1. Move to a safe environment and seek support from someone you trust.

2. Sexual assault is an act of aggression and the attacker is always at fault. It is never your fault.

3. Seek medical help for first aid and to prevent pregnancy, STDs and other infections.

4. Do not brush your teeth, use the toilet, wash or bathe after the assault until medico-legal evidence is taken.

5. Put the clothes you were wearing in an airtight plastic bag without cleaning them, so that evidence is not lost.

6. Seek counselling support if you feel you need it.

7. Reach out for help if someone threatens or blackmails you or if you feel frightened.

8. Always remember that you have no reason to feel guilty or ashamed. You have a beautiful life ahead of you. Living well is the best gift you can give yourself.

YOUR RIGHTS POST SEXUAL ASSAULT

1. You can give a complaint at any police station or to a Magistrate.

2. You can ask for a lady police officer.

3. There is no time frame within which you have to file a complaint. However, it is advised that the assault is reported at the earliest as it is easier to collect evidence.

4. Medical examination will be conducted only after getting your consent or that of a person who can give consent on your behalf.

5. You are entitled to a copy of the medical report.

6. If the assault happened when you were an adult, nobody can force you to file a complaint if you do not want to.

7. You have the right to free legal aid.

8. You can record your statement privately, in front of a magistrate.

9. You have the right to privacy and your name, photo, address or other personal details are not to be revealed to the public.