Sexual Assault Resource Center

COORDINATED RESPONSE TO THE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF STUDENTS

Procedures for Responding to a Student Who Has Been Assaulted

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL TREATMENT

1. NOTE: VICTIMS SHOULD BE ADVISED OF THE FOLLOWING:
   • If she/he is considering reporting the incident to the police, whether now, or at some future point, an evidentiary medical exam (“rape kit”) is strongly recommended. This will greatly enhance the likelihood of successful prosecution of the assailant, should the victim report the incident.
   • It is important to encourage the victim not to bathe, wash, or change clothes before seeking medical attention. In addition, it is best that the victim not take fluids or empty her/his bladder before the medical exam.
   • Evidence should be collected within 72 hours of the incident; however, even if 72 hours have elapsed, or if the victim has bathed, etc., an exam is still recommended.
   • Explain to the victim that the medical exam does not commit her/him to reporting the attack. In the event that the victim decides not to report to the police, the evidence collected will be destroyed after 30 days.
   • Note that materials collected as evidence are likely to include some articles of clothing, and/or personal effects.
   • Inform the victim that compensation may be available for certain individuals, through the New York State Crime Victims Assistance Program, if they go to a hospital emergency room and agree to a forensic medical exam and/or if they report the crime and cooperate with authorities.

   Help arrange to transport the victim to the hospital as soon as possible. Remember, not all injuries are immediately apparent. A medical evaluation is necessary to evaluate internal injuries, and for sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy testing, in addition to gathering medical information for the police. The mode of transportation depends on the victim's condition and preference. For transport from the uptown or downtown campus to a local hospital, the following can help if desired: Five Quad Ambulance (911 from an on campus phone or 442-3131 if calling from an off campus or cellular phone), and/or University Police (911 from an on campus phone or 442-3131). In a medically emergent situation off campus or on the East Greenbush campus, call 911. The Coordinator for Sexual Assault Prevention and Education (442-5800) can also be of assistance in providing information and referrals to resources both on and off campus.

2. AN ALTERNATIVE: GO TO THE UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER

   The University Health Center offers confidential services for information, medical care and referral including:

   • With the victim’s consent, referral to Albany Medical Center Hospital’s Sexual Assault Examiner Program or, if the victim requests, St. Peter’s or Memorial Emergency Room, for care and a rape examination.
   • With the victim’s consent, contact Albany County’s Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center (CVSVC) to be present to assist and support the student at AMCH, St. Peter’s or Memorial.
   • If the student refuses referral to an area hospital ER, the University Health Center will offer medical care and follow up, including STD and pregnancy testing.
   • Referral for services at the University Counseling Center or Albany County’s CVSVC. It is normal for victims to go through a process of feeling traumatized, helpless, frustrated and even guilty. It can be helpful to talk to a psychologist or counselor.
   • Referral to the University Police Department for legal action. (UPD) will make every effort to offer female victims an opportunity to have a female officer present during all interviews.

   Note: Confidentiality
   Services in the University Counseling Center (UCC) and the University Health Center (UHC) are strictly confidential. However, with a student's written consent and at her/his request, the UCC or the UHC will notify the Office of the Vice President for Student Success for a coordinated response as in IV below. The student should be reminded that their confidentiality at either location will be jeopardized if court proceedings are initiated.