Sexual Assault Emergency Assistance

In instances of sexual assault, special resources are available to help students and other members of the University community. Every effort is made to preserve privacy and respect a person's wishes.

In Case of Sexual Assault

If you have been sexually assaulted, follow these steps:

• Your mind is your best weapon, so remain as calm as possible and try to think clearly. Whether or not the attacker is known to you, notice everything: clothes; hair; identifying marks such as scars, tattoos, or piercings; and the height of the person in relation to you.
• Remember everything you can about the setting. Leave your own fingerprints everywhere. If possible, hide some small personal item (such as a button or earring— anything that can later be traced to you).
• While your first impulse after an assault may be to bathe, this destroys crucial evidence you will need if you decide to prosecute. So do not bathe, douche, or change clothing prior to seeking emergency medical care or calling the police. Instead, call a friend or other supportive person who can stay with you as you report the incident.
• Call the University Police or Chicago Police at 123 or 773.702.8181 or 911 (9.911 from campus phones) as soon as possible. Reporting an incident does not obligate you to press charges. Students may also contact the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call, who can be reached at any time through the University Police (773.702.8181 or 123). Callers do not have to tell why they are calling or give their name.
• To minimize the harm to your body and preserve the option of pressing charges, obtain medical at atention as soon as possible. At the University of Chicago Mitchell Hospital Emergency Room (901 East 58th Street, 773.702.6250), a Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call or a Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate can help you through the examination. For more information about the services of the Sexual Assault Dean-on- Call or a Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate, see the Sexual Assault Policy.
• Don't face it alone. Seeking help immediately is best. However, it is important that you file a report and consider the counseling options available to you even if some time has passed since the assault. Early reporting makes it more likely that the attacker will be found and convicted, though filing a report with the police does not oblige you to press charges or pursue legal action. Most rapists are repeat offenders; seeking justice against an attacker can not only help you recover emotionally but can also prevent further crimes.

For more information about the sexual assault policy, including additional resources, see the Sexual Assault Policy.