety & Medical Assistance

Safety

Find a safe space

Break all contact with the perpetrator

• Considering most perpetrators are known to victims, please prioritise your safety and, if possible, avoid contact with the perpetrator with great caution.

You can help protect evidence

Medical

Seek immediate medical care

During the medical examination

After obtaining your written consent, the doctor will:

Police

Preserve Evidence now and Report when you are Ready

Filing an FIR: What You Should Know

• An FIR is not required for a medical examination. • • You don’t have to file in person; someone else can file on your behalf. • The police must come to you if you request it. • Some states allow you to file FIRs online through state police websites.

Call the Police Hotline or any helpline listed here; they can help arrange support to accompany you.

At the police station, by law:

Safety

Reach out for support

Consult legal aid services

• Call the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) at 15100 or visit their website for free legal aid.

• You can also reach out to your local District or State Legal Services Authority; they’ll help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Medical

Get psychological support

• Ask the hospital, NGO, or OSC for a trained counselor or psychologist; many offer free or low-cost support for survivors. • Having someone present to help you feel emotionally stable can make a difference. • Understanding how trauma affects the body and mind is important. Read HERE to learn more. • Please know that everything you are feeling is valid. Professional counseling can support your healing journey.

Learn more about how Trauma affects the mind and body here.

Follow-up medical care

Police

Consider filing an FIR

• You can file an FIR at any police station, even if the assault happened elsewhere (this is called a Zero FIR). • You have the right to report to a female officer. • You can file it in any language of your choice. • Police must register your complaint promptly under Section 375 of the IPC. • You can also report anonymously, later, or when you feel ready. • A free copy of your FIR must be given to you immediately. • Here is a copy of a FIR form- https://police.py.gov.in/Police%20manual/Forms%20pdf/FORM%20IF%201.pdf

Here is a copy of a FIR form

Next steps after filing an FIR (1)

Contact the State/National Human Rights Commission

Contact the National Women's Commission

Safety

Get help

If reaching out to your family is not an option, you can still get help. Call any of the Helplines here.

With legal counsel, you can choose to file charges or seek protection orders.

Document what you can

Rest, reflect & heal

Medical

Start post-assault medical care

• Begin or continue HIV PEP; it must be taken for 28 days. Watch for side effects. • Monitor how other medications affect you; nausea and fatigue are common. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Schedule follow-up appointments

Other important notes

• Keep all receipts and prescriptions; they may be needed for compensation claims. • Request copies of all your medical reports and prescriptions.

Police

Next steps after filing an FIR (2)

Your privacy and rights are protected by law

• You must be treated with care and respect at every stage. • Your identity is legally protected and must not be revealed publicly, in any form of media (BNS Sec 72 / Section 228A IPC). • If you are a minor, your statement and FIR must be recorded in the presence of a parent, guardian, NGO, or Child Welfare Committee representative. All procedures must follow the guidelines of the POCSO Act.

After 72 hours and filing of the chargesheet

• Forensic samples are sent to the FSL (Forensic Science Lab), and results may take weeks or months. • Police must file a chargesheet within 90 days (mandatory under Section 173 CrPC for rape cases). • A Judicial Magistrate regularly monitors case progress, especially regarding bail or survivor safety. • Once the chargesheet is filed, the case moves to trial in a Special POCSO or Sessions Court, depending on the case specifics.