Steps To Take Following A Sexual Assault
Get to a Safe Place and Seek Emotional Support
Talking with a trusted friend or relative or someone who is professionally trained to deal with sexual assault, such as a confidential CARE advocate or mental health professional at the University Health Center, can help you make decisions about what to do. Whether you decide to go to law enforcement or not, it is important to take care of your own emotional needs. Professional counseling may be beneficial.
Preserve Evidence
If possible, consider taking steps to preserve physical evidence - on the body and at the location of an assault. It is important not to shower or bathe, eat or drink, brush teeth or gargle, change clothes, urinate or defecate, brush or comb hair, or smoke. Clothing worn at the time of an assault should not be washed but placed in a paper bag “as is” and brought to the hospital. In order to avoid forgetting important details, write down the facts about the accused and the assault.
Seek Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical examination will ensure appropriate medical treatment, including testing for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Individuals who experience sexual assault can access a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) within 72 hours of an assault. Each Maryland county has a hospital that provides SAFE exams. A SAFE exam is available at UM Capital Region Medical Center. To find a SAFE provider in other counties, call 1 (800) 656-4653. SAFE exams and attention to medical needs are available without having to reveal a person’s identity to the police.
The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center (DV/SAC) at University of Maryland (UM) Capital Region Medical Center:
Help Hotline Phone: (240) 677-2337 (24-hour Hotline) or 24-hours/7 days a week
For more information about the DV/SAC, please visit the Off-Campus Confidential Resources page.
University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD)
UMPD will assist Complainants with a police escort to the hospital in notifying other law enforcement authorities in other jurisdictions, as appropriate.
- To report to UMPD, please call (301) 405-3333 or 911.
- Non-Emergency Phone: (301) 405-3555
- Mobile Phone: #3333
Regardless of where the incident occurred, call 911 in an emergency.
Talking with a trusted friend or relative or someone who is professionally trained to deal with sexual assault, such as a confidential CARE advocate or mental health professional at the University Health Center, can help you make decisions about what to do. Whether you decide to go to law enforcement or not, it is important to take care of your own emotional needs. Professional counseling may be beneficial.
If possible, consider taking steps to preserve physical evidence - on the body and at the location of an assault. It is important not to shower or bathe, eat or drink, brush teeth or gargle, change clothes, urinate or defecate, brush or comb hair, or smoke. Clothing worn at the time of an assault should not be washed but placed in a paper bag “as is” and brought to the hospital. In order to avoid forgetting important details, write down the facts about the accused and the assault.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A medical examination will ensure appropriate medical treatment, including testing for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Individuals who experience sexual assault can access a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) within 72 hours of an assault. Each Maryland county has a hospital that provides SAFE exams. A SAFE exam is available at UM Capital Region Medical Center. To find a SAFE provider in other counties, call 1 (800) 656-4653. SAFE exams and attention to medical needs are available without having to reveal a person’s identity to the police.