Survivors have 72 hours to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) that can prevent HIV.
Campaigns
Every Hour Matters
Our Every Hour Matters campaign was launched to increase awareness of the critical importance of immediate access to post-rape care.
According to the Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS), led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the Together for Girls partnership, around 25 percent of girls’ first sexual intercourse was physically forced or coerced, and the majority of cases happened before the age of 16.
Tragically, the data also shows that many survivors do not report their assault, and even fewer receive the services and care they need.
Why don't survivors come forward about sexual violence?
- Self-blame
- Fear of retaliation from the perpetrator
- Shame
- Fear they won't be believed
Despite high rates of rape, many people are unaware that:
Female survivors have 120 hours to receive emergency contraception (EC) to prevent pregnancy.
Depending on the circumstances, rapid treatment for trauma may also prevent other short- and long-term health consequences.
The 'Every Hour Matters youth engagement toolkit' is a comprehensive resource, with key messages and tools, for youth-led organizations delivering vital information on post-rape care to their local youth populations through educational workshops.
Learn more about the campaign
Campaign partners:
Additional resources
For additional information on post-rape care for young people and providing survivor-centered support, the following resources may be useful: