If you need help...
If You've Just Been Sexually Assaulted:
- Make sure you are in a safe place.
- If you do not feel safe and need immediate police or medical assitance, call 9-1-1. . Police can also take you to the hospital or meet yout here.
- On campus, call 703-993-2810 to be connected to University Police.
- Contact someone who can help you: a friend, the police,Sexual Assault Services - any or all of the above. You can reach Sexual Asault Services at any time by calling our 24 Hour Cell Phone (703-380-1434).
- Get medical attention at a hospital emergency room right away. You do not have to report the incident to the police to be seen in the emeregemcy room or to have an evidence-gathering exam (a PERK).
- Seek medical help whether or not you want to report the incident. You may have injuries you are not aware of, and a doctor can help you do what you can to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For more details about all of your medical options please click here.
- Do not shower, drink or eat, douche, or change your clothes. These activities destroy important physical evidence in the event that you decide to prosecute the assailant.
- As soon as you have a quiet moment, write down everything that you remember happening, with as much detail as possible. This will help with your own healing process and in any legal action you might decide to take.
- Remember the assault was not your fault.
If the Assault Occurred Some Time Ago:
- You may just now be realizing that you still have options available to you.
- Consider seeking medical attention. You may still neede treatment of physical symptoms.
- Seek counseling. Unresolved experiences of sexual assault can have long term psychological and social effects. Click here for more information about the benefits of counseling.
- Consult with Sexual Assault Services to explore your options regarding:
- Receiving medical care
- Reporting the incident to the police,
- Pursuing campus judicial intervention
- Seeking academic or administrative intervention.
- Remember that sexual assault is never the victim's fault.
- Take advantage of resources that are there for you.
- Believe in yourself. Get the support you deserve and give yourself time to heal.
Contact Sexual Assault Services for more information about your options.
