Houston, in Texas, is the fourth largest city in the United States. Unfortunately, the crime rate in the city is higher than in most states in the country. Your chances of becoming an assault victim are 1 in 20, which is 90 percent higher than the US average.
When you’re recovering from a violent crime like an assault, there’s a lot to do: filing a police report and medico-legal statement (if you choose), getting medical treatment and psychological help, hiring a Houston assault lawyer.
But what about those first few hours? What should you do right after the incident occurs?
Here are five things to do after an assault.
Get Medical Treatment
If you’ve been assaulted in Houston, you need to seek medical attention right away. You may have injuries that need to be treated, and you may also be suffering from shock or other psychological effects of the assault.
Leaving injuries untreated can lead to loss of function and other serious effects, so don’t put off going to the doctor.
You may need immediate medical attention even if you feel okay at first. If you have been assaulted, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible because there still might be damage to your body that you can’t necessarily see.
Call the Police
Getting medical help is excellent, but what if you have been assaulted? You need to file a police report to investigate the incident.
No one should suffer violence without someone responsible for being held accountable for it.
The police will need as much information as possible about the assault, so be prepared to describe what happened.
If you have any evidence – such as photographs of your injuries or video or audio of the assault taking place – make sure to bring that with you when you go to the police station.
Hire an Attorney
According to 2019 reports, the violent crime rate in Houston was higher than the national violent crime rate average by 182.59 percent, and the property crime rate in Houston was higher than the national property crime rate average by 104.72 percent.
If you’ve been assaulted or are accused of assaulting someone else, it’s a good idea to hire an attorney. You may learn more here about the experienced and skilled criminal defense attorneys to defend yourself.
A Houston assault lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system and can represent your interests in court.
Assault is a serious crime, and the consequences can be severe. An attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights.
Get Psychological Help
If you’ve been assaulted, you may be suffering from psychological effects such as shock, fear, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress.
Seeking psychological help can be a significant step in recovering from an assault and getting your life back on track.
Many people don’t want to admit that they need help with the emotional effects of an assault, but no one should suffer in silence.
Whether you see a grief counselor, talk with a therapist, or another type of mental health professional, getting help is crucial to your healing process.
Talk to Friends and Family
It can be helpful to speak with someone about what happened when you’ve been assaulted. Friends and family may provide support and understanding, and they can also help keep you accountable as you work through the healing process.
Talking about what happened can be difficult, but it can also be helpful in terms of healing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the people you trust for support.
An assault can leave lasting physical and psychological damage. If you’ve been assaulted, make sure to seek medical attention, file a police report, and hire an attorney.
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