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The MAC (Maverick Activities Center) Room 101R
Arlington TX 76019
Phone: 817-272-0260 | Email: rvsp@uta.edu

If you Have Been Sexually Assaulted

What You Should Know

Anyone can be the victim of a sexual assault. Sexual violence, ranging from sexual harassment at the workplace to forced stranger rape and everything in between, remains a significant problem in today's society. Sexual violence affects millions of people each and every year and considerably impacts victims of sexual violence, as well as, their family, friends, and loved ones. Victims of sexual violence often suffer from short and long term physical, psychological, and social consequences. Sexual violence does not see a particular race, culture, economic status, sexual orientation, religious ideologies, or education level of its victims; it preys on all people as an equal opportunist. The UTA community acknowledges that sexual assaults do occur on college campuses and is actively working to educate, intervene, and support victims of sexual violence. Please seek help if you are a victim of sexual assault.

If you were forced to have any type of sexual contact without consent you are a crime victim and are Never to Blame!! Sexual Assault Is Never Your Fault!

What You Should Do

Find a Safe Place To Go
Locate a safe place away from the attacker and out of danger. If you're injured, go straight to the emergency room. Arlington Memorial Hospital has doctors, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE nurses) and counselors who have been trained to care for someone who has been sexually assaulted.

Reach out for Support
Call a friend, family member, the Relationship Violence & Sexual Assault Prevention (RVSP) Program (817-272-0260) on Campus, a SARN member or someone you trust for support. Call the UTA Campus Police at 817-272-3003 or Arlington PD @ 911 if you are injured and want to report the assault. Just reporting the assault to the police DOES NOT mean that you have to press charges later on. Reporting the crime to the police may help to regain a sense of power and control.

Call the Sexual Assault Coordinator on Campus
Call the RVSP Program (817-272-0260) and ask to speak with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. There is someone on duty 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week to help you. This meeting is strictly confidential. The victim advocate can help you review your options, assist you in seeking medical, counseling, transportation, and provide you with any additional referrals you may need.

Preserve all Physical Evidence of the Assault
Do not shower, bathe, douche, urinate, drink, wash your hands, brush your teeth or change your clothes if you have been sexually assaulted. I know this is very difficult to do but it will preserve evidence to be used later on if you decide to file a police report and press charges. Also, if you have been the victim of forced oral sex, please do not eat, drink, or smoke, again to preserve evidence. If you must change your clothes, please put each article of clothing is a separate PAPER Bag. Do not put the items of clothing in a plastic bag as it contaminates the evidence. If you have to urinate, try to capture the urine in a container to be used for evidence testing. I realize this is difficult, but testing urine is the best way to discover whether or not you were given a date rape such as Rohypnol, GHB, Ketamine, or Valium, as these drugs quickly pass through the body and are only present in the system for about 12 hours. If the assault took place in your place of residence, please do not touch anything and leave the scene as it is.

Get Medical Care as Soon as Possible
Even if you do not plan on making a police report, please get medical care as soon as possible. Although you may not have any apparent physical injuries, you may be at risk for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, sexually transmitted diseases including Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, HPV/Genital Warts, Hepatitis and HIV, and additional health concerns. Pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted infections must be given within 72 HOURS of the assault in order to be effective. Arlington Memorial Hospital emergency department can provide immediate medical care for sexual assault victims as well as collect evidence by utilizing a rape kit. The Student Health Center @ 817-272-2771, a local clinic or your personal physician can also assist in the treatment of sexual assault victims, including testing for STD's and pregnancy, although they cannot collect evidence.

Write Down All that You Can Remember About the Assault
When you get some quiet time to yourself, write down all the circumstances of the assault that you can remember while they are fresh in your mind. Remember to note what occurred prior to and during the assault, who was present during the assault, a description of the perpetrator, whether alcohol or drugs were present, or any other elements you think are important.

You will not be subject to disciplinary actions if you have been drinking or using drugs. We are not interested in the alcohol and drug usage, only your safety and well being. Again, even if you have been drinking or using drugs PLEASE REPORT the Sexual Assault.

Decide If You Want to File a Report

a.       Police Report – Filing a police report can help you regain a sense of control following the assault and can help reduce the likelihood of future victimizations. If you report the victimization within 72 hours, a police officer at UTA can transport you to the hospital for a sexual assault examination at no charge to you. Evidence will be collected and a statement will be made. A Sexual Assault Victim Advocate on campus or a victim advocate from Rape Crisis will meet you at the emergency room and be present during any medical procedures or questioning if needed.

b.       University Report – Even if you do not wish to file a police report, you can still file judicial charges within the University. A Sexual Assault Victim Advocate can assist you in this process if needed. Please click on the Judicial Process to find out more information

c.       Filing an Anonymous Report – If you do not wish to file a police report or report with the University, please consider filing an anonymous or proxy report. Although no charges will be filed based on this report, you will have the opportunity to have your story heard. You can call the RVSP Program @ 817-272-0260 to assist you in this process, or file an online report.

