The Epic Foundation is encouraging survivors of abuse, assault and violence to familiarise themselves with the immediate steps to take following an incident, saying that access to reliable information can make a significant difference during a crisis.

The organisation said the first priority should always be personal safety. Survivors should move to a safe place; contact someone they trust and call the police or emergency services if they are in immediate danger.

If children are involved, they should also be taken to safety.

Seeking medical care as soon as possible is equally important, even when there are no visible injuries.

Medical professionals can:

• Treat injuries

• Assess a survivor’s well-being

• Provide emergency contraception where appropriate

• Help prevent certain sexually transmitted infections

• Prescribe HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which should be started within 72 hours after sexual assault

• Refer survivors for counselling and other support services.

The foundation also advises survivors who may wish to report the incident to preserve evidence, where possible, by avoiding bathing, changing clothes, or cleaning the area before receiving medical attention.

However, it stressed that those who have already done so should still seek medical care and can still report the incident.

The organisation noted that reporting an incident is a personal decision and that support services are available regardless of whether a survivor chooses to open a criminal case.

The Epic Foundation reminded survivors that:

• What happened is not your fault

• There is no right or wrong way to respond to trauma

• Your safety and well-being come first

• You do not have to face this alone

• Support, safety and healing are possible

The organisation’s The Lighthouse information hub provides guidance on immediate response, evidence preservation, medical care, reporting options and available support services for survivors and their loved ones.

For more information, visit www.epicfoundation.org.za, email info@epicfoundation.org.za or call 082 940 6230.