If a student has experienced sexual assault at college, they may be confused, upset, angry, and unsure of what to do. It can be scary to move forward, but here are some steps that students can take if they have been sexually assaulted at college.
Immediately after experiencing assault at college, students should find safety, seek medical attention and support, and document the incident. If the student wishes to take action against their assaulter, they should work to report the incident to the school and consider filing criminal or civil charges.
Immediately After an Assault
1. Find Safety
Victims of sexual assault may feel disoriented or confused after the incident has taken place, but it is important to immediately get to a safe location. Seek emotional and physical safety to take care of the mind and body. Reach out to trusted friends or family to arrange a safe living situation and for support.
2. Seek Medical Attention and Support
Medical professionals can provide a safe space for victims to begin the healing process. They can take care of the victim’s physical wounds and collect samples that may identify predators and scan for STIs. They can also help victims work through trauma and provide counseling. Anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence should seek medical assistance to treat possible mental health issues caused by the assault.
In addition to medical assistance, victims should reach out for support. There are many resources available to victims like the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, where trained professionals can provide support and connect victims with local advocates and health facilities. There are also apps like JDoe and Callisto that offer more anonymous ways to report an assault. RAINN is also a great resource to connect with other victims and find a supportive community.
3. Document the Incident
Though it may be difficult, victims should avoid changing clothes or showering because police can use rape kits to confirm the assaulter’s DNA using samples from skin or clothing. People often know their assaulters, so having DNA documentation is an effective way to confirm the identity of the assaulter.
Additionally, the victim should try to compile any proof of interaction or communication with the assaulter. Write down what happened and keep notes of any interactions with authorities.
Related: Sexual Assault on College Campuses
Taking Action
1. Decide Whether to Report
Reporting sexual assault can be a very difficult decision. It is entirely a personal choice and there is no right answer. Moving forward with a report may be difficult to put oneself through, but it can help with the healing process.
2. Reporting the Assault to the School
If a victim decides to move forward with a sexual assault charge, they have a right to report to the school. Under Title IX, schools that receive any federal funding must take the report seriously and investigate the incident. Each school will have different procedures, so it is important to be aware of the school’s sexual assault policy
This investigation will take place within the school only. It will not involve any off-campus police or trial court. The victim is also free to file a criminal complaint in addition to the school Title IX complaint.
Related: How to Prevent Sexual Assault on College Campuses
3. Filing a Legal Complaint
A victim has many options available to take legal action against their assaulter. Some may choose to press criminal charges, which begins by reporting the assault to the police or medical professionals. Another option is to take the assault to civil court, where the victim can sue for monetary damages, and file for restraining orders. Consult a lawyer to determine which option is best and work through the legal proceedings.
FAQs
What should I do immediately after experiencing sexual assault on a college campus?
Immediately after experiencing sexual assault on a college campus, students should seek safety, seek medical attention, get support, and document the incident. Talk to a trusted friend or relative to get to a safe physical location. Seek medical attention to treat any physical or emotional wounds; find support groups. Lastly, document the incident to increase the chances of identifying the assaulter.
What should I do to take action against my assaulter?
If a student decides to take action against the assaulter, they can file charges through the school, criminal court, and/or civil court. Each school has a different sexual assault procedure, so look into the reporting process for your school. The student has the right to file additional cases in criminal and civil court, where they can press charges for assault, sue for monetary damages, or get a restraining order.
Do I have to report my assault?
No, students do not have to report their assault if they are uncomfortable with doing so. Deciding to report the assault you experienced is entirely a personal choice and is perfectly valid either way.
Contact Her Lawyer
if you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted at college, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for the help you need. Get your free consultation with one of our California campus sexual assault attorneys today.