Minnesota woman who survived rape in room facing window

Rape is sex you don’t agree to. Rape is an act of violence, power, and aggression.

“I didn’t say no or try to fight, so was I raped?”

Healthy relationships are about consent and respect. Rape has nothing to do with love, passion, or sex between two partners.

Most victims are raped by someone they already know; a friend, partner, co-worker, boy/girlfriend, or even a spouse. This can be confusing at times, because you may already have some type of relationship with the person that assaulted you.

It is still rape:

  • If you are under the age of consent
  • If you are are forced or threatened
  • If you are drugged or “roofied”
  • If you are unconscious (drugged, drunk, asleep)
  • If you are fearful of physical harm from your attacker and don’t protest

If you have been raped, you may want to seek help and medical attention.

If you choose to have a medical exam, keep the following in mind:

  • You can ask to have an advocate (supportive helper) with you throughout the process
  • For the purposes of the medical exam and collecting evidence, do not shower, brush your teeth, or douche
  • Bring any evidence (for example, if you’ve changed your clothing, put the clothes you were wearing in a paper bag and take with you to the hospital)
  • If you think you may have been drugged, alert medical personnel
  • Know that some “date rape drugs” exit the body fairly quickly, within 8 hours
  • If you are able, don’t urinate (pee) until the exam or urinate into a clean container and bring it with you to the hospital

Get the Advice and Help You Need

If you are unsure what to do, call the Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline at 1.866.223.1111 to speak with an advocate (interpreters are available), text 612.399.9995, or click the CHAT NOW button on this site to connect with a Day One advocate. 

There are advocates available in your area that can help you find local resources and can support you in your process, whatever it may be (i.e. reporting, seeking medical attention, talking with an advocate, or just sharing your story). A Day One advocate is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Stay Connected

Get email from Cornerstone each month.

Subscribe

Archives

Categories

What does it mean to be trauma-informed?

Our advocates understand the impact of trauma on adults and youth. Our staff, services and buildings prioritize physical, psychological and emotional safety and are space for victims/survivors to have a sense of control and feel empowered to make their own choices.

Contact Us

Schedule an appointment with a Cornerstone advocate by calling 952.884.0376. To connect with us after hours, please call our local 24/7 crisis line at 952.884.0330. Interpreters are available.

Contact the School-Based Services Team

Advocates are available Monday through Friday from 10am to 2pm.

Schedule an appointment with a Cornerstone SBS advocate by calling 651.583.8450 or emailing sbs@cornerstonemn.org.

For support after hours, please call the 24/7 crisis line at 1.866.223.1111.

Cornerstone’s School-Based Services team is also online at www.facebook.com/cornerstonemnsbs and www.instagram.com/cornerstonemnsbs.

Need help? Out of state?

There is help for you. Contact our national partners and get started on your road to safety and well-being today.

Culturally-Specific Help

Are you living with disabilities, elderly, an indigenous person, an immigrant, an LGBTQIA+ person, a member of a specific racial/ethnic group or an under-aged person? There are resources available, especially for you.

Support Survivors

Your tax-deductible donations make a real difference to those affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and general crime.

Donate Now
Cornerstone Logo

Day One® is a statewide program of Cornerstone.

Donate

Who we are

A Cornerstone program, Minnesota Day One® provides help and resources for victims of general crime, domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or those concerned about their relationships anywhere in Minnesota, and Fargo, ND.

Learn More

 

Our Network Partners

Minnesota Day One® connects Minnesotans to Network Partners providing services across the state to victims and survivors of crime and domestic violence. Learn more about our partners.

Office Contact

Copyright © 2024 Minnesota Day One®