Resources for After Sexual Assault
There aren’t enough words to comfort you or to heal your pain, but we aim to give you some resources so you can progress and find your safety again. Always remember, even when it’s hard, this is not your fault and you are never to blame.
First 72 hours:
Please don’t feel guilty if you have passed this period or if you choose not to contact medical help. You are entitled to deal with this event in the way you feel most comfortable.
However, if around 72 hours hasn’t passed, you can see a medical facility to collect trace evidence and receive a morning after pill (if applicable) as well as advice regarding STD testing.
If you’re interested in this you can contact the Centrum Seksueel Geweld. Their number for the Groningen Drenthe area is 0800 0188 (24/7 support). They detail the process on their website (which is also available in English) at: https://www.centrumseksueelgeweld.nl
Remember that having an exam does not mean you have to report the assault. That is a personal choice.
If you choose not to do this, it is still advisable to purchase a morning after pill (if applicable), it’s available at any pharmacy for under 10 euros. You should also consider scheduling an STD test. The Netherlands offers free tests to anyone under the age of 25 at Sense locations (tests are always free for members of at risk groups, check the website for more info). If you’re over 25 and not of those groups, Sense still offers testing, just for a fee.
More information is available at: https://ggd.groningen.nl/
The Studentarts also offers testing.
Some side notes: this is a lot of information and seems rather harsh. Many don’t feel comfortable with something so invasive and that’s okay. Don’t feel guilty if you’ve decided not to or have showered before an exam. It’s only natural to want to get rid of any proof of such a horrible event.
Healing:
Healing after assault is a difficult journey but you can get through this!
You may feel alone but you are not. If you are comfortable with it, try reaching out to someone you trust or a therapist. There are also centers that you can call that can provide immediate assistance as finding a therapist can take some time.
Slachtofferhulp offers emotional, medical and legal support and help in planning your road to recovery.
They’re available at 0900 0101 (Monday – Friday 8:00 – 21:00 and Saturday from 10:00 – 17:00).
They are also available via Facebook, Twitter and email which are all linked on their website.
Their website is in Dutch but don’t let this intimidate you, there are workers who speak English and will be able to help.
https://www.slachtofferhulp.nl/
The Center for Sexual Violence also offers these services and is available at 0800 0188. They answer their phones 24/7 so support is available at any time. Their site is also translated to English which can make these times a bit less stressful.
https://www.centrumseksueelgeweld.nl
Sometimes it can be frustrating and you may need someone who understands, someone who has been through it too. If you feel this way or feel alone you can send an email to notalonegron@gmail.com. This is by no means an official organization but it works similarly to a support group. This is run by a survivor and member of Let’s Talk About Sex so feel free to get in contact, even if you just need more information.
If you are a student at RUG you can also contact the student psychologists. They provide basic services and are more prepared for stress than for sexual assault, but they can refer you to specialized help. The first meeting is also free of charge. More information and a digital signup is available at the website below:
http://student.portal.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/studenten-service-centrum/studenten-psychologen
You can message us via Facebook (Let’s Talk About Sex Groningen) if you would like more information.
From all of us at Let’s Talk About Sex, we’re sending you so much support and wishing you all the best as you move forward.