The best advice for assault victims is to seek medical attention and treatment. The next step would be to contact the police as soon as possible. The victim will need to recall every detail regarding the assault. A detailed description of the perpetrator is crucial. In many cases, legal counsel will be necessary, even for the victim, so obtaining a reputable attorney who specializes in this type of crime is a good plan.
Assault victims who have suffered from domestic abuse may face difficult decisions. Assault victims who have been abused by longtime partners may feel torn between reporting the abuse and staying in their relationships. If the victim can no longer withstand the abuse and needs to rectify the problem, contacting authorities and filing a complaint is typically the first course of action. If necessary, obtaining a restraining order to prevent future contact may be in the person's best interest.
Victims of sexual assault must deal with a particularly traumatic experience. It is essential to give police a detailed account of the crime, as well as a detailed description of the attacker. Recalling the type of clothing the assailant was wearing, as well as hair and skin color will be necessary. The attacker's height and approximate weight will also be pertinent information. For those assault victims who have been traumatized, finding a support group and obtaining some type of therapy may be beneficial.
Support for assault victims might come from family and friends or professional counseling. It is essential to be able to share one's experiences, fears, and feelings with others who are sympathetic. There are groups where people share similar experiences, which can often be beneficial. Recovery from a psychological standpoint can often often take time.
For anyone who is a victim of assault, getting proper medical attention will be crucial in establishing evidence of the crime. Obviously, the victim should have any wounds treated as soon as possible, but by visiting the hospital emergency room, the attending physician will be able to document the injury and make a report to give to the authorities.
Quite often students are faced with physical violence by peers at school. In the case of assault victims in a school setting, the victim needs to inform an authoritative figure. A teacher or guidance counselor should be able to help find a solution to the violence and stop the person from making further attacks. It is best to report the incident rather than hiding it from school officials to prevent it from escalating into serious problems.