Dealing with Sexual Assault
What to do if...you are sexually assaulted
University Police can take you to the hospital if you need a ride OR call the Crisis Services Advocate Program at (716) 834-3131 for an advocate to help you through the process and join you at the hospital.
- Find a Safe Place. Get to a safe place - anywhere away from the attacker. Call someone you trust, such as a friend, relative, or police officer to come meet you.
- Get Medical Attention Immediately. You may have injuries that aren’t yet evident. Even if you have no physical injuries, immediate medical care is important to reduce risks of pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. You do not have to press charges if you seek medical attention.
- Preserve Evidence. You don't have to decide if you want to prosecute right away, but preserving the evidence helps if you decide to prosecute at a later date.
- Don't bathe or brush your teeth
- If you have already changed your clothes, place them in a paper bag (NOT plastic) to preserve them.
- To preserve evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam. If you suspect that you may have been drugged, ask for a urine sample to be collected.
- Get Professional Help. Getting help does not mean you have to prosecute. Professionals trained in crisis intervention are available free to UB students (see info below). As you are considering your options, it is vital to remember:
- It is not your fault
- Every rape or sexual assault is different
- It doesn't matter what you did or did not do during the assault
- Healing from a sexual assault takes time
- It is never too late to get help, even if the assault happened years ago.
- Report the Assault. If or when you are ready, you can report the assault to University Police 24 hours a day at (716) 645-2222. If you live off-campus, call 911 to report to your City or Town Police.
Someone you know is sexually assaulted
- Believe Them. Listen to them, be there, support them, and don't be judgmental.
- Help them understand their options (see above).
- Encourage them to seek medical help and contact law enforcement . . . if they permit you to. It is their decision.
- Be patient. This will take time for your friend to process and to heal. Encourage them to contact a Crisis Services Advocate, or UB Counseling Services to get assistance.
You have witnessed a sexual assault
- Contact the police, On-Campus at 645-2222 or Off-Campus at 911.
- If you have information regarding a crime that took place in the past, you can still contact the police, or report anonymously at upolice.buffalo.edu
- Get help, if you need it. From Crisis Services, UB Police or UB Counseling Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to know?
You have the right to choose whom you tell. You may consider talking to a trusted friend or family member, or to any of the university offices linked to this website.
Will my parents be called?
Not without your permission, unless you are under 18 years of age. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, the hospital may call your closest relative.
How can you keep the person who hurt me away?
A report would need to be filed with the University Police. Orders of protection can be obtained through the Student Wide Judiciary or other local jurisdictions.
Do I have to go to court?
Only if you want to press charges and you don't have to make that decision right away. For more information: Subboard I Legal Assistance 
Will the person who hurt me know I talked to the police?
Only if you prosecute the person who hurt you.
What if I have pregnancy, HIV/STD or injury concerns?
You can go to any local emergency room for testing, medical care and emergency contraception, or visit Student Health Services and the SBI Pharmacy in Michael Hall for testing and emergency contraception.
Whom to contact
Help! Where to find it.
Counseling Services (645-2720)
120 Richmond Quad
Ellicott Complex
Crisis Services (834-3131)
24 hour telephone hotline
Copyright - Counseling Services, State University of New York at Buffalo
