Responding to Victims of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is sexual contact initiated against a person without consent. Consent can’t be inferred from passivity or silence; nor can a current or previous relationship constitute consent.
Examples of sexual assault include:
- completed or attempted rape
- threats of rape
- sexual coercion
- unwanted sexual contact with force or threat of force
- stalking
Although most assaults are committed by men against women, men can be assaulted by women. Additionally same-sex assaults also occur.
- Listen without conveying judgment and be aware that victims can feel shame and anger.
- Refer the student to the Counseling Center for assessment and referral (301) 314-7651, or to the Health Center's Campus Advocates Respond and Educate
- Refer the student to the University Health Center if immediate medical attention is needed.
- Consult the website of the University’s Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct for information regarding reporting policies and procedures.
- Expressing judgment even when high-risk behaviors on the part of the victim (e.g., intoxication) were involved.
- Pressuring the student to file a police report.