Talk with a Counselor or Victim Advocate
Speak with someone who is trained to assist sexual assault victims about the emotional, physical, and legal impact of an assault. Although you may not feel you need assistance immediately following the assault, there may be a time when you would like to talk to somebody who can help. Please do not try to minimize the situation or erase the memory from your mind, but rather, seek assistance from people who truly care about your well being. You may contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator on campus @ 817-272-0260, the Health Center @ 817-272-2771, the UTA Counseling Center @ 817-272-3671, Mental Health Services @ 817-272-2771 Rape Crisis and Victim Services @ 817-927-2737 or 817-927-4039 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline @ 1-800-656-HOPE for assistance.

Take Care of Yourself
Surviving a Sexual Assault is a traumatic event and requires time to cope and recover from physical and emotional health needs. There are a number of reactions and feelings you may be experiencing, all of which are normal responses to a sexual assault occurrence. A counselor, psychologist, or trained sexual assault victim advocate can help you manage these reactions.

Where You Should Go if You've Been Sexually Assaulted

Following a sexual assault, seeking medical care is of utmost importance even if you do not feel hurt or injured and have no outward signs pf physical wounds. Requesting medical care in no way forces you to report the crime to the police or to UTA personnel. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, it is important to have prompt, thorough medical care, as soon as possible after the assault. If you have been assaulted in the last 72 hours, please go to the emergency room immediately. Do not bathe, shower, douche, change clothes, brush your teeth, eat, or drink. Even if you have taken any of the last noted actions, or the assault has occurred more than 72 hours ago, it is imperative that you still get medical care. The following Hospitals have trained medical staff to deal specifically with victims of sexual assault.

Arlington Memorial Hospital
(817) 548-6100
800 W Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76012
www.arlingtonmemorial.org

John Peter Smith Hospital
(817) 429-5156
1500 S Main St,
Fort Worth, TX

What Will Happen at the ER

When you arrive at the Emergency Room (ER)
When you arrive at the emergency room (ER), you will be placed in a private room or comfortable, quiet area. If accompanied to the hospital by a law enforcement officer, he or she will be excused allowing for greater privacy. Consent will be obtained prior to each step of the medical examination including: history taking, physical examination, evidence collection, and photographing. It is your choice whether or not you agree to each and every procedure and whether or not you allow staff to examine, treat and administer medication to you. Following your consent an explanation of each step of the examination process will be given. This is an important step as it allows you to gain some control over the situation. You will be reassured of your safety at each step of the process. You have the right to have a friend/family member, victim advocate or the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) present during any part of this examination if desired. There is a separate consent form that allows the hospital to release information to the police. You may use a false name or "pseudonym" on all legal and medical documents if you do not want your name appearing on any of the documents. The nurse will explain the exam procedures to you and will be present throughout the exam.

Physical Examination of the Sexual Assault Victim
The purpose of the physical examination following a sexual assault is (1) to assess the patient for any physical injuries incurred during the assault and (2) to collect evidence which may be used during the prosecution of the sexual assault perpetrator if you choose to pursue legal action in the future. Some physical evidence can only be collected within 72 hours of the attack. Evidence may be collected and held at the hospital even if you do not plan to report the attack to the police. You will be asked about your medical history. You must give details regarding the circumstances of the assault including any orifices that were penetrated or any other aspects of the sexual assault. This information, although difficult to discuss, is necessary to ensure you receive the best medical care.

Evidence Collection (Rape Kit)
A rape kit is a set of tools and items used in the collection and preservation of evidence following a sexual assault. Once consent to perform a Rape kit is granted, the typical evidence collection process for sexual assault victims is:

1.       You will disrobe over a white sheet which is used to catch any falling debris such as hairs or fibers

2.       Each article of clothing will be placed in a separate paper bag and labeled

3.       You will be evaluated for bruises and abrasions on your body

4.       Photographs will be taken if physical injury such as cuts or bruises

5.       Samples will be taken from the (1) genitals (2) rectum (3) mouth (4) perineum (5) thighs (6) abdomen and (7) facial area for evidence of semen and, if detected, it is collected*

6.       Combings will be taken from the (1) head (2) pubic region. The nurse collects any loose hairs or debris in the pelvic area (looking for pubic hairs of the assailant). In some cases, some of the victim's pubic hairs are needed and 15-20 of the victim's head hairs (to differentiate the victim's hairs from the assailant's)*

7.       Fingernails scrapings will be collected to look for blood or tissue samples*

8.       Routine blood collection to check for pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases is done

9.       A pelvic exam will be conducted

10.   The hospital will provide you with any preventive medicine necessary for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, etc.

