Safety
The first step immediately after a sexual assault is getting to safe place. Find a place where you feel secure and comfortable (a friend's dorm room or apartment, a resident advisor's dorm room).
Medical Treatment
You should have a specialized medical examination as soon as possible after a sexual assault, even if you think you do not have any physical injuries. You may have injuries of which you are not aware. It is also important to discuss with a doctor or nurse the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or pregnancy resulting from a sexual assault and to get information on ways to deal with these risks. If you get medical care within 72 hours after a sexual assault, you may be able to receive preventive treatment for certain STIs.
Specialized medical care services may be available on your campus (e.g., in the Student Health Service) or in the community (e.g., at a hospital emergency department or a specialized clinic). Although many campus Student Health Centers do not provide sexual assault evidentiary examinations, they will refer you to an appropriate resource.
Student Health Centers usually offer on-campus, follow-up medical care, such as testing for STIs and pregnancy, and preventive treatment.
Finding Help
On Campus
On college campuses, there are many places to which you can turn for help. Most colleges offer assistance for sexual assault survivors through the Student Counseling Center, Student Health Service, Women's Center, Student Affairs Office, Security, and other campus departments.
In addition, many colleges have victim advocates who provide confidential, free services for students who are sexually assaulted. An advocate can give you information about your rights and options and can help you think through various courses of action. An advocate can also refer you to campus and community resources for any services you need, such as counseling, medical care, and academic assistance. On most campuses, you can utilize the advocate's services regardless of whether or not you decide to make a police report or officially notify campus officials about the sexual assault.
Off Campus
If you do not want to receive services on your campus, you can contact resources in the community, such as the local rape crisis center. You can obtain this information by contacting the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network 24/7 at 800.656.4673 or (www.rainn.org). Most rape crisis centers offer free confidential services.
Legal Assistance
Depending on the location of the crime (on or off campus), and any special circumstances surrounding the crime, campus crime victims may report an incident or crime to:
- Campus police
- Local police
- Resident/hall advisors
- Fraternal Organizations (alumni advisors)
- Crisis or counseling centers
- Victim assistance programs
If you are sexually assaulted by another student
- You can report the assault to the police and pursue criminal charges against the assailant. If you make a police report, you may be eligible for victim compensation benefits through the state's crime victim compensation program. In many states, these benefits include reimbursement for medical care and counseling expenses related to the assault. You should consult with a rape crisis center, another victim assistance agency, or an attorney regarding victim compensation benefits in your state.
- You can report the assault to campus officials. After an investigation, the college may decide to hold a campus disciplinary hearing to determine whether to take disciplinary action against the offender. Disciplinary actions imposed by the college may include suspension or expulsion.
- You also may be able to file a civil suit in which you sue the assailant or a third party to recover a monetary award for the injuries you have suffered.
If you want additional information about your options, you can talk with a campus advocate, a counselor, or an attorney. You can also contact a hotline or a rape crisis center on campus or in the community.
Support
Surviving a sexual assault can be both physically and psychologically traumatic resulting in both short and long term effects. Survivors seek the support of family, friends or professionals throughout their journey towards healing. Professional assistance or referrals to assistance may be available through the following resources:
- Campus/residence hall staff
- On campus crisis centers
- Off campus crisis centers (RAINN 800.656.4673 or www.rainn.org)
- School counseling services
- Community mental health agencies
