Sexual Assault:
Procedures and Resources in Case of Sexual Assault:
Both men and women can be victims of sexual assault. The consequences, medical and emotional, may be numerous, long-lasting and painful. Due to the myths and misconceptions surrounding this issue, many victims hesitate to seek support or professional help.
If you are sexually assaulted:
Get to a safe place.
Reach out to someone you trust for support: for example a friend, parent, resident assistant, staff or faculty member.
Even if you don't think that you've been seriously injured physically, medical attention is always recommended. The local hospital for sexual assault medical support is available for telephone crisis counseling.
The Emergency Room is also available for treatment.
The Phone number is available through the school nurse.
If you wish, the school’s Public Safety team will provide transportation to Emergency Room: call them for help on their listed number. You need not file a formal report or press charges to receive their assistance with transportation.
Until your medical examination, you are advised not to bathe, shower, douche or change clothes. If possible, you should also not urinate, eat, drink or smoke.
If you decide to formally report the sexual assault, you can contact the school's SSMS Portal site 24 hours a day or the office of the principal during school hours.
Whether or not you want to formally report the sexual assault, you are encouraged to seek professional help and support. Counseling and Student Health Services are resources for professional assistance; services of Counseling are confidential.
If a friend is sexually assaulted:
Many times victims choose not to tell anyone about the assault. If a friend of yours has been sexually assaulted and turns to you for support, the most important thing you can do is listening and:
Believe your friend; don't question him/her.
Tell your friend it was NOT his/her fault.
Refer your friend to one of the resources listed here.
Encourage your friend to seek medical attention.
Know your own limitations; seek assistance and support if needed.
Information about medical and counseling resources for sexual assault victims outside the local area is available on the SSMS Portal site.
Believe in yourself; give yourself time to heal and to make decisions. It's okay to change your mind and decide to seek professional help or report the sexual assault even if you were initially reluctant to do so.
