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Reporting

Reporting

If you have been subjected to an act of sexual misconduct, you are urged to report the incident immediately. You may also want to discuss the event with a close friend, roommate, Resident Assistant, staff, faculty, family member, etc. who can support you through the initial medical treatment (if necessary) and reporting of the events. If you have been the victim of sexual violence you are urged to report the incident to the police immediately.
If you have been the victim of an act of sexual misconduct, you may be wondering what to do next. Here are some of your options:

  • Get to a place where you feel physically and emotionally safe.
  • Contact someone you trust to stay with you for moral support.
  • Immediately report the incident to the appropriate College personnel.
    • This could include a Resident Assistant (RA), Campus Safety and Security, the Title IX Coordinator, or another individual whom you trust.
  • Immediately report the incident to the police by calling 911.
  • If you were a victim of sexual violence, it is important to seek medical care so you can be treated for injuries and tested for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Philadelphia has created the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center (PSARC). PSARC is located at 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 and can be reached via phone at 215-685-3251.
    • PSARC has specially trained and certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) to assist in the medical process related to forensic exams. Forensic evidence can be collected up to 96 hours after an assault has occurred.
    • A forensic exam, completed by a medical practitioner, is the process through which physical evidence is collected. This evidence could be used in a judicial case, if the victim chooses to pursue charges. Physical evidence can include photo documentation of injuries, collection of fluids (blood, semen, urine, saliva) and other identifiable objects (hair, clothing with potential DNA). Forensic exams are free of charge to victims of assault and will not be billed to the victim or the insurance company.
  • Avoid showering, bathing, douching or cleaning in any other way to help preserve medical evidence if you choose to prosecute. Any clothes, sheets, or other items that may be considered evidence should be stored in paper (not plastic) bags. If you are still wearing the clothes you had on at the time of the assault be sure to bring a change of cloths with you to the hospital. 
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