Resources for Survivors

If you experience a sexual assault:

• Get to a safe place immediately.
• Contact someone who can help you right now: such as a friend, family member, the police or any resources listed in this site.
• Consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not want to report this to the police, you may benefit from medical attention. You will have the option of completing a "rape kit" to collect evidence in case you decide to report the assault at a later date. It is highly suggested that you bring a change of clothing in the event that you choose to have medical personnel collect evidence.
• If you want to report the assault to the police or ask that evidence is collected at the hospital, do not shower, bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, comb your hair, or use the toilet. Even though you may desperately want to clean yourself, you may destroy important evidence if you do so.
• Consider finding emotional support for yourself from a professional counselor. Ask if the counselor has experience working with survivors of sexual assault. Ask for a referral if they don't.

Possible reactions following a sexual assault:

Every survivor experiences the consequences of rape or sexual assault in their own unique manner. Many survivors have reported that they experienced feelings of severe emotional and physical violation, which affected many areas of their lives. Some effects may be noticed immediately, other effects may show up later and reactions often include:

• Loss of trust
• Fear
• Guilt
• Shame
• Depression, sadness or self-anger
• Changes in sexual behaviors and comfort with sex
• Loss of a sense of control
• Changes in relationships with other people
  

How long will it take to get over this?

Survivors often feel overwhelmed and lost as a result of sexual assault. Although there are no exact time limits to recovery, the good news is that survivors CAN recover. Talking about experiences and feelings with someone is one part of recovery. Survivors have the right and the power to regain control of their lives. Remember, rape is NEVER the fault of the survivor. Even if you believe you could have avoided the situation, you are not responsible - if your choices were taken away, so was your responsibility.

Whom should I tell?

It is a difficult and personal decision whether or not to report a rape. Several options are available to survivors. Some include official legal reporting, while others are more informal and allow the survivor to discuss options before committing to an official report.

Resources for survivors:

Survivors are not alone and there are many sources of support and help available.

OSU Sexual Assault Support Services is a team of trained and experienced counselors and psychologists who can provide consultation regarding support options and what to do next, advocacy for survivors who need help navigating the university system, and crisis or ongoing counseling support if desired. Sexual Assault Support services also provides educational programs and training, and will consult with friends or family of survivors as needed.
Sexual Assault Support Services Coordinator: 737-7604

Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) has trained volunteers available 24 hours a day to take calls, provide support, and extend their services to survivors of rape, sexual assault, or domestic violence. They can assist survivors in finding other resources they may need.
CARDV Hotline: 754-0110, 1-800-927-0197

University Disciplinary Procedures: Survivors of sexual misconduct are encouraged to report the incident to the Coordinator of the OSU Student Conduct and Mediation Program. The Coordinator will discuss options with the survivor, including the formal campus disciplinary process or informal options such as mediation, contact restrictions, or alternative sanctions. Campus disciplinary hearings are less formal and involve fewer people than criminal hearings. The survivor may be accompanied by a support person during the hearing and will be informed of the outcome. In addition to the campus disciplinary process, survivors may wish to pursue criminal charges with the Corvallis or Oregon State Police and the Benton County District Attorney's Office, or seek civil damages in court. OSU Student Conduct and Mediation: 737-3658

Reporting to the Police: It is the survivor's decision whether to report a rape to the police and press charges. If the rape is reported to the police within 72 hours and the survivor agrees to cooperate in the investigation, she or he is entitled to victims' compensation in the state of Oregon. Survivors who choose to report a rape to the police have the right to have a support person with them throughout the process, whether that is a friend, attorney, or an advocate from the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV). Oregon State Police (OSU Campus): 737-3010; City of Corvallis Police: 911 or 766-6924; or Benton County Sheriff: 766-6858.