What Are My Rights?

• You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity at all times by doctors, nurses, police officers, prosecutors and social workers who help you after the rape.
• You have the right to be given full and accurate information about your health.
• You have the right to emergency medical treatment if you are seriously injured even if you can’t pay fort it. Information about your health is confidential
• You have the right to refuse treatment
  

I’m worried about being exposed to HIV after rape. What can you do?

• There are anti-retroviral medicines that you can take that may reduce risk of becoming with HIV.
• You can take these medicines {anti-retroviral} if you have been raped or forced to have anal sex.
  

How can I get these medicines?

• Go to a doctor as soon as you can and ask about anti-retroviral medicines that could reduce the risk of getting HIV. The medicines are called “post exposure prophylaxis” or PEP. You must start taking the medicine as soon as possible. If more than 72 hours {3 days} have passed since you were raped, it is too late for these medicines to reduce the risk of getting HIV from rape.
• You should ask the doctor to give you an HIV test. before taking HIV test u must receive pre and post counseling
• While you are waiting for the results of the HIV test, the doctor may give you the medicines so that u can start taking immediately. This is called a starter pack.
• If you test HIV positive, the medicines that may reduce your risk of getting HIV from rape, will be stopped. Ask the doctor about things you can do look after yourself when you have HIV.
• If you test negative, take the medicine for 28 days. Remember that the pack of 3 days will not protect you from HIV. You must take the full course for all 28 days or it will not work.
• These are strong medicines and may have side effects like headaches, tiredness skin rash, a running stomach, nausea and others. These side effects are usual not serious and will not last long.
• Have another HIV test after six weeks, three months and again after six months after the rape.
  

Where Can I Get These Medicines?

You can get these medicines at state hospitals and some clinics for free.

Can Children Take These Medicines?

Yes. If you are over 14 you do not need your parents or guardian’s permission to have HIV test. If you are younger than 14 years, one of your parents, or your guardian or the Hospital superintendent will have to consent. (Source: Aids guide 2003/4)