What do I do if I am sexually assaulted?
A victim of a sexual assault should:
- GET TO A SAFE PLACE AND CALL SOMEONE TRUSTED.
- CALL 711 (on-campus) or 888-2330 (off-campus). This will alert Public Safety to the alleged offense, who in turn can contact other resources. Victims may also contact the Buffalo Police at 911 or 851-4494.
- GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
It is extremely important that the victim seek medical attention immediately. In addition to treating injuries, a prompt medical examination will test for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. A medical examination can secure valuable evidence that can be used later should the victim wish to have the assailant prosecuted. If requested, someone will accompany the victim to the hospital.
The victim shouldn’t drink, bathe, douche, brush teeth, change clothing or comb hair. It’s only natural to want to do these things, but doing so may destroy evidence. In the course of the medical examination, the hospital staff will collect this evidence. If changing clothes is necessary, clothing worn during the assault should be placed in a paper bag. - SEEK COUNSELING.
Regardless of whether the assault is reported, it is often helpful to seek counseling for the traumatic experience. The Counseling Center(888-2620), Health Services (888-2610), Campus Ministry (888-2420), or off-campus, Crisis Services (834-3131) are good sources of support. - DOCUMENT THE INCIDENT.
A victim, as soon as possible, should write down every detail about the incident, including: who, what, when, where, and how.
• At the first opportunity, the above information should be brought to the attention of the Public Safety or one of the resources listed below.
• If the Buffalo Police Department is to be involved and criminal charges filed, the above information is crucial. - DECIDE HOW TO PROCEED.
The decision as to prosecute the suspect and/or initiate internal judicial proceedings lies with the victim.
CALL 711 (on-campus) or 888-2330 (off-campus). This will alert Public Safety to the alleged offense, who in turn can contact other resources. Victims may also contact the Buffalo Police at 911 or 851-4494.
ANONYMOUS REPORTING
If the victim does not want to pursue action within the College system or the criminal justice system at this time, she/he may still want to consider having an anonymous report made. A member of the Counseling Center (888-2620), Health Services (888-2610) or Campus Ministry (888-2420) can report the details of the incident to the Department of Public Safety without revealing the identity of the victim. The purpose of an anonymous report is to comply with the victim’s wish to keep the matter private while taking steps to ensure future safety for the victim and others. With such information, the College can keep accurate records about the number of assaults involving students, determine whether there is a pattern of assaults with regard to particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger.
How does the college respond to reported incidents?
The decision as to prosecute the suspect and/or initiate internal judicial proceedings lies with the victim.
Judicial Process –External
If the victim wishes to have the assailant prosecuted, the police and the district attorney’s office will handle the legal proceedings.
Judicial Process – Internal
If the perpetrator is a member of the College community, the victim also has the option to file a complaint through the College’s disciplinary systems. Any campus proceeding will be handled with sensitivity and with respect for confidentiality and both the complainant and the respondent are entitled to have an advisor present during the hearing. At the conclusion of the internal judicial hearing, both the complainant and the respondent shall be informed of the outcome (decision and sanction) of the hearing. Sanctions that may be imposed may range from a formal warning to expulsion from the College. Detailed procedures concerning the campus disciplinary hearings, including the rights of the complainant and respondent are contained in the Community Standards found in the Student Handbook.
Whether the victim chooses the external or internal process, a College representative will be available to assist throughout the process including providing transportation to off-campus sites.
How am I going to feel?
Aftermath of Sexual Assault/Abuse
Sexual assault is a trauma, and each person will react to it in a unique manner. Like any other trauma, sexual assault may disrupt your life for a while. Even though the trauma is over, you may experience the “aftermath” of the event, including a range of difficulties and reactions. Aftermath effects may include emotional shock, disbelief, self-blame, panic, anger, and/or feelings of powerlessness. Though each person and situation is unique, it is important for you to know that these reactions are normal reactions to an abnormal event. Some of these reactions may be temporary, while others can be troubling for months or longer. You may think you’ve dealt with the trauma; however, it is not unusual for strong feelings to occur again when you try to get close to a partner. In either case it is important to know that assistance is available.
