After Sexual Assault

Care information and support guide

Experiencing sexual assault affects your body, emotions, thoughts, and sense of safety. Everyone responds differently. There’s no right way to feel.

You may have different reactions in the hours, days, weeks, or months after the assault. Healing takes time. Be patient with yourself and get support when you need it.

Common reactions after a sexual assault

There are many reactions to trauma. You may experience a few or many of these common reactions. You may feel some right away, others may come later or change over time.
Emotional

• fear
• anxiety
• shame or guilt
• anger or irritability
• sadness or depression
• numbness

Cognitive (thoughts and mental processing)

• difficulty concentrating
• unwanted memories
• self-blame
• feeling disconnected from others

Physical

• sleep difficulties or nightmares
• changes in appetite
• fatigue (extreme tiredness that doesn’t go away with normal rest)

If you feel overwhelmed or you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or call Canada’s Suicide and Crisis Helpline at 988.

Taking care of your physical health

Taking care of yourself is an important part of your recovery. Use these general tips to help your body begin to heal.

• Rest when you can.
• Drink fluids and eat regular meals.
• Follow any treatment instructions given to you.
• Attend all recommended follow-up appointments.

You may also have other physical symptoms after an assault. Some will heal without treatment over time, others may need more care.

Soreness, bruising, cuts

Soreness or bruising may get worse for a couple of days, then slowly get better. Cuts and sores usually heal within 2 weeks.

• Use cold compresses for up to 10 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, warm baths may help. Do not add bubble bath, bath bombs or oils to the water.
• Keep cuts clean and dry.
• For cuts or sores in your mouth, rinse with warm salt water. Use half a teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Try not to eat spicy or acidic foods until healed.

Go back to the emergency department or call 911 if you have moderate to heavy bright red bleeding or are concerned about the amount.

Choking (strangulation) injuries

Being choked or strangulated can cause serious internal injuries that may not show up right away. These symptoms can start within 3 days (72 hours).

Get medical help or call 911 if you have:

• trouble breathing or swallowing
• swelling or pain in your neck or throat
• voice changes or coughing that doesn’t stop
• blurred vision or seizures
• severe or ongoing headaches
• vomiting

Head injury
A head injury is any injury to the scalp, skull, or brain caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Head injuries can range from mild (such as a bump or concussion) to severe and may affect how your brain functions.

A head injury can affect how you feel for a few days or longer.

If you were hit on the head or face:

• rest and listen to your body
• follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, including whether you need someone to watch you or when you can return to activities like driving
• ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about pain medicine if needed

Get medical help right away at the nearest emergency department or urgent care if you have persistent vomiting, worsening headache, or any other neurological symptoms (such as confusion, weakness, numbness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking).

Sexual health follow-up

Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up testing for:

• Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis
• HIV and Hepatitis B or C
• pregnancy

Some infections may not show up on tests right away. This is why follow-up testing at 1 month and 3 months is recommended.

If you are given medicines after the assault, take them exactly as directed. Follow up with a healthcare provider if you are having symptoms or any concerns.

Supporting your emotional healing

Healing is different for everyone. Some people want to talk about what happened. Others do not.

Things that may help include:

• spend time with supportive people
• talk with a counsellor
• connect with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, spiritual leaders, or cultural supports
• creative activities such as journaling, art, or music
• gentle exercise or movement
• practice grounding or relaxation techniques
• keep regular sleep and meal routines

Try to be kind to yourself. What happened was not something you chose. What happened to you was not your fault.

Getting support

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Support services are available that can provide:

• emotional support
• counselling
• crisis intervention
• information about reporting options
• court and legal system support
• help connecting with community resources

Alberta-wide support

Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence: Call or text: 1-866-403-8000

• available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (MST), 7 days a week
• crisis support and help finding sexual assault support service
• contact for details on supports closest to you

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988

• available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Indigenous Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310

• available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Health Link: Call 811

• available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• health advice and information

Emergency Call 911

• if you’re in immediate danger
• if you have a medical emergency
• available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Regional resources and support

For resources in your area, choose the link closest to you.

Northern Alberta area (PDF)

Edmonton and area (PDF)

Red Deer and Central Alberta area (PDF)

Calgary and area (PDF)

Southern Alberta and area (PDF)

To see this information online and learn more, visit

MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_sexual_assault_care_supports_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: July 28, 2026
Author: Sexual and Reproductive Health, Primary Care Alberta

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.