Sexual Assault Information

What if a sexual assault occurs?

1. Contact  Public Safety and/or a Residential Life Staff Member (they will contact a Counselor)

2. Remember that it is not your fault

3. Don’t take a shower

4. Visit the Emergency Room for an evaluation/evidence collection

What if I want to press charges?
An officer will be called in to take your report and information from your hospital visit will become evidence.

What if I don’t want to press charges?
You can still follow the above procedures. You don’t have to press charges because you speak with a police officer or because you visit the hospital. You can also choose to report the assault to the University and not press charges; in this case the alleged perpetrator will go through the University’s judicial process.

What if the assault happened days, weeks or months ago?
Steps 1 and 2 above still apply. Report the case or speak directly to a Counselor and remember that it’s not your fault this happened to you. You can still choose to press charges or report the assault to the University.

What if a friend comes to me and discloses and assault?
If the assault just occurred encourage your friend to follow the steps above. Realize that your friend might not want physical contact (example: a hug) even though they might seem extremely distraught. If the assault occurred in the past encourage them to speak to a counselor and/or report the assault.