If You Are the Survivor
Even with knowledge, training, and diligent practice of survival strategies, the reality is that there is always a risk that an attacker may be successful. The experience of physical or sexual assault can be challenging to process; as it can affect a person's sense of self and personal safety. Other than injuries sustained during the attack, the aftermath can be just as devastating to the survivor.
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The most critical step in ending an assault is getting to safety by either:
Ensuring the attacker is no longer able to continue the attack (e.g., the attacker is unconscious or too injured to continue attack, or you are at a location where they are unable to find or reach you)
Getting assistance from those who can protect you (e.g., law enforcement)
If there is still doubt in your mind that the danger has passed, contact emergency services. They are trained and equipped to provide protection and support for your situation. Calling them also puts the assault on record, which may be helpful in finding and subduing the assailant.
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Survivors often sustain injuries of some kind during the assault and/or escape. These injuries may not be initially felt or noticeable due to adrenaline and some injuries will not present themselves until hours or days after an attack (e.g., fainting if you’ve suffered a concussion).
If you are unable to contact emergency services at the initial scene, get yourself to emergency as soon as possible. If you are able to contact emergency services at the initial scene, you will be treated by a first responder who will assess you then bring you to the hospital to be evaluated by doctors. You may receive further treatment or be referred to a specialist (e.g., orthopedist for an x-ray, neurologist for a CT scan), but if your injuries are not severe, you may be discharged.
It’s crucial that you receive immediate medical care after the assault for several reasons:
To ensure that you have no life-threatening injuries
Medical documentation can be used for proper long-term healthcare should new symptoms arise in the future
If you choose to press charges, medical documents can be used as evidence in court
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Call someone whom you trust and tell them what you can recall. If you are not comfortable going to loved ones or are unable to reach them, you can speak to crisis centers, where trained workers can listen, provide assistance and treat your information as confidential.
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If you were unable to contact law enforcement immediately after the attack, you have the right to weigh your options, as reporting can be a difficult process. Reporting to law enforcement and pressing charges can lead to different results: the assailant may not be found guilty or only given a light sentence, or they may be found guilty and given the appropriate punishment. If the trial goes public, this can encourage other victims (if there are more) to come forward and help in future cases to convict the assailant and potentially stop them from attacking anyone else again. However, reporting also puts you at risk of being re-traumatized. The evidence gathering process may feel invasive, and should the incident go to court, the evidence and your character will be scrutinized by the perpetrator’s defense team.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO REPORT TO THE AUTHORITIES
You must report the incident as soon as possible to allow authorities to start finding the assailant/s: this means preserving evidence early. After the attack:
• DON'T clean up the crime scene (e.g., throw garbage, move displaced furniture)
• DON’T clean yourself (e.g., shower, relieve yourself, fix your hair, brush your teeth/gargle, put on makeup, cut your nails, change, clean or throw away clothes worn during the assault)
• DON'T eat or drink anything
• You will be asked to recount everything you can remember about the incident. Be prepared and take as much as time as you need before making your statement so you can calmly and accurately provide information. If you are agitated, you may unintentionally distort details. Note that statements are considered legal documents so it is crucial to be as accurate as possible when providing:
• Attacker's description (e.g., height, weight, build, hair color, clothing, significant features like tattoos, piercings, scars)
• Evidence of alcohol, or drug use
• Assault details: time, location, what led to it, and what occurred (e.g., How were you approached? What was said? Who else was around? How did the attack happen?)
IF THE ASSAULT HAPPENS ABROAD
• You can report the assault immediately to your nearest government office abroad or contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
• Don’t allow non-official authorities to manage the incident (e.g, hotel or tour guide management)
• After you have spoken with consular officials, contact the local authorities and file a report
• If you leave without filing an official complaint, you may unable to do so from Canada
• In some countries, law enforcement may ask you if you want your attacker to be prosecuted
• If you are unable to contact police immediately, record all the details you can remember about the attack and the attacker and if possible, have photographs taken of your injuries
There are reasons to report and not to report an attack; ultimately, this is a decision only you can make.
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Self-protection continues after the assault is over, as legal consequences can arise, both criminal and civil. Even if you are the survivor, know the processes regarding either one as you may sue (or be sued for) injuries, medical bills, lost income, or damages to property.
Cases can drag on for extended periods of time, and can be emotionally and financially draining. It is crucial to find a good lawyer who will help you in the process of pressing (or defending) charges and restraining orders (which can be filed in both criminal and civil court).
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As you move forward from the assault, you may experience a number of changes in your overall health and relationships.
It is important that you get assistance in different areas of your life so you can avoid permanent or severe consequences. The most suitable healing methods for survivors will vary according to the person. Survivors are highly encouraged to find the best practices contributing to their recovery, which can include:
• Strengthening yourself: physically and emotionally
• Professional counseling for mental and emotional needs
• Ongoing medical treatment for any conditions that may emerge
• Surrounding yourself with those whom you trust and support you (e.g., loved ones, advocates, and other survivors)
“You will know that it’s time to take your power back when there is no other viable choice, because in the aftermath of loss, you discovered that you unraveled your own existence so that nothing could be taken from you again.”
B R I A N N A W I E S T
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• Government of Canada. "Physical assault abroad." Travel and tourism. 2023.
—-. "Sexual assault abroad." Travel and tourism. 2023.
• Warshaw, Robin. "I Never Called it Rape." Harper Perennial. 2019.
• Wright-Martell, Chris. “Knack Self-Defense for Women: Strategies, Moves & Everyday Tactics to Gain Confidence and Stay Safe.” Morris Book Publishing. 2011.
