If You are Sexually Assaulted

Helpful links

Consider reporting the assault to police by telephoning 911. Reporting can aid your recovery and prevent others from being assaulted. If you have been assaulted on campus you may telephone the ISU Police at 911 or 438-8631 (TDD: 438-8266). If the assault occurred in Bloomington or Normal, telephone 911 or 888-5030 (TDD: 888-5030)
Try to preserve all physical evidence. Do no bathe, shower, use the toilet or change clothing. If you must remove your clothing, place them in a paper bag to prevent deterioration of evidence.
Take care of yourself. Seek medical attention from a hospital, Student Health Service, or another health care provider. Student Health Service cannot complete the rape evidence collection kit (rape kit). A rape crisis advocate can be called to help you through this process at the hospital. Medical care is needed whether or not you report the assault. Follow up care will also be needed.

assessment and treatment of any physical injuries
testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and providing preventive measures
review of the need for pregnancy prevention measures/emergency contraception; pregnancy cannot be diagnosed for that episode of intercourse for 2 to 3 weeks.
a physical exam (rape kit) to collect evidence for criminal prosecution can also be conducted. This exam is performed only at a hospital emergency room. Agreeing to complete the rape kit will keep your options open – you can decide later about whether or not you want to pursue criminal charges.
When provided with medical care as a result of an assault, the medical provider is required to telephone the police. However, no identifying information is provided to the police, and you can decide whether or not you want to talk with the police.
If the perpetrator of the assault is an ISU student, a complaint can also be filed with the university’s office of Community Rights and Responsibilities for violations of the Student Code of Conduct
Talk with someone about your experience. Healing is helped by seeking the support of others. Recovery is impeded by silence, denial and self-blame.
Remember it is not your fault; you cannot be responsible for the actions of someone else.
Contact the ISU (438-7948 or 438-2778) for free and confidential services:

Accessing needed resources on campus and within the community
Reviewing reporting options and accompanying the survivor to file reports
Arranging for contact with course instructors and accommodations needed to maintain academic progress
Exploring options for a change in residence
On-going support

Additional resources and important phone numbers
Common Reactions: Individuals react in many different ways and some people do not react until days, weeks, or months after an assault. There are, however, some common reactions and recovery strategies.