Campus Sexual Assault Emergency Checklist

✅ Call for help

Having support in the immediate wake of an assault can be extremely helpful as you navigate the following steps. If you are alone or without support, call a trusted friend and ask them to meet you nearby.

If you are injured, unable to get to safety, or do not have someone else to call, dial 911 immediately.

Be aware that while calling 911 might seem like the obvious choice regardless of your circumstances, many victims of sexual assault have negative experiences with law enforcement. If you do not need urgent medical or emergency services, try getting support from a friend first. 

✅ Go somewhere safe

Before addressing any of the other steps on this list, make sure you’re in a safe location. This might be your dorm room, a friend’s room, or a well-lit public place. Wherever you are, make sure you have access to a phone, phone reception, and some form of transportation if possible.

If you’re alone, ask a friend to accompany you as you get yourself to safety.

✅ Visit a clinic or hospital ASAP

Even if you don’t think you’re injured, visiting a clinic or hospital in the immediate wake of an assault experience is important. Depending on the nature of the assault, you could have internal injuries that only a doctor can identify.

By visiting a clinic or hospital, you can get checked out for potential injuries, request emergency contraception, or request a rape kit exam.

If you plan to report the assault in the future, having a rape kit exam done as soon as possible will help you build a strong case. In most cases, you do not need to report at the time of the exam.

✅ Take emergency contraception if needed

If you are concerned you may become pregnant as a result of the assault, consider taking emergency contraception. Most hospitals and clinics can provide this during an exam.

If you do not go to the hospital, or if you are unable to get emergency contraception from a doctor, you may be able to purchase it at a drugstore or pharmacy. Most places sell emergency contraception to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or identification.

In addition to contraception, consider talking to a doctor about other emergency medications that can help prevent the transmission of STIs.

✅ Connect with a clinic or resource centre on campus

Most college campuses have dedicated student clinics and/or sexual health resource centres for students. Your campus might even have an office dedicated to providing support to victims of sexual assault or gender-based violence. Find out if your school offers these types of resources, and consider connecting with them if so.

Student resource centres are great places to connect with supportive communities on campus, learn about your options, and get peer support as you navigate the recovery process.

✅ File a report with your college or university (optional)

Filing a report with your college or university can start the process of pursuing accountability or discipline for the person who committed the assault. However, not everyone decides to report, and that’s okay.

If you decide to report, someone at the campus clinic or resource centre can provide information on how to file and who to speak with.

Be aware that by filing a report, the person who assaulted you may face academic consequences. There is no need to feel guilty, as this is not your fault; however, it’s important to be aware of the potential outcomes of making an official report.

✅ File a police report (optional)

If you would like to pursue legal action against the person who assaulted you, you will need to file a police report.

Keep in mind that this is completely optional, and it’s okay to not want to pursue action against your assailant. This choice is extremely personal, and it’s very common for victims to decide not to report.

If you decide to pursue a police report, the resources in the Go Thrive Go Library can help you understand how to report and what to bring.

✅ Communicate with your professors if possible

Depending on your physical and emotional state, you may need some time to recover in the immediate wake of the assault. This can make it challenging to juggle your classes, assignments, and deadlines.

If you feel comfortable doing so, consider reaching out to your professors to let them know you may need to miss a few classes. You do not need to offer more information than you’re comfortable providing.

This can also help if you decide to apply for academic leave, as you will create a paper trail demonstrating