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Victim Information Sheet
Whom to Contact
In the event that you are the victim of sexual assault
on the campus, first and most importantly get yourself into a place
of safety, if at all possible where you are able to call one or
more of the following:
- The Campus Security at ext. 6100 to report the
incident and receive prompt assistance
- The State Police at (413)743-4700
- A friend
- A local rape crisis hotline at (413) 443-0089.
The Importance of a Medical Examination
For purposes of ensuring your own physical
health as well as successful apprehension and prosecution of your
attacker if desired/warranted, it is very important that you promptly
go or be sent to a nearby hospital emergency room to be examined.
As awkward or uncomfortable as it may be, you should not change
your clothing or bathe prior to this examination. You will want,
at this time, to be treated for any injuries you may have sustained
and also be tested for the presence of any sexually transmitted
diseases.
Be aware that it is your right to have a trained rape
counselor accompany you throughout all or any part of the medical
examination. The counselor is there to provide support and answer
any questions you may have. The information you share privately
with the counselor is confidential. Seeing the doctor and having
an evidentiary "rape kit" completed does not mean you must prosecute
your attacker, but it does significantly increase the potential
for success if you choose to do so.
If possible, either bring a change of clothing with
you to the hospital or have someone do so for you as your clothing
worn during the assault should be collected by the medical team.
Protecting Yourself Following a Sexual
Assault
After a sexual assault has occurred, it is
extremely important to provide for your personal safety. If you
know or fear that your attacker knows your whereabouts, you may
want to make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere. Restraining
orders preventing your attacker from contacting you are available
through the court system. Although you must request the order (with
or without the help of an attorney), rape crisis counselors can
help you fill out the required paperwork at the police station.
Counselors can also refer you to appropriate support agencies and
shelters if desired.
Recovery
It is important to remember that sexual assault
can happen to anyone. Sexual violence is not the victim's fault.
However, victims frequently experience confused and deeply troubling
feelings following an attack. It is important not to hold such feelings
in - talk to a trusted friend or relative and seek appropriate professional
counseling. Rape Crisis Centers offer 24-hour hotlines and these
conversations are completely confidential. You can talk to the counselors
about anything - they are there to listen and to help. They can
answer questions about police proceedings, legal issues, medical
procedures, counseling options, and many other topics.
Remember, if you have been sexually assaulted, you
are the victim - you need now to take appropriate steps toward recovery
- physical and emotional.
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