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

FAQ: Sexual Assault

Reporting Questions

Q. What is Anonymous Reporting?
A. The purpose of anonymous reporting is to give victims of sexual or relationship violence the opportunity to report a sexual assault incident and to provide information related to a sexual assault occurrence without being identified or making a formal complaint.

Q. Who can fill out an Anonymous Report?
A. Any victim of a sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking incident, whether it was perpetrated on or off campus, last night or last year, can fill out the "Anonymous Sexual Assault Report Form". Any friend, witness to the assault or individual that came into contact with the sexual assault victim can also fill out the "Anonymous Sexual Assault Report Form".

Q. What do you mean by Anonymous?
A. Your name, or any other identifying information (e-mail address, student ID, etc), will not be used or appear anywhere in this report.

Q. What will happen with my report?
A. Every report form will automatically be sent to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at UTA who will create a confidential file for all sexual assault incidences. If you would like to be contacted by the SARC on campus, you will provide that information in the appropriate box. You DO NOT, however, have to fill in that box if you do not want to be contacted, just leave that section blank

Q. I was raped, but I don't want to talk to the police. Do I have to report it?
A. No. It is completely up to you whether or not to report a rape or sexual assault. You may decide to file an anonymous report form or file an official police report if you want, but again, it is completely up to you. The sooner you file, however, the stronger your case will be if you decide to press charges in the future

Q. If I don't report the assault, can I change my mind and report it later?
A. You can always file a report with the police, but it is best to do so right away when your memory is most clear and physical evidence may still be present. The more evidence and information you have, the stronger the likelihood that the attacker will be prosecuted

Q. How is a sexual assault complaint investigated?
A. Generally once the police have been called a uniformed police officer will attend to the victim and take a report. In larger departments, a sexual assault investigator or someone who has experience dealing with sexual assault incidents, will be assigned to your case. Once a specialized officer is notified, arrangements will be made to speak to the victim and to other potential witnesses. Because each victim has different needs, questions, and fears regarding the legal process, the manner in which the accusation and incident is investigated differs from case to case. The investigator assigned to your case will keep you updated with the status and overall progress and development of your case. You can also contact the SARC on campus @ 272-0260 to assist with any questions the victim may have

Sexual Assault on Campus Questions

Q. Is Sexual Assault a problem at UTA?
A. Sexual Assault is a problem on ALL college campuses as anyone, anywhere can be a victim of a sexual assault. UTA is as safe as most campuses in America

Q. If I seek help for a Sexual Assault, will they tell anyone?
A. Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Counselors, psychologists, and the SARC on campus are protected under confidentiality laws. If you report the Sexual Assault to someone else, only the details and the fact that a sexual assault occurred will be reported to the SARC. Your privacy and comfort is very important to us and we will not tell anyone anything unless we have your written consent

Q. Do I have to go to a sexual assault clinic or hospital?
A. No. The choice to seek medical attention is completely up to you. Seeking medical care after a sexual assault is very important, however, due to the possibility of contracting an STD or becoming pregnant. Trained medical personnel at clinics or the hospital can assist you with any questions you may have

Q. Something sexual happened but I'm not sure it was rape. Can I still get help?
A. Of course you can get help and receive services here at UTA or off campus as well. Many students decline to put the "rape" or "sexual assault" label on the incident. Whatever you prefer to refer to the traumatic event as, please know that you can always receive assistance from the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) on campus @ 272-0260, or any other person that you feel comfortable talking to.

Q. How do you know if you've been slipped a date rape drug?
A. People who have had date rape drugs slipped into a drink often do not remember what happened and often become unconscious. Victims who have been given a date rape drug such as GHB, Rohypnol, or Ketmaine will act and feel drunk at a rate much faster than usual, may feel dizzy, nauseous, may sweat and have memory loss

Q. Can I get the "morning after pill" at Health Services?
A. Yes, the morning after pill, also known as emergency contraception (EC), is available. This is a high dose birth control regimen and is highly effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of the sexual assault.

