Special Advice for Individuals Reporting Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking
If you believe you are the victim of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, or Dating Violence, get to safety and do everything possible to preserve evidence by making certain that the crime scene is not disturbed. Preservation of evidence may be necessary for proof of the crime or in obtaining a protection order. For those who believe that they are victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, or Dating Violence, the College recommends the following:
- Get to a safe place as soon as possible.
- Try to preserve all physical evidence of the crime—avoid bathing, using the toilet, rinsing one’s mouth or changing clothes. If it is necessary, put all clothing that was worn at the time of the incident in a paper bag, not a plastic one.
- Do not launder or discard bedding or otherwise clean the area where the assault occurred- preserve for law enforcement
- Preserve all forms of electronic communication that occurred before, during, or after the assault
- Contact law enforcement by calling 911.
- Get medical attention - all medical injuries are not immediately apparent. This will also help collect evidence that may be needed in case the individual decides to press charges. Local hospitals have evidence collection kits necessary for criminal prosecution should the victim wish to pursue charges. Take a full change of clothing, including shoes, for use after a medical examination.
- Contact a trusted person, such as a friend or family member for support.
- Talk with a professional licensed counselor, or health care provider who can help explain options, give information, and provide emotional support.
- Make a report to the Title IX Coordinator.
- Explore this policy and avenues for resolution under the Title IX Grievance Process.
It is also important to take steps to preserve evidence in cases of Stalking, to the extent such evidence exists. Such evidence is more likely to be in the form of letters, emails, text messages, electronic images, etc. rather than evidence of physical contact and violence. This type of non-physical evidence will also be useful in all types of Sexual Harassment investigations.
Once a report of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking is made, the victim has several options such as, but not limited to:
- obtaining Supportive Measures
- contacting parents or a relative
- seeking legal advice
- seeking personal counseling (always recommended)
- pursuing legal action against the perpetrator
- filing a Formal Complaint
- requesting that no further action be taken
BJH Department of Public Safety can assist individuals in obtaining a personal protection order (“PPO”).