Sexual Assault

	Educational Programs For Schools & Groups
Rape Myths & Facts
Safety Tips
	Sexual Assault Statistics & Facts
Types Of Sexual Assault
Sexual Harassment
Rape Trauma Syndrome
	What To Do If You Or A Child Has Been Sexually Assaulted
	Health Implications Of Sexual Assault
	Teen Pregnancy & Sexual Assault
Men Can Stop Rape
	How To Help Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted
	Bibliography & Web Links

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STD Facts

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are of particular concern to survivors of sexual assault. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a variety of serious, sometimes painful, and harmful diseases and infections. Some STDs affect sexual and reproductive organs. Others, like HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis) cause general body infections.

Some STDs do not carry any signs or symptoms, so a person can have one without knowing about it. Other times, the symptoms may come and go without any treatment. Even if the symptoms do disappear, the infection may still exist in your body, and you have to be tested and treated. A few STDs cannot be cured, but most can be cured if you get treatment.

Here are the most common STDs and links to the Centers for Disease Control Website to get more information:

• HIV/AIDS: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/general.htm
• Bacterial Vaginosis: http://www.cdc.gov/std/BV/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm
• Chlamydia: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm
• Genital Herpes: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm
• Gonorrhea: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/STDFact-gonorrhea.htm
• Human Pappilomavirus (HPV): http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
• Syphilis: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm
• Trichomoniasis: http://www.cdc.gov/std/Trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm

Pregnancy

Many women seek medical treatment after a sexual assault in order to protect themselves against pregnancy. In Illinois, victims of sexual assault can receive free medical attention in emergency rooms and trauma centers throughout the state. When such treatment is sought, victims receive medication or a prescription for emergency contraception in order to avoid pregnancy that could result from a sexual assault. Perpetrators who cause a pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease when they commit a sexual assault can be charged with a more serious offense.

Teenagers who are sexually assaulted or abused are severely affected by pregnancy resulting from sexual assault/abuse.

Emergency Contraception:

Illinois law now requires providing information about Emergency Contraception (EC) to victims of sexual assault in emergency rooms throughout the state. Many hospitals provide the "morning after pill" to patients who want it if they come in subsequent to a rape. Other hospitals provide only information about how to get the pills but do not administer it.

Until emergency contraception is provided over the counter by pharmacists, women must get a prescription for emergency contraception. To follow are websites about EC:

Princeton University's Website on Emergency Contraception: http://ec.princeton.edu/

Planned Parenthood's Website on EC: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ec/

Planned Parenthood in Illinois provides online ordering of Emergency Contraception through an online assessment and charge to a credit card.