What to do if someone you know is sexually assaulted
A violence prevention program from UB.
Take a Stand, Join the Good Guys
If you are sexually assaulted:
Find a Safe Environment
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.
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.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
You may have injuries of which you are unaware. Although there are no physical injuries it is important to receive immediate care due to risks of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV. Call the Crisis Services Program at (716) 834-3131. Crisis Services advocates will help you through the process and join you at the hospital. To preserve evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam. If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask for a urine sample to be collected. Getting help does not mean you must prosecute. University Police can take you to the hospital if you need a ride.
Report the Assault
You can receive crisis counseling or medical care even if you don't report, but when you are ready, you can report the crime here:
University Police (24 hours a day): (716) 645-2222
Anonymously at www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/public-safety/proxy
Off Campus City or Town Police: 911
Seek Support
Crisis Services 
834-3131 - 24 hour assistance
- Student Counseling Services 645-2720
- Student Health Services 829-3316 x214
- Wellness Education Services 645-2837
- The Family Justice Center
558-SAFE (7233)
- Campus Ministries 645-2998
- Judicial Affairs/Student Advocacy 645-6154
- SBI Health Education
829-2584
- NY State Victims Assistance 847-7992 or 1-800-247-8035
- 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.