WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU

If you have been assaulted, or THINK you may have been, you SHOULD:

• Go to a safe place and find someone to be with you who can be emotionally supportive. 
• Report to the police, if you feel you are able to do so

  The more assaults that are reported, the more perpetrators are arrested and convicted. Also, the earlier you report the more likely evidence can be collected. The police can help you to understand the laws are regarding sexual assault, if you are not sure you have been sexually assaulted.

  • Towson University Police: 410-704-2133

  • Local & County Police: 911

• Seek medical treatment IMMEDIATELY
• It is very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible so you can be treated for any physical injuries, screened for sexually transmitted diseases/pregnancy/date rape drugs, and/or to obtain emergency contraception. Seek medical care even if you do not think you are going to report the assault
• If you believe that you have been drugged (see Date Rape Drugs), it is especially important to seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY, these drugs leave your system quickly and can only be detected for a short time after the assault (24-72 hours).

Options for Medical Treatment:

1. GBMC and Mercy Hospital both have trained staff to conduct a S.A.F.E. (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam). If you think you may want to press charges, it is essential to go as soon as possible for this exam. It focuses on evidence collection and must be authorized by the police. If authorized, the State of Maryland pays for this exam. Evidence can be collected up to 120 hours after the assault, but the sooner it is done the more likely useful evidence can be recovered.
2. Go to Dowell Health Center (410-704-2466). The Health Center is fully equipped to assess your injuries, test for and treat STDs, and provide emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Services are confidential. Even if you are unsure whether you want to press charges, the Health Center staff can still provide care and assistance with your decision making.
3. Seek medical treatment through your general physician, nurse practitioner, or your gynecologist.

• Seek professional counseling at the Counseling Center (410-704-2512) or local rape crisis center (Turnaround, 410-377-8111). 

  A counselor can assist you in understanding your reactions to the assault, help enhance your coping skills, and provide support throughout the legal decision making process. At the Counseling Center these services are free and confidential

• File a report with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (410-704-2055).

  If the accused is a Towson student, a victim may initiate judicial action, regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed. Also, a victim may request a change of on-campus living, class schedule, or other accommodations related to the assault

• Discuss your feelings regarding resuming sexual relations with your partner (if he/she is not the perpetrator)
• Treat yourself with kindness

If you think you have been assaulted you SHOULD NOT:

• Take a shower, wash hands or face, comb your hair, douche, change or get rid of your clothes.

  Evidence of the assault can be found in the fibers of your clothes, strands of your hair, or on other parts of your body, so it is important to try your best to preserve as much as possible.

• Apply medication or any other substance that can change your appearance

  Altering your appearance can hide bruising or lacerations, which can be used as evidence when pressing charges

• Smoke or drink anything
• Urinate or defecate, if possible

  Normal everyday behavior, such as going to the bathroom, can destroy or remove evidence of the assault

• Disturb or change the surroundings where the assault occurred
• Blame yourself for the assault

  No matter what you were doing or wearing, you did NOT ask to be sexually assaulted

• Hide the fact that you have been assaulted

  Close friends and family, whom you trust, can be very beneficial in providing support and helping you to cope

• Withdraw from your daily activities
• Pretend the assault never happened

  It is normal to want to just “forget” about it, but this will NOT make your difficult feelings go away

• Question or worry about how you handled the assault

  The important thing is that you survived!

*If you are confused about your experience you can contact any of the resources listed on the Resources Web Page and these agencies can help you figure out whether or not you have been assaulted.

To schedule an appointment you can call 410-704-2512 or stop by the Counseling Center Reception Desk, Glen Esk Building. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.