Sexual Assault Resource Center

Student Brochure - What You Can Do... If You or A Friend is Sexually Assaulted

Immediate Actions

1. Get yourself to a safe place

   If the assault has just occurred, consider calling the University Police (UPD) immediately at 911 if using an Uptown or Downtown Campus phone. If you are calling from a cell phone or off-campus phone, the quickest way to reach UPD is to dial 442-3131. On the East Campus, call 911 or 479-1212 for the East Greenbush Police. (Also, see back panel for local police agency phone numbers.)

2. Save evidence

   Even if you are unsure about whether you want to pursue criminal charges against the assailant, saving evidence now gives you the option to decide later. Try not to shower, bathe, or wash the clothes you were wearing, until after you allow evidence to be collected by emergency room staff and/or police.

   Evidence should be collected as soon as possible, especially within 72 hours of the assault. Evidence will be held for 30 days, which gives you time to decide whether to prosecute.

3. Seek immediate medical treatment

   Not all injuries are apparent, so a medical exam is strongly advised. Albany Medical Center’s S.A.F.E. program (specially trained Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners) offers both medical examination and an exam for forensic evidence (a “rape kit”). From an on-campus phone, you can call for the campus ambulance service, 5-Quad, at 911. 5-Quad can also be reached by calling 442-3131 at any time of the day or night to arrange free transportation to the Albany Medical Center.

   The medical exam, not including the evidence collection, will be similar to a routine gynecological exam, and can also include testing and preventive medications for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and treatment. A medical exam is advised to ensure and protect your health.

   You can go to the University Health Center (UHC, 442-5454), during their clinical service hours for basic medical care. However, please note that the UHC cannot provide a forensic evidence exam nor do they offer the medications for HIV prophylaxis — these services are available through Albany Medical Center.