Immediate Action - What Should I Do

What to Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

• Get to a safe place.

• Call a friend or family member to be with you.

• It is advisable to report a sexual assault, even an unsuccessful attempt.  The information you provide may prevent another person from being assaulted.  When you report a sexual assault, any information you can remember about the attack will be helpful - the assaulter's physical characteristics, voice, clothes, car or even an unusual smell.  You may remember more details later; you can add those details when you remember them.

• If you have been sexually assaulted, calling the police as soon as possible is helpful; do not bathe or change your clothes.  Semen, hair and material under fingernails or on your clothing all may be useful in identifying and prosecuting the assaulter.  If the assault occurred on campus, call Campus Police at (909) 652-6911 immediately.  If the assault occurred elsewhere, call 911.

• Many survivors find it very helpful to contact a rape treatment center, where qualified staff members may assist you in dealing with your trauma.  If you are unable to make the contact yourself, you can have a friend, family member or law enforcement person make the call.

• Finally, while many individuals mistakenly blame themselves for the assault, nothing you did or did not do caused this assault.  That resulted from the actions of your attacker.  You are a victim, not a perpetrator.  Being sexually assaulted is not a crime - the crime was committed by the person who assaulted you.