11.   The sexual assault kit is then sealed in a box and secured at the hospital until given to the police for further laboratory analysis.

* These samples can be used to detect the assailant's sperm, hair, and skin cells, all of which can help to identify the attacker.

Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STI's/STD's)
Sexually transmitted infections (STI's) can be transmitted during a sexual assault, although the overall risk of acquiring an STI is less than 10%. You may not know that you have an STI until weeks or months after it has been transmitted. Even if you receive preventive treatment it is imperative that you be re-checked for any STD's two (2) weeks after a sexual assault incident and again at six weeks (6) following the sexual assault. Discuss any concerns you may have about STD's with your doctor. Write down the name, dosage, purpose, and possible side effects of each drug you are given.

Pregnancy
If you are a female victim of a male perpetrated sexual assault, there is a chance that you may be pregnant. The risk of pregnancy as a result of rape is low, although around 5% of all sexual assault victims become pregnant. Even if you are using birth control, a pregnancy test is recommended for all female sexual assault victims who are physically able to have children. At the hospital, or private medical care facility, you will be given a pregnancy test and will be given the decision to take emergency contraception. Although you will be given a pregnancy test immediately following the sexual assault, an accurate pregnancy test can only be given four-six (4-6) weeks after your last period. You must return to the hospital, private medical facility, or the Student Health Center at UTA for a pregnancy test six weeks after the examination. Stress, tension, and anxiety, all of which can follow a sexual assault, can cause you to have a late period. Don't assume that a missed period following a sexual assault automatically indicates a pregnancy.

Emergency Contraception (EC)
Emergency contraception is a medication used to prevent pregnancy following a sexual assault that can be given at the time of your medical exam. You must take Emergency Contraception within 72 hours of the assault or it will not be effective in preventing pregnancy. Hospital staff, Rape Crisis Center Advocates, or the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at UTA can also provide information on emergency contraception and the location of the nearest pharmacy that will fill your prescription. Emergency contraception, also referred to as "the morning after pill" is not a form of abortion. Emergency contraception is a heavy dose of normal birth control pills. EC comes in different forms but most often as a progestin only pill which is referred to as Plan B. Emergency contraception works by preventing ovulation form occurring or by preventing the fertilization of a released egg. EC works 85% to 95% of the time. If you are already pregnant, Emergency Contraception will NOT harm the fetus. Plan B does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases and usually has no side effects. On occasion, after ingesting Plan B individuals have reported feelings of mild fatigue, nausea, or dizziness.

Cost
You will not be liable for any hospital fees as long as you report the sexual assault. The Rape Kit and all associated costs will be booked to Arlington Police Department. You must, however, report the sexual assault. Reporting the sexual assault does not mean that you have to press charges!!!

Your Rights At the Emergency Room

Each and every part of the medical exam must first begin with your consent.

Victims of Sexual Assault have the right to:

Refuse any part of the medical treatment
Ask questions about treatment information
Free emergency medical treatment following the sexual assault.
Request a friend, family member, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or rape crisis advocate to accompany you through each step of the examination
Privacy by requesting all unauthorized people, including the police, from your examination room
Confidentiality regarding the results of all medical tests
Information on evidence collection and explanations of all procedures and treatments given
Stop the use of the Rape Kit at any time you wish during the evidence collection process
Decide whether or not to release the results of these examinations for evidence

Normal, Immediate Reactions to a Sexual Assault

* Anger

* Fear

* Embarrassment

* Denial

* Anxiety

* Sleeplessness

* Mood Swings

* Helplessness

* Eating Changes

* Substance Abuse

* Crying or Yelling

* Calm and Unaffected Manner

* Suicidal Thoughts

Remember A Sexual Assault is NEVER your fault!

You Are Blameless Even If...