Q. Is it still rape even though I didn't fight back?
A. Absolutely. If the sexual act was perpetrated through the use of force, coercion, or threat without freely given consent, it is rape. Even if you were too afraid to yell, or if you knew if would be safer to submit, it is still rape. You do not need outward signs of victimization for a rape to perpetrated

Q. Was it my fault because I kissed him, went back to his place, was out late, wore a revealing dress, or got drunk/used drugs?
A. NO! No matter what you did, where you went, what you wore, how often you dated him or her, or how much you drank, rape is NEVER EVER your fault.

What If Questions

Q. What happens if I call the hotline?
A. When you call the 24-hour hotline, you will reach a trained advocate who will listen to you and help you understand your options. You do not have to give any information you do not want to share. The advocate will offer to have someone meet you at the hospital or police station to support you through this process. You can call the hotline to talk at any time, right after the assault or months or years later, whenever you need support.

Q. What if I was on a date or at a party? Will anyone believe me that I was sexually assaulted?
A. Sexual assault is a crime regardless of whether you were on a date, at a party, or were drinking or using drugs. It is never okay for someone to force sex on you. Don't allow the fear that some people may not believe you stand in the way of reporting the assault or seeking help. If you have any doubts, please call the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, you will be believed.

Q. What should I do if I suspect a sexual assault has occurred?
A. If you believe someone is in imminent danger, you are always instructed to dial 911. If you do not believe anyone is in imminent danger, then you should report your suspicions to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at UTA @ 272-0260 or the UTA Police @ 272-3003 or to Counseling Services @ 272-3671or Mental Health Services @ 272-2771.

Q. What should I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

Find a Safe Place To Go

Reach out for Support

Call the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate on Campus

Preserve all Physical Evidence of the Assault

Get Medical Care as Soon as Possible

Write Down All that You Can Remember About the Assault

Decide If You Want to File a Report

Talk with a Counselor or Victim Advocate

Take Care of Yourself

Remember: The assault was not your fault

Even if you don't report the rape or press charges, consider contacting your nearest Rape Crisis Center @ 817-927-2737 for information about counseling for yourself and/or family members. Their services are free and confidential. Call 1-800-656- HOPE to be connected to your closest rape crisis center or go to www.rainn.org for more information.

Q. What can I do to help someone who has been sexually assaulted?
A. If a friend, relative or acquaintance discloses that he/she has been sexually assaulted, it is imperative that you let him/her know that you believe him/her. This first step is very important in helping him/her begin to heal.

Above all, believe your friend's disclosure of sexual assault

Do Not criticize or judge your friend's actions during the sexual assault

Never force the victim to do anything they do not want to do

Stay with the victim

Get medical care as soon as possible

Advocate that your friend seek additional avenues of support such as counseling or psychological services

Be aware of common reactions to sexual assault your friend may display

Advocate that your friend talk with a Counselor or Victim Advocate

Sexual Assault: Myths vs. Reality

Sexual Assault refers to any form of unwanted sexual contact including unwelcome or forced touching with the breasts, genitalia, and/or buttocks area, attempted and/or completed sexual penetration of the anal, vaginal, and/or oral regions. Myths are false beliefs individuals hold regarding sexual assault. Knowing the facts related to sexual assault may help empower you to effectively deal with any concerns you may have related to this topic. Let's take a look at some mistaken beliefs about male sexual assault and uncover the realities behind the myths...

Myth: Sexual assault can't happen to me
Reality: Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault regardless of race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, religious orientation, and sexual orientation. Statistically, 1 in 4 female and 1 in 10 males will be sexually assaulted

Myth: I don't know anyone who's ever been raped.
Reality: 1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted during their college career. If you know more than 4 women, chances are, you know a victim of sexual assault. Because the majority of victims never report the assault, you may not know that rape victims are students, teachers, doctors, lawyers, nurses, military personnel, or anyone else.

