What to do if someone you know is sexually assaulted
Find a Safe Place
Get to a safe place - anywhere away from the attacker. Call someone you trust, such as a friend, relative, or police officer to come meet you.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
You may have injuries that aren't yet evident. Even if you have no physical injuries, immediate medical care is important to reduce risks of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. You do not have to press charges if you seek medical attention.
Preserve Evidence
You don't have to decide if you want to prosecute right away, but preserving the evidence helps if you decide to prosecute at a later date.
- Don't bathe or brush your teeth
- If you have already changed your clothes, place them in a paper bag (NOT plastic) to preserve them.
- To preserve evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam. If you suspect that you may have been drugged, ask for a urine sample to be collected.
Seek Support
Getting help does not mean you have to prosecute. Professionals trained in crisis intervention are available free to UB students:
- Crisis Services
834-3131 - 24 hours - Student Counseling Services 645-2720
- Student Health Services 829-3316 x214
- Wellness Education Services 645-2837
- Judicial Affairs/Student Advocacy 645-6154
- SBI Health Education
829-2584
- NY State Victims Assistance 847-7992 or 1-800-247-8035
As you are considering your options, it is vital to remember:
- It is not your fault
- Every rape or sexual assault is different
- It doesn't matter what you did or did not do during the assault
- Healing from a sexual assault takes time
- It is never too late to get help, even if the assault happened years ago
Report the Assault
If or when you are ready, you can report the assault to University Police 24 hours a day at (716) 645-2222, or anonymously online. If you live off-campus, call 911 to report to your City or Town Police.
Remember:
- There is support at UB and in the community to help you as you decide what to do. Healing from a sexual assault takes time. Free counseling is available on-campus (Counseling Services, 120 Richmond Hall, 645-2720) or off-campus (Crisis Services, 834-3131).
- It is not your fault
- Every rape or sexual assault is different
- It doesn't matter what you did or did not do during the assault
- It is never too late to get help, even if the assault happened years ago.
If someone you know has been sexually assaulted:
- Believe Them. Listen, be there, support them, and don't be judgmental.
- Inform them of the options (see information above).
- Encourage them to seek medical help and contact law enforcement, but remember it's their decision.
- Be patient. Remember, it takes time to process and time to heal. Let them know that professional help is available. Encourage them to contact a Crisis Services Advocate or UB Counseling Services.
If a friend has been sexually assaulted it is not uncommon for them to experience:
- Shock
- Disbelief
- Anger
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Denial
- Fear
- Helplessness
- Embarrassment
- Depression
- Inability to concentrate or relax
- Disturbances in eating and sleeping
If you have witnessed a sexual assault:
- Contact the police, On-Campus at 645-2222 or Off-Campus at 911.
- Report anonymously at www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/public-safety/proxy.
- If you have information regarding a crime that took place in the past, you can still contact the police.
Common Questions
Who needs to know?
You have the right to choose whom you tell. You may consider talking to a trusted friend or family member or to any of the university offices linked to this website.
Will my parents be called?
Not without your permission. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, the hospital may call your closest relative, but the nature of your injuries will not be disclosed.
How can you keep the person who hurt me away?
A report would need to be filed with the University Police. Orders of protection can be obtained through the Student Wide Judiciary or other local jurisdictions.
Do I have to go to court?
Only if you want to press charges and you don't have to make that decision right away. For more information: Subboard I Legal Assistance
.
What if I have pregnancy, HIV/STD or injury concerns?
You can go to any local emergency room for testing, emergency medical care and emergency contraception, or visit Student Health Services and the SBI Pharmacy in Michael Hall for testing and emergency contraception. ECMC is a Center of Excellence for victims of sexual assault, and we recommend this hospital for care following a sexual assault. ECMC is located at 462 Grider Street in Buffalo.