You are not to blame regardless of the circumstances surrounding the sexual assault, even if:

You were drinking, had drunk too much, or used drugs prior to the assault
If you were on a date or the attacker was a friend, classmate, boyfriend or ex-boyfriend or spouse
If you have been sexually intimate with the perpetrator or others prior to the assault
If you had sex with the perpetrator the day , week or month before the assault
If you were unable to fight back or say "no"
If you were wearing provocative clothing
If you were at a bar or club

Recovering From Sexual Assault

Recovering from sexual assault can be frightening and traumatic, lengthy process. Victims of sexual assault, in addition to friends and family of sexual assault victims, need to be aware of the long term effects of sexual assault and the resources available to aid in the recovery process both at UTA and in the greater community. Sexual assault is considered a crisis and people respond to crises in many different ways. After an assault, some victims go into shock, often feel fearful, confused, guilty, ashamed, anger, anxiety or may feel isolated. The emotional reaction resulting from a sexual assault is complex and puzzling. As a victim of sexual assault, you do not have to deal with these issues or feelings you may be experiencing on your own. There are many individuals within the UTA Community (Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, SARC, Counseling Services, Psychological Services, Student Health Center, etc) that care about your well being and would like to help you recover and heal.

Each sexual assault victim responds differently to the trauma and crisis associated with this type of crime. Below is a list of common reactions to sexual assault victims may experience throughout the recovery process. As a victim, you may feel any, all, or none of the feelings described below. Regardless of the reactions/feelings experienced, there are many resources available to assist you.

Problems You May Experience

Difficulty relating with those close to you

Changes in your normal sleeping pattern

Changes in your appetite

Headaches, stomachaches or other physical symptoms of stress

Feelings that may be uncomfortable and/or frightening, including feeling generally "down" or angry at yourself or others (including the rapist)

Mood swings, including crying more easily

Difficulty with sexuality

Difficulty in handling your classes

Difficulty in concentrating

There is no "right way" to react to being a victim of sexual assault as each person responds differently. How a person responds to trauma is often determined by:

The nature of the event: the actual or feared physical or emotional injury, including death

What the event means to the survivor: some experiences, such as war or natural disaster, are traumatic for anyone

past history of trauma

current stressors in the survivor's life

support system and other life resources available to the survivor

The First Few Days or Weeks Following the Assault

In the first few days or weeks after an assault, following the initial shock of the assault, many victims try to forget the attack, and "get on with their lives." Often times, during this stage of the recovery process, victims are inundated with feelings of guilt and self-blame, thinking of ways they could have avoided or changed the situation, or things they could have personally done to keep themselves out of danger. These feelings are often heightened when friends or family question the victim's actions, misunderstand the situation, and generally lack knowledge regarding sexual assaults. Some sexual assault victims then try to deny that the assault had any effect on them, or deny that it happened at all. This is also a time when survivors are likely to feel depressed, scared, or angry. Victims of sexual assault may also find themselves not caring about things that are usually important to them, they withdrawal. They may be dealing with certain fears such as fear of death of fear of seeing the assailant again. Survivors may feel depressed or guilty, they may have negative feelings about themselves, and they have difficulty with school, work, and other day-to-day activities. Remember, these are all common feelings. However, it is important for survivors to deal with their feelings to prevent a problem later in their recovery.

While all these reactions are normal, remember that the assault is not your fault. Each person's healing process is different so allow yourself time to heal at your own pace. It may help you to talk to family, friends, or someone you trust. If it is difficult for you to talk to someone within your social network, sexual assault counseling can be very helpful at this point. Trained staff at UTA with specialties and experience in sexual assaults are available anytime you want to talk and will keep everything confidential. Choose the services and resources best suits you through the healing process.

Long-Term Recovery Following the Assault

Survivors often fear that they will never be the same after a sexual assault. With time, the fear and confusion will lessen, but the trauma may disrupt the victim's life for many weeks, months, and years following the attack if help is not received. A goal of long-term recovery is to integrate the assault into your life, acknowledging it's a part of you, but getting to the point where it is no longer a driving force affecting your behaviors, feelings, thoughts, or relationships. Although the memory may always be difficult and uncomfortable, it is possible to be less affected by it as time goes by. Most survivors take some time to recover, but almost all DO eventually recover and are able to move on with their lives. Ongoing therapy, support groups, and help from friends and family can all assist you in the healing process.

Some victims of sexual assault find it empowering and therapeutic to get involved in programs related to sexual assault including volunteering at the local Rape Crisis Center, training to be a sexual assault victim advocate, becoming part of the University's Peer Education Program . Other opportunities include working to prevent rape/sexual assault through education, intervention, and prevention efforts at UTA and in the larger community.

Stages of Adjustment

Each person going through a crisis of any kind progresses through stages of emotional adjustment. A victim may spend a great deal of time in one stage and only touch lightly on another, or may pass through a number of the stages over and over again, each time experiencing them with a different intensity. Furthermore, anyone close to the victim may experience these stages as well.

