What to do if you have been sexually assaulted
- Make sure you are in a safe place.
- Call someone -- you should not be alone. Call a trusted friend, family member, trained counselor or medical professional, 皇冠博彩 Police or 911.
- Get medical help right away. You need to be examined for injury, physical evidence, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours after the assault. A specially trained sexual assault nurse examiner will perform DNA collection (Physical Evidence Recovery Kit - PERK), injury assessment, documentation, preventive medications and referrals to legal and support services. Going to the hospital to seek medical attention does not obligate you to report the crime.
- In order to preserve evidence, do not change your clothes, wash, shower, douche, eat, drink, brush your teeth or use the bathroom. If you must change your clothes, place the items in a paper bag – not plastic – and take them with you to the emergency room. This is very important if you decide to file a report later. Bring a change of clothes with you.
- Consider reporting the assault. You are encouraged to report the assault to the 皇冠博彩 police or the local police.
Hospitals that perform SANE exams
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a Registered Nurse who has received special training so that he/she can provide comprehensive care to sexual assault victims. In addition, he/she is able to conduct a forensic exam and may provide expert testimony if a case goes to trial. These exams are also known as Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK).
- Inova Fairfax Hospital (forensic evidence collection available)
3300 Gallows Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
703.698.1110
- Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (forensic evidence collection available)
2300 Opitz Boulevard
Woodbridge, VA 22191
703.670.1313
Advocacy and Support Resources
Resources at 皇冠博彩
- Laura Buchs, Title IX Coordinator, titleix@86899805.com
- 皇冠博彩 Police: 703.764.5000
- Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer: Dr. Nathan Carter
at titleix@86899805.com or 703.323.2262
- 皇冠博彩 Human Resources: 703.323.3110
Resources in the Community
Safe houses for victims of domestic violence
Legal Resources
What happens once a complaint has been filed?
Formal Complaints
A formal complaint is required to begin an investigation. It must be completed and signed by the Complainant or by the Title IX Coordinator on behalf of the College.
Interim Actions
The Title IX Office can assist in arranging academic accommodations (course schedule adjustments, extension of assignments, alternative class or work arrangements), changing work arrangements, and may issue No Contact Orders as well as interim suspension and disciplinary or administrative leave.
Complainant’s Rights
A person who is the victim of sexual harassment, sex discrimination, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking is referred to as the complainant.
Respondent’s Rights
A person who has been accused of sexual harassment, sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, or stalking is referred to as the respondent.
Witnesses
An individual who may have information relevant to a report of sexual misconduct. Witness participation in the College’s Title IX Resolution process is voluntary.
Steps in an Investigation
- Title IX Coordinator receives a report of an incident; contacts Complainant to discuss investigation and support services.
- Title IX Coordinator or designee conducts an evaluation - interviewing parties and reviewing documentation.
- Process can take up to 120 business days to complete, at the end of which an administrative determination will be made.
- Both parties will be informed in writing of the outcome of the investigation.
- Both parties will be given an opportunity to review all information used to make the determination.
- Both parties have the right to appeal a final decision.
- If the complaint proceeds to a hearing, all attendees must adhere to the Rules of Decorum.
Confidentiality
Identifying information of a complainant will be protected as much as possible. This means that a complainant’s name will not be published or otherwise publicized without permission. When a person makes an official complaint to authorities, all possible protections will be afforded this individual, whether or not they participate in any investigation. When the College needs to act to protect the safety of others, absolute confidentiality may not be possible.
Faculty & Staff as Responsible Employees
A Responsible Employee is required by law to report any incidents of sexual misconduct to 皇冠博彩’s Title IX Office. Responsible employees (or Persons with Authority) at 皇冠博彩 include all employees except those with privileged communication, per VCCS instruction. As a Responsible Employee, employees must report any incidents of sexual harassment that they become aware of to the Title IX Coordinator.
Responsible Employee Handout