For more information, click here.
How do I help a friend who has been sexually assaulted?
If a friend tells you he/she was sexually assaulted and turns to you for support, the following are some tips to guide your response:
First and Foremost: Support him/her. More than anything else, they need you to validate emotional reactions they are experiencing. Talk, listen, respect, and be emotionally available.
Assure him/her it was not their fault. No matter what they said, wore, or where they were, they did not ask for or desire to be assaulted.
Accept the individual’s choice of what to do. Ask what is needed, help identify options, and encourage independent decision-making, even if you may disagree.
Be Patient. Try not to rush the healing process or “make it better.” Encourage the individual to seek professional help (see list of Where to Call.)
If the assault occurred recently, attend to the individual’s immediate medical needs. Also, remind the individual to save clothing they were wearing, not to shower or bathe, or to remove any physical evidence.
Seek support for yourself. It may be overwhelming to deal with angry feelings in addition to the victim’s. If you have strong/angry feelings or feelings of blame toward the victim, talk to someone else about this.
For the romantic partner of the survivor: Pace the intensity of involvement, especially sexual contact, touching, holding. Ask permission before touching or holding the survivor.
For more information, click here.
How do I reduce my risk of being sexually assaulted?
Preventing Yourself from Becoming a Victim of Date or Acquaintance Rape:
Say “no” when you mean no. Communicate your limits clearly. Know what you are feeling, and express yourself clearly.
Be assertive. Passivity might be misinterpreted as permission. Be direct and firm with someone who is pressuring you sexually. If someone starts to offend you, respond promptly and firmly. Overly polite approaches might be misunderstood or ignored.
Trust your intuition. If you feel you are being pressured into unwanted sexual relations, don’t hesitate to express your unwillingness, even if it might appear rude. Leave the situation as soon as possible.
Think ahead about getting home. When you are away from home, be prepared to be able to leave the situation if necessary. Coordinate plans with friends and arrange transportation. Always carry money for a cab or have someone you can call for transportation.
Attend large parties with friends you can trust. Agree to look out for one another.
Avoid excessive use of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs interfere with clear thinking, effective communications and your ability to respond in your own best interest. Remember: the legal drinking age in New York is 21.
What on-campus resources are available to help me?
On Campus Resources
Campus Ministry
888-2420
Old Main 208
Counseling Center
888-2620
Frisch Hall 001 (tunnel level)
Student Health Services
888-2610
Frisch Hall 001 (tunnel level)
Public Safety
888-2330
Bosch Hall (tunnel level)
Office of Residence Life
888-8300
Eastwood Hall (tunnel level)
Office of Student Affairs
888-2130
Old Main 102
What are some of the community resources available?
Crisis Services
834-3131
Crisis Services is staffed 24 hours a day by trained volunteers who are able to connect with professional counselors for emergency outreach. Crisis services will send a counselor to meet you in the emergency room.
Hospital Emergency Departments
1. Erie County Medical Center
462 Grider St., Buffalo
898-3161
2. Buffalo General Hospital
100 High St., Buffalo
859-7100
3. Sisters of Charity Hospital
2157 Main St., Buffalo
862-1800
4. Children’s Hospital
219 Bryant St., Buffalo
878-7408
Men Who Have Experienced Sexual Assault/Abuse
Assault is assault, regardless of your gender. A mistaken message to men is that if they were “real” men, they wouldn’t be forced into sex. Male survivors may see their sexual assault as a loss of manhood, leading to feeling of guilt, shame, and anger. Consequently, male survivors may suffer in silence after being sexually assaulted. That is why it’s important to remember that sexual assault is an act of violence, power, and control, and that no one deserves it. Male survivors at UWEC are assured the same as women. Emotional support and counseling are available to assist all those recovering from sexual assault, sexual abuse, and/or incest.
For more information, click here.