SHOCK: "I'm numb."

Offering information to the Victim during this stage is not helpful as she will most likely remember very little, if anything, about what occurs during this time.

DENIAL: "This can't be happening''

Not yet able to face the severity of the crisis, the victim spends time during this stage gathering strength. The period of denial serves as a cushion for the more difficult stages of adjustment which follow.

ANGER: "What did I do? Why me?''

Much of the anger may be a result of the victim's feelings of loss of strength and loss of control over her own life. The anger may be directed toward the rapist, a doctor, the police, or anyone else, including herself.

BARGAINING: "Let's go on as if it didn't happen.''

The victim sets up a bargain: She will not talk about the rape in exchange for not having to continue to experience the pain. In so doing, she continues to deny the emotional impact the rape has had upon her life.

DEPRESSION: "I feel so dirty-so worthless."

If the victim is warned of this stage ahead of time,. she may not be so thrown by it. She may experience drastic challenges in sleeping or eating habits, the indulging in compulsive rituals, or generalized fears completely taking over her life. Professional counseling may be advisable. Though a painful time for her, this stage shows she has begun to face the reality of the rape. As she allows the negative emotions to surface, she should be reminded that these feelings are normal and will not last forever.

ACCEPTANCE: "Life can go on."

When enough of the anger and depression is released, the victim enters the stage of acceptance. She may still spend time thinking and talking about the rape, but she understands and is in control of her own emotions and can now accept what has happened to her.

ASSIMILATION: "It's part of my life."

By the time the victim reaches this stage, she has realized her own self-worth and strength. She no longer needs to spend time dealing with the rape, as the total rape experience now meshes with other experiences in her life. *Adapted from "Raped", by Deborah Roberts. Zondervan Publishing House. 1981 P. 157-159

If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted in the Past

You Still Have Options Available to Assist You
Although the may have experienced a sexual assault last week, last month or last year, you can still get help to deal with this assault and there are still options available for you to pursue

Contact the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate on Campus
The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) on campus can assist you in reviewing the options you have and making referrals to appropriate agencies when needed. You can utilize one or all of these possible services. Some options you may want to pursue include:

Filing a report with the UTA Campus Police, Arlington PD or other Police Departments

Pursuing campus and judicial intervention

Academic or administrative intervention-Altering academic schedules or housing arrangements if necessary

Medical Care for treatment of sexual assault related injuries

Psychological care for sexual assault related trauma and experiences and your emotional well being

Legal assistance or referral if necessary

Consider Seeking Medical Care
Even though you may have been assaulted some time ago, you should still seek medical care at the Student Health Center. They can provide possible treatments to any injuries or sexually transmitted infections which may have resulted from the sexual assault. Even if you did not sustain any physical injuries and have not experienced any medical related problems associated with this assault, seeking medical care is still beneficial as you may be unaware of possible harm you could face.

Request Counseling or Mental Health Services
Unresolved feelings and experiences stemming from this assault can impact future recovery and have long term consequences if never addressed. No matter how long ago the assault took place, please call Counseling Services at 817-272-3671 or Mental Health Services at 817-272-2771 or local Rape Crisis Center @ 817-927-2737or National Sexual Assault Hotline @ 1-800-656-HOPE to seek help. Possible long-term psychological effects of sexual assault may include:

Rape Related PTSD

Rape Trauma Syndrome

Eating Disorders

Panic Attacks

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Flashbacks

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This involves the constant re-experiencing of the traumatic event (sexual assault). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened (NIMH, 2007)

There are 4 major symptoms of Rape-Related PTSD

Re-experiencing the rape or sexual assault

Withdrawal

Avoidance Behaviors (avoiding thoughts, cues, feelings, situations that arouse feelings of the sexual assault/rape)

Hostility, Irritability, anger (NCVC, 2007)

Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS)

Acute Phase- Occurs immediately after the assault. Victims express multiple reactions to the assault which are grouped into 3 basic groups

Expressed – Openly emotional: crying, hysterical, yelling
Controlled –Survivor appears calm and that she/he has everything under control
Shock & Disbelief-Survivor appears disorientated: trouble making decisions

Outward Adjustment Phase – Survivor minimizes the assault and appears that all is normal, although they may be suffering on the inside. The victim will minimize. The victim will dramatize, suppress, and clarify the assault
Resolution Phase – Sexual assault is no longer central to your life. The pain and effects, although never disappearing, begin to lessen. The survivor accepts the rape and continues with the healing process (RAINN, 2007).

Remember that Sexual Assault is never the Victim's Fault!