Myth: Sexual violence can sometimes be the victim's fault.
Reality: Sexual violence is NEVER the victim's fault, regardless of if the victims was wearing "seductive" clothing, drinking, using drugs, out on a date, whether they went up to the attackers room, alone, etc. The perpetrator is the one to blame

Myth: Rape doesn't happen very often.
Reality: 1 out of every 4 female college students and 1 out of 10 males has been the victim of a sexual assault.

Myth: Rape is "no big deal."
Reality: About 33% of women require medical care following a sexual assault/rape. Victims also suffer from a variety of mental health consequences (depression, sleeplessness, anxiety) and are more likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as drinking or using drugs to cope with the traumatic event

Myth: Rape/sexual assaults are committed by individuals who are "turned on" and have uncontrollable act sexual urges
Reality: Rape is a crime and is an act of violence, power, and control and does not arise out of passion or sexual gratification. Sexual excitement never justifies forced sex.

Myth: If a woman does not look like a rape victim, she really has not been raped.
Reality: Most sexual assault victims on college campuses show no outward signs of victimization (bruises, cuts, blood, torn clothing, etc). Most often, weapons are not present but coercive tactics and threats arte utilized to perpetrate a sexual assault. Just because you have no outward signs of a rape or sexual assault does not mean that you are not a "real victim". Please seek help.

Myth: Most rapes are committed by strangers
Reality: Over 85% of sexual assaults on college campuses are perpetrated by someone you know (friend, classmate, boyfriend, date, etc)

Myth: No one can be raped against his or her will.
Reality: No matter how big or small or tough someone is, rapists use force, manipulation, intimidation, and threats to perpetrate a sexual assault

Myth: When a woman says "no," she means yes.
Reality: "No" means "No" - period.

Myth: Women "cry rape" to get even with men or to protect their reputations.
Reality: Less than 4% of rape reports are believed to be false. Filing a false police report is a violation of the criminal law. The aftermath of a sexual assault (ensuing medical and legal processes) is traumatic for victims and rarely. Rarely are false allegations of rape ever made

Myth: If people are dating or are in an ongoing sexual relationship, it's not rape.
Reality: Previous sexual contact does not grant consent for any future sexual activity at any time, regardless of the nature of the relationship

Myth: Rapists are usually outcasts from our society.
Reality: Most sexual assaults perpetrated on the college campus appear to be "normal" men. Most perpetrators of rape/sexual assault are young and have ongoing, "normal" sexual relationships.

Myth: Most rapes are interracial (someone from a race different than your own)
Reality: Statistics show that you are much more likely to be raped by a person of the same racial background.

Myth: A person who has really been sexually assaulted will be hysterical.
Reality: Sexual assault victims have multiple reactions and responses to the assault. There is no "right way" to react to sexual assault. Some victims may appear calm and withdrawn, while others appear to be angry, in denial, or in shock.

Myth: Talking about it only makes it worse
Reality: Allowing victims of sexual assault to discuss the assault will help them heal and is an essential part of the healing process. Sexual Assault victims should never be forced to talk, but if a victim discloses the assault to you, please listen

Myth: Men can't be sexually assaulted.
Reality: Men can and are victims of sexual assault regardless of their size, strength, or sexual orientation

Myth: Only gay men are sexually assaulted.
Reality: Heterosexual, gay and bisexual men are equally likely to be sexually assaulted. Sexual victimization is unrelated to sexual orientation

Myth: Only gay men sexually assault other men.
Reality: The majority of sexual assault perpetrators identify themselves as heterosexual.

Myth: Erection or ejaculation during a sexual assault means you "wanted it" "enjoyed it" or "consented" to it.
Reality: Erection and ejaculation are simply physiological responses to physical contact and stress. These responses do not imply that you wanted or enjoyed the assault and do not indicate anything about your sexual orientation.