After sexual assault, go to a safe place and call 110; do not shower, wash clothes, or tidy the room before a medical exam, and visit a hospital within 72 hours.

42. After sexual assault, go to a safe place and call 110; do not shower, wash clothes, or tidy the room before a medical exam, and visit a hospital within 72 hours.

Cost: Calling the police costs nothing. Emergency contraceptives are over-the-counter medicines available at any pharmacy. Post-exposure prophylaxis treatment costs over a thousand yuan per course; whether it is needed must be decided by a doctor — see item 38 in this section regarding obtaining PEP within 72 hours. The real challenge is that it is extremely hard to speak up at the moment, and many victims simply want to take a shower right away.

In plain terms: Physical traces on the body, on clothing, and in the room are the most crucial evidence for identifying the perpetrator. Therefore, avoid showering, washing clothes, or cleaning the area before a medical exam, and call 110 as soon as possible. Emergency contraceptives are readily available at pharmacies and work best when taken early. Within 72 hours, visit a hospital so a doctor can determine if PEP is necessary.

Benefit: Prosecutors from the Beijing People’s Procuratorate state: “Whether minors or adults, anyone who experiences sexual assault should call 110 immediately.” Prompt reporting and medical care “allow investigators to examine the scene, collect physical evidence, and preserve proof in a timely manner.” A sexual assault prevention guide published by the Guizhou Provincial Civil Affairs Bureau and reprinted by People’s Daily advises: “If sexual assault occurs, preserving evidence is the top priority.” It recommends keeping “body fluids, hair, skin cells, and communication records” and warns that “after an assault, one must not shower, wash clothes, tidy the room, or throw anything away.” In cases involving acquaintances, preserving call logs and messages is essential; any threats or attempts at bribery by the perpetrator must also be documented. The Xicheng District Procuratorate in Beijing adds: “Try not to shower before undergoing a physical examination.” WHO notes that emergency contraception may be used “when a woman has been sexually assaulted without effective contraceptive protection,” recommending its use within five days for maximum effectiveness. Emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel have a pregnancy rate of 1.2% to 2.1% among users; in China, such pills are sold over the counter. According to the Wuhan Health Commission, “the sooner these pills are taken after unprotected intercourse — ideally within 72 hours — the better they prevent pregnancy.” PEP for HIV should be taken within two hours if possible, and no later than 72 hours.

Evidence grade: B

Sources: Beijing Municipal People's Procuratorate (2024). Fayan Drama - Watch "The Prosecutor of the Nine Parts" How should minors protect themselves in the face of illegal infringement? (Reprinted from China Central Radio and Television Station, Voice of China). <https://www.bjjc.gov.cn/c/bjoweb/mtbg1/75046.jhtml>; Guizhou Provincial Department of Civil Affairs (2024). Minors Sexual Assault Prevention Manual, parents and children please check it out! (Reprinted from People’s Daily). <https://mzt.guizhou.gov.cn/xwzx/mzyw/202407/t20240723_85145012.html>; People’s Procuratorate of Xicheng District, Beijing (2018). Why are they no longer silent…. <https://www.bjjc.gov.cn/c/xicheng/xjjsl/320654084.jhtml>; World Health Organization (2021). Emergency Contraception (Fact Sheet). <https://www.int/zh/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/emergency-contraception>; Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (2020). Safe and reasonable use of emergency contraception. <https://wjw.wuhan.gov.cn/ztzl_28/fyjkkp/szjk/202010/t20201009_1461161.shtml>; Beijing Municipal People’s Government. Can’t tell the difference between before and after? Six questions and six answers to comprehensively understand HIV pre-exposure/post-exposure prophylaxis. <https://www.beijing.gov.cn/fuwu/bmfw/jhsyfwzdzx/sjazbr/fakp/202311/t20231110_3299397.html>

Notes: This grade is assigned because these recommendations stem from official law‑enforcement experience and medical guidance; there are no statistics showing exactly how much they raise conviction rates. The main beneficiaries are the victim herself and her family. The 72‑hour window for emergency contraception reflects China’s product labeling; WHO states that it remains effective up to five days, though earlier use is preferable. These pills have no effect if pregnancy has already occurred. When reporting to police, provide a truthful account without exaggeration or concealment. Any attempts by the perpetrator to settle privately, pay compensation, or threaten you must be documented and never deleted. You may decide to wait before calling police, but be aware that evidence deteriorates over time. Regardless of whether you call police, seek medical care within the stipulated timeframe. Recordings related to this topic are discussed in item 41 of section 8. If the perpetrator later uses photos or police reports to blackmail you, this also constitutes a crime — see item 32 of section 8. If a friend experiences sexual assault, accompany her to report it and to the hospital; do not suggest she shower or rest first.