Sexual Assault Resource Center

Immediate Steps

What to do if your son or daughter has been raped...

It is often very difficult for students to tell their parents or guardian. Some common barriers to asking for help:

• Uncertainty whether it was a sexual assault or not
• A sense of shame
• Self-blame
• Fearful parent(s)/guardian will be disappointed, hurt or angry
• Fearful parent(s)/guardian will blame them or tell them how they could have avoided the assault from happening
• Concerned parent(s)/guardian will take them out of school
• Concerned parent(s)/guardian will step in and take over too much or too little
• Concerned about using medical coverage because parent(s)/guardian can find out
• Concern because alcohol or drugs may have been used
• Afraid you will take them out of school
• Afraid you will step in and take over too much or too little
• Afraid to use the medical coverage for fear you will find out

If your son/daughter or family member confides in you:

• Believe them
• Listen to them
• It is important that they are able to make decisions and choices about the services they need or want.
• Regaining a sense of control over what they want or do is very important
• Assist them to understand the services and resources available both on and off campus
• As needed assist in finding services at home
• Again, be mindful that they are informed, supported and exploring the choices

For all emergency safety concerns, call 911

1. Seek medical care immediately:
   • Five Quad - Can provide transportation to the hospital - 911 or (518)442-3131 (cell phone)
   • Albany Medical Center - Provides medical care and a forensic evidence exam - (518)262-3131
   • University Health Center - Basic medical care - (518)442-5454
2. To report the incident:
   • On campus:
     • University Police - 911 (campus phone) or (518)442-3131 (cell phone)
     • Office of Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility - (518)442-5501
   • Off campus:
     • Albany Police - 911 or (518)438-4000
     • Office of Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility - (518)442-5501 (if the perpetrator is a student)
3. To seek support, information or counseling:
   • Sexual Assault Resource Center - (518)442-5800
   • University Counseling Center - (518)442-5800
   • Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center (CVSVC) - Open 24 hrs/day - (518)447-7716 - Counseling is also available at (518)447-7100
   • Middle Earth Peer Assistance Hotline - (518)442-5777
4. To seek assistance with coordination of campus services:
   • Office of the Vice President for Student Success: (518) 956-8140 – Cynthia Brady

For more detailed information about University’s response plan, please visit: “What You Can Do... If You or A Friend is Sexually Assaulted”.