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A doctor can help you (4/8)

© Yves Lambert

 

A sexual aggression is always traumatic. You can confide to a doctor what happened and what you are feeling without fear.

Doctors and nurses are increasingly better prepared to deal with rape victims. It is therefore better not to wait see a professional.

The medical consultation is essential

For your health

For the pursuit of your complaint

Aside from the healthcare you perhaps need, a doctor will prescribe:

  • the "next-day" pill to prevent the possibility of becoming pregnant in case no contraception was used
  • an antibiotic treatment against any possible sexually transmitted diseases
  • disease screening samples. You will be called back in for the results of these tests.

After a full exam and upon request, the doctor will give you a certificate which records all visible traces of trauma (scratches, strangulation marks, etc.) as well as your general state after this shock (anxiety, prostration, tears, agitation, etc.). This certificate will be very useful during the trial and, eventually, for any demand of punitive damages. It is important that this exam can be done as soon as possible as the elements of proof will be more detectable.

  • Vaginal swabs will also be necessary in order to identify the aggressor. Bring all the dirtied clothes, linen or objects which will have been saved in a paper bag.

[model of a medical certificate]

  • Also request a "Total incapacity to work" certificate (certificat d'incapacité totale de travail - ITT) [model], even if you don't have a professional activity.

If this initial medical examination is done in the medical-judicial service of a hospital emergency room, it is performed by a legal "expert" which may help avoid the need for additional exams during the criminal trial.

If at first you are scared of a medical exam, don't forget to at least get a pregnancy test after the 18th day after the rape, if you weren't protected by contraception. You can buy a test in any pharmacy. You can also get the test in any Family Planning Center (Centres de Planification Familiale.)

A rape that takes place in the work place or on the way to or from work is considered a work accident.

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