Getting help if you have been sexually assaulted

It is not your fault.
You are not alone.

Believe in yourself.

Remember that no matter what the circumstances, you are not to blame for what happened to you. Give yourself permission to do what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Tell someone you trust for support.

This could be anyone, so think about who would be the most supportive. This person may be a good listener or be able to provide resources and options.

Trust your instincts. Don't downplay the danger. If you feel unsafe, you probably are. Take threats seriously.

Develop a safety plan, if needed.

This includes things like deciding who you can call when you need help, changing your daily routine, arranging for a place to stay and using the buddy system. The SARIS Specialist or UW Police Department Crime Victim Advocate can help you create a safety plan.

Seek medical care.

Medical care after a sexual assault can be helpful for treating or preventing illness and injury. Generally, you want to have tests done as soon as possible or within 72 hours. Having a medical exam within 72 hours is best for collecting physical evidence of the sexual assault. Even if you are not sure you are ready to file a police report, it may be reassuring to have the evidence if you decide to press charges later. Explore all of your options for testing and medical care.

Contact SARIS for support, advocacy and resources.

The SARIS specialist listens and supports all students by providing a confidential place to discuss sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and related issues. The SARIS specialist can assist you in reporting to the police and in exploring and arranging for counseling, academic help or changes in living situations.

Report to the police.

If you decide to report to the police, you can call the UW Police Department and the police officer will meet you in a location of your choice. You can also contact SARIS to review your reporting options. It is your decision to file a report or to go forward with an investigation, and you do not have to make it immediately. However, if you decide to file a report, it would be advantageous to your case to do this as soon as possible. If you are making an immediate police report, evidence may be preserved in the following ways: do not wash, bathe, or brush your teeth; don't remove sheets or clothes; and don't straighten up or touch anything in the area where the assault took place.

Seek supportive counseling.

Regardless of whether you get a medical exam or report the assault, you may want help dealing with the impact of the assault. The Counseling Center and Hall Health Mental Health are resources on campus. SARIS can also provide referrals to off-campus community services.

Investigate other reporting options.

Sexual assault, sexual harassment, physical abuse and threats are violations of the UW Student Conduct Code. Community Standards and Student Conduct (CSSC) can help you make a formal report and determine if the University can take action for these behaviors. You may want to talk to a lawyer or legal advocate about civil lawsuits and other options.

Resources

On Campus
Community Standards and Student Conduct (CSSC)
Counseling Center
Hall Health
Office of the Ombudsman
Q Center
SafeCampus
UW Police Department

Local
Asian Counseling & Referral Service
Asian & Pacific Islander Women and Family Safety Center
Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services
Chaya - Services for South Asian women
Consejo Counseling & Referral Service for the Latino community
Crisis Clinic - 24-hour crisis line and community resource directory 866-4CRISIS
Eastside Domestic Violence Program
Harborview Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress (HCSATS)
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
(KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line 888-99-VOICE
New Beginnings
Northwest Network for Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse
Legal Voice

National
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network - RAINN
National Sexual Violence Resource Center

References

Department of Justice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women
National Center for Victims of Crime
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network - RAINN