• Recall, in as much detail as possible, exactly what transpired.
   

• Record, in a journal or a document, the details in a linear manner. 
   

• Reach out to a trusted person and discuss the incident or incidents with them.
   

• Resolve how the incident or incidents made you feel, how it impacted you, and how it continues to impact you. 
   

• Reconcile with the fact that you faced violence – or did not – based on the evidence from the first four Rs.
   

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Acknowledging what happened is often a first step towards healing, and can feel like a significant or difficult step. Remember: 

 

• There is no pressure to press charges, to name the perpetrator, or to go public with your story. The decision to do any or all of these is solely yours.
   

• If you decide to report in any manner, there is no pressure to reveal your name or identity.
   

• Take all the advice you need and decide on a plan that you think will work for you – no one should force you to decide one way or another, nor should they impose their views on you, no matter how good.
   

• Labels and judgements, if any, are yours to adopt, to respond to, or to reject. You are more than what happened to you.