Getting Help if You are Being Sexually Harassed

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 is happening to you. Give yourself permission to do what you need to do to take care of yourself.

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

Tell the harasser to stop.

Be direct, firm and clear about what type of behavior is unacceptable and that you want it to stop. If the harasser continues the behavior, you have options for reporting it.

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 resource and options.

Keep evidence and a record.

When the harasser contacts you, write down the comments, time, date and place. Keep e-mails, phone messages, texts, letters or notes. Ask witnesses to write down what they saw.

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.

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. The harasser may have broken other laws by doing things like assaulting you or stealing or destroying your property.

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 and in exploring and arranging for counseling, academic or work changes.

Seek supportive counseling.

You may want help dealing with the anxiety, fear or other feelings the harassment has caused. 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.

Community Standards and Student Conduct (CSSC)
Sexual assault, sexual harassment, physical abuse and threats are violations of the UW Student Conduct Code. CSSC can help you make a formal report and determine if the University can take action for these behaviors.

Office of the Ombudsman
Mediates sexual harassment complaints.

Title IX Policies Against Sexual Harassment

University Complaint Investigation & Resolution Office - UCIRO
Conducts investigations of employee sexual harassment and other issues.

Consider a protection order.

Protection orders are civil court orders that can help protect a victim from a harasser by ordering the person to stop doing threatening acts, to stay away from the places you go and to stop contacting you. There are different types of protection orders depending on the nature of the violence or harassment and the relationship between people.

Resources

On Campus
Community Standards and Student Conduct (CSSC)
Counseling Center
Hall Health
Office of the Ombudsman
SafeCampus
Title IX Policies Against Sexual Harassment
University Complaint Investigation & Resolution Office - UCIRO
UW Police Department

Local
Asian Counseling & Referral Service
Consejo Counseling & Referral Service for the Latino community
Crisis Clinic - 24-hour crisis line and community resource directory 866-4CRISIS
Northwest Network for Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse
Legal Voice

References

National Center for Victims of Crime Stalking Resource Center
University of Michigan Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center