What to do if You or Someone You Know is Sexually Assaulted

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Statistics show 1 in 4 women and 1 in 12 men will be raped in their lifetime. Between 60% and 80% of sexual assault is acquaintance rape, where the attacker knows the victim. Of these assaults, 90% involve the use of alcohol.

What to do if You or Someone You Know is Assaulted:
  1. Get to a safe place.
  2. Tell someone you trust. 40% of sexual assault victims never tell anyone about their assault. It is a tremendous burden to bear alone. A support person can help in the healing process.
  3. Seek medical attention immediately. In addition to bruises and external injuries, there may also be internal injuries.
  4. Do not bathe, douche or change clothes after the incident. This can eliminate evidence of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections or documentation of any physical evidence.
  5. At FAU, the Victim’s Advocate, Student Health Services and the Counseling Center can assist with support and services. This is a time when medical attention and counseling support can make a significant difference in recovery.
  6. Decide if you want to press charges.
  7. Rape is not your fault, it is a crime. You did not ask for or deserve it.

 

How to Help if a Friend Has Been Sexually Assaulted
  1. Listen and believe them. Try not to press for details.
  2. Be supportive. Be prepared to listen for as long as your friend needs support. Understand the emotional effects of rape do not go away very quickly.
  3. Encourage your friend to get medical attention and counseling.
  4. Protect your friend’s privacy. Do not reveal the incident to other people.
  5. Don’t judge. Pointing out what your friend could have done differently will not help them heal.

 

Resources at FAU
 For more information about services or crisis intervention please contact FAU Victim Services @ 561-297-0500 or University Police @ 561-297-3500. If it is an emergency, call 911 immediately. In addition, you can contact the Counseling Center @ 564-297-3540 or Student Health Services @ 561-297-3512. www.fau.edu/police/victimservices    •     www.fau.edu/counseling     •     www.fau.edu/shs

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