13% of undergraduate and graduate students in the United States experience rape or sexual assault. A large portion of the sexual assault occurs with undergraduate students, 26% of undergrad females and 7% of undergrad males experience sexual assault. The article below outlines how to report sexual harassment in college.
Potential Options after Sexual Assault Occurs
Obtaining Support
Universities across the country have individuals ready to assist sexual assault victims off and on campus. University counselors tend to provide free and confidential services to students who experienced sexual assault and are suffering from trauma caused by the event.
Reporting the Sexual Assault to the College
Students have a few options when deciding to report a case of sexual assault:
- A student can submit a report anonymously to the proper department at their university. This tends to be the dean of students at most universities.
- A student can also submit a report with all the necessary information, including their name and other essential details, outlined by that university
- Reporting options may vary depending on the college a student attends.
Related: Sexual Assault on College Campuses
Official Non-Anonymous Reports
A student may choose to file an official complaint with the dean of students at their university. This will initiate an investigation process and the accused party will receive notification of the allegation brought against them. After the investigation is concluded both parties will be notified of the outcome.
Another option is to report the sexual misconduct to a professor, assistant professor, or faculty member that an individual has good reason to trust. University faculty are required to report any cases of sexual assault they hear about to the dean of students. Other individuals who will be required to bring the information to the dean of students would be peer leaders, student government officials, and other influential organization individuals.
Reporting Cases of Sexual Assault to the Police
If the student chose to report the sexual misconduct to their university, the university faculty can assist the student in establishing contact with the police. Universities encourage students to file a report with the university or police as soon as possible in order for the police or university to obtain as much information, evidence, and witnesses as possible.
Related: How to Report Sexual Assault in California
What to Do If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted at College
Go to a safe place
Go to an RA, a trustworthy friend, or a campus safe room as soon as possible. If you have been sexually assaulted do not brush your hair or teeth, change clothes, shower, bathe, or urinate. It is understandable that a victim of assault would want to quickly cleanse themselves, but these actions may dispose of DNA evidence that could actually benefit one’s case.
Talk to someone you trust
By talking about the event, the healing process begins; it’s in the best interest of the victim to speak with a friend, coach, professor, counselor, etc. Whoever the victim is most comfortable with. Once again, a victim should be aware that college faculty are required to report the incident.
Related: What to Do If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted at College
FAQS
Should I report the sexual assault if I was indirectly impacted by it?
If possible, ask the victim of the sexual assault whether they’d like for you to report it; if not, choosing to report anonymously or directly could be in the victim’s and your best interest. Sexual assault can have a web-like effect, which negatively impacts witnesses, family, and friends. Reporting the event may help a witness suffering from sexual assault trauma find closure.
What should I do if I was sexually assaulted by a student off-campus?
As a college student, you can use your university resources to deal with sexual assault. Even if the perpetrator is not a student, you can report the event to your university; school officials can help get you in contact with the police.
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one is seeking to report sexual harassment in college, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our Campus Sexual Assault Attorneys in California today!