Sexual Assault
If someone you know is victimized through sexual assault, a number of resources are available to assist them.
Normal Reactions:
It is normal for victims to experience feelings of shock, denial, embarrassment, shame, guilt, anger, anxiety, fear, depression, and a host of other emotions after a sexual assault, and all survivors will react to the trauma in their own way.
If you are the victim of a sexual assault, call Public Safety (423-439-4480) or 911 immediately. They are trained professionals who can bring a host of resources to your assistance.
Additional Things To Do:
- Go to a safe place as soon as possible. Ask a friend, family member or someone you trust to stay with you.
- Try to preserve all evidence of the assault. Avoid drinking, bathing, showering, douching, brushing your teeth or changing your clothes.
- Get medical care. You may have sustained injuries or contracted a sexually transmitted disease. At the
Johnson City Medical Center Emergency Room, you may request a S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault
Nurse Examiner). You may also undergo a Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) which
is very helpful if you later choose to pursue investigation. Although the crime will
be reported your name will not be released. You can refuse further investigation and
the S.A.N.E. nurse will act as your advocate through the process. SANE is also available
at University Health Services during office hours.
Try to write down, or have a friend write down, everything you can remember about the incident. If you later decide to report or press charges, you will have the details to give to the police.
Seek follow-up counseling. A trained counselor can help you process the emotional trauma of sexual assault. - Consider speaking with a friend or contacting the ETSU Counseling Center (423-439-3333) or after hours, call Public Safety (423-439-4480) and ask for the counselor on call.
- Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the police even if they do not plan to prosecute. It is very difficult for the police or other community services to address problems that they are not aware exist.
- Awareness and risk reduction are 90% of avoidance.
- Always avoid mixing sexual decisions with drugs and alcohol.