III. Procedures for Survivors of Sexual Assault or Rape

Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone. There is no typical survivor. Statistics indicate that anywhere from 85–90% of all sexual assaults occur between people who know each other.

If a friend has been assaulted or raped:

1. Listen and be supportive.
2. Let your friend make her or his own choices.
3. Encourage your friend to immediately contact the Sexual Assault Response Advocate or one of the other Sexual Assault Network Contacts listed below.
4. Stay with your friend during interviews and examinations if she or he wants you to do so.
5. Take care of yourself. You may need to talk with someone about how this has affected you.

The resources listed in this section are for you as well.

If you have been assaulted or raped, you have control of the choices you can make. The following are recommendations to assist you in dealing with this crime:

1. Do not blame yourself. Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault.
2. Go to a safe location.
3. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.
4. Do not shower, bathe, or douche. The only way medical evidence can be collected is if it is left intact.
5. Contact one or more of the following resources.