13 Resources for Campus Sexual Assault Survivors

Even if you don’t need all of these resources right now, consider printing this list and keeping it in your dorm or somewhere else accessible. Being aware of these resources can help you stay safe and recover more effectively should something unexpected happen.

Here are 12 common resources available to post-secondary students:

1. Campus resource centres

Many college campuses house resource centres designed to support students who have experienced sex- or gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination. These resource centres are often operated by student groups and may the able to provide information about other student or community resources available to campus sexual assault survivors.

To find out if your school has one of these resource centres, check the list of student programs and offices on your school’s website or ask someone in the administration office.

2. Campus clinics

If you’ve experienced campus sexual assault, your school’s student clinic may be one of your most valuable resources. Many schools feature clinics staffed by medical students or other medical professionals dedicated to providing progressive, shame-free services and information to students who have experienced violence or abuse.

Your campus clinic should be able to provide:

• Medical exams, including pelvic exams if necessary
• Emergency contraception
• Medical services or referrals
• Information and guidance for recovery

3. Hospitals, emergency rooms, and walk-in clinics

You can also seek medical services and information from nearby hospitals, emergency rooms, or walk-in clinics. You may even find a Planned Parenthood or Action Canada clinic in your area. These clinics are especially equipped to support survivors of campus sexual assault.

If your assault experience happens at a time when your campus clinic isn’t open, visiting a hospital or emergency room may be your best option. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured or at risk of becoming pregnant, visiting the emergency room after an assault is always advised.

Anyone considering pursuing legal or other disciplinary action against their assailant should get a rape kit exam as soon after the assault as possible. These exams are typically only available at certain hospitals and cannot be conducted at student clinics.

For more information on what to do in the direct wake of an assault, check out this Go Thrive Go checklist.

4. Student advocacy groups

Some schools have student advocacy groups focused on topics concerning gender and sexuality, gender-based violence, and the rights of trauma survivors. These groups may be able to help you connect with other campus or community resources or serve as a source of community support as you recover from your experience.

5. Community advocacy organizations

Depending on where you live, your town or city may have a community advocacy organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault. Check for resources like these by using a search engine like Google to search for the name of your city or town plus “survivor advocacy group” or “rape crisis centre.”

6. Sexual assault resource centres

Sexual assault resource centres, also known as rape crisis centres, are invaluable for anyone who has experienced sexual assault or gender-based violence. If there’s a sexual assault resource centre in your area, the staff should be able to connect to you with all other resources you may need as you navigate your recovery process.

Sexual assault resource centres often provide the following services:

• Counselling
• Crisis line support
• Support groups
• Accompaniment to hospital visits or courtroom appearances
• Advocacy and assistance during the reporting process

To find out what to expect when visiting a sexual assault resource centre, check out this guide from Go Thrive Go.

7. Academic leave programs

When students experience traumatic events like campus sexual assault, they often struggle to remain focused on their studies and academic pursuits. This is because the process of recovering from trauma is extremely mentally, physically, and emotionally taxing.

Thankfully, most schools offer academic leave programs to provide grace to students navigating difficult circumstances. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with your schoolwork in the wake of an assault, reach out to your school’s administration to discuss your options for requesting academic leave.

8. On-campus therapists and counsellors

Most college campuses offer access to complimentary counselling and therapy services to students. As an enrolled student, you may qualify for regular visits to help you cope with the fallout of your assault experience.

Information about campus therapy and counselling services will likely be available in your campus clinic, student resource centre, or your school’s administrative offices.

9. Hot lines and crisis lines

Hot lines and crisis lines designed to provide free and confidential support to sexual assault survivors are some of the oldest and most reliable forms of survivor support. Your college or university may even have its own crisis line available to students, which you can find information about in your school’s clinic or student resource centre. If not, use the Go Thrive Go search tool to find out which crisis lines serve your area (Canada only).

If you are in the US, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 any time you need support.

10. Peer-to-peer support

Some schools also offer peer-to-peer support programs, where trained students provide informal counselling services to other students. If your school does not offer conventional counselling or therapy, they may offer peer-to-peer support instead. Some students may also find peer-to-peer support more accessible and less overwhelming than conventional therapy.

Peer support can also come in the form of support from trusted friends or fellow students. If you have experienced assault, you will likely feel cautious about who to divulge this information to; but if you have trusted friends nearby who you suspect could offer valuable support, it may be worth confiding in them and asking for the help you need.

11. Campus safety initiatives

Unfortunately, campus sexual assault is common. As a result, many colleges and universities have begun to initiate safety measures designed to improve campus safety and connect those in need with emergency resources. For example, blue light emergency phones have become more and more common on college campuses over the years.

Knowing what campus safety resources are available can help you and your friends find safety more effectively if and when an emergency situation arises.

12. Campus security or law enforcement

Depending on the nature of your situation, you may need to reach out to emergency services. Most college campuses staff some form of campus security or law enforcement that may be able to assist you when you’re in need. If your campus has blue light emergency phones, this is one of the easiest ways to connect with campus security or local law enforcement quickly.

Calling 911 (or the equivalent emergency number in your area) is also an option. Be aware that while calling the police may be necessary or preferred in some situations, many sexual assault victims face negativity, judgment, or suspicion from law enforcement. If possible, recruit a trusted friend to accompany you when interacting with police officers.

13. Online resources and recovery tools

In addition to the services provided by your school or local community, you can also find countless resources for sexual assault survivors online. If you live in Canada, use the Go Thrive Go search tool by clicking the “Find” tab at the top of this page to find out what services are available in your area. Many of the services listed provide phone-based or digital service options.

For ongoing digital support, check out the Go Thrive Go web app, designed for survivors by survivors. This app features in-depth videos, guided practices, articles, and more specifically aimed at helping you recover and thrive beyond your experience of campus sexual assault. 

More Helpful Resources

For more practical information about dealing with a traumatic experience like campus sexual assault, check out the following resources in the Go Thrive Go library:

• What to Do if You’ve Been Raped or Sexually Assaulted (8 Steps)
• A Quick Guide to Basic Services and Resources for Survivors
• Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Sexual Assault and Abuse
• Where, When, and How to Report Rape or Sexual Assault
• What to Bring When Reporting Sexual Assault to the Police
• Rape and Sexual Assault Emergency Checklist
• It’s Okay Not to Report Sexual Assault (Here’s Why)
• Busting Persistent Myths About Rape and Sexual Assault
• Tools for Survivors: How to Rebuild Self-Trust After Sexual Assault or Abuse