OPTIONS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS:

A victim of sexual assault has a number of options available. It is important to remember that there is not one alone that is right or wrong; it is up to the survivor to choose the best one for her or him. It is also important to remember that it is possible to choose more than one option. Some of the options are:

·       Obtain Support in dealing with the trauma of sexual assault and deciding what to do next. There are a variety of services available to help survivors of sexual assault, including crisis intervention, advocacy, support, discussing options, and long term counseling both on and off campus.

·       Seek Medical Attention. Even if the survivor chooses not to report the assault to the police, it is important to seek medical attention in case of injury, sexually transmitted infections, or pregnancy. If the survivor does choose to report the assault to the police, valuable evidence can be obtained through a medical examination. To assist with evidence collection, it is recommended that the survivor not bathe, change clothes, eat, or use the bathroom before going to the hospital.

·       Report to Law Enforcement. Sexual assaults can be reported to either the Radford University Police Department or the Radford City Police Department. If alcohol or other drugs were involved in the assault, law enforcement will focus on the larger crime, the sexual assault, even if the victim was drinking underage or using illegal drugs.

·       File Charges with Radford University.  When the persons involved are students or employees of Radford University, the survivor may file charges against the accused person with the Dean of Students Office.

·       A survivor may choose to not file any charges at all.

For more information, contact the Office of Substance Abuse & Sexual Assault Education,

Tyler Hall, 831-5709