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Sexual Assault

If, without you agreeing to it consciously, a friend, date, boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or stranger has: touched your body sexually, or penetrated you vaginally, anally or with an object or had oral sex with you...

You have been sexually assaulted.

Just because you:

  • used alcohol or other drugs,
  • argued or fought with your boyfriend or girlfriend or spouse,
  • can't remember details - or anything,
  • were afraid or felt peer pressure,
  • didn't fight back, didn't say no

Doesn't mean it wasn't sexual assault!

As a survrvivor you have the right to decide what you want to do, decide who to tell, be treated with respect by police, medical staff, counselors, court staff, friends and family, be listened to and to be supported, no matter what you decide to do, have your own feeling, be believed!

After being sexually assaulted, there are some immediate concerns. The most important thing to do is to take care of yourself by:

  • Getting medical attention. It is very important that you get medical attention. You may be injured, or you might be infected with a sexually transmitted disease, or you could become pregnant.
  • Deciding who to tell about the assault. You have the right to decide who and when to tell about the sexual assault. You have the right not to tell people you think will not understand or support you. You do not have to tell anyone you think will judge you or make you feel badly about yourself. You can decide to wait before you tell anyone. You can always decide to tell someone in the future if you feel comfortable doing so.
  • Reporting the assault. You always have the option of reporting the assault to the police. Physical evidence can be found on your body often up to 72 hours, and sometimes even after that. The sooner you report, the more likely there will be physical evidence of the crime. The chances that the rapist will be prosecuted are reduced if there is no physical evidence. If you decide to report you can also choose not to prosecute at a later date.

    As a student you have the added option of reporting the assault to the Office of Judicial Affairs or The Dean of Students.