UNIVERSITY POLICE
What to do if a Friend is Sexually Assaulted
Often, individuals other than trained counselors are the first to learn of a sexual assault/rape. In the event that someone shares this information with you, the following procedures must be followed. However, the victim may choose not to proceed further at any point.
As the initial contact person, if someone shares with you information about a sexual assault, share with them the following information and resources available to them.
Make sure the victim is in a safe place and secure environment.
Be patient with the victim.
Encourage the victim to try to preserve all physical evidence. This includes refraining from bathing/washing, using the toilet, or changing clothing. If the victim has changed clothing, place the clothing worn at the time of the assault in a paper, not plastic, bag. The victim may or may not choose to press charges in the future, but preserving physical evidence will give her/him the option to choose later.
Encourage the victim to seek medical treatment. This step is important so that the victim receives proper assessment and treatment of any physical injuries he/she may have sustained. Furthermore, it is important to determine the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy, and take preventative measures. Additionally, this step is necessary to gather evidence in the event the victim chooses to prosecute. Physical evidence should be collected immediately, ideally within the first 24 hours. It may be collected later than this, but the quality and quantity of evidence may be diminished.
Encourage the victim to contact, or allow you to contact, University Police by calling 472-3360.
NOTE: Reporting an incident is a separate step from choosing to prosecute. When a report is filed, the victim is not obligated to continue with legal proceedings or University disciplinary action.
The name of the victim may be reported if the victim consents to be identified or is incapacitated and unable to make a decision on his/her own behalf.
In addition, any other information that can be used to infer a victim's identity may be reported if the victim consents to being identified or is incapacitated and unable to make a decision on his/her own behalf. This applies to such information as the victim's address, the victim's place of employment, year in school, etc.
The caller must indicate, minimally, that a sexual assault has occurred. Anonymity can be maintained at this point.
Encourage the victim to talk with a trained counselor and/or sexual assault advocate who can maintain confidentiality, help explain the victim's options, give information, and provide emotional support.
Ask the victim if there is someone he/she would like to contact or would like you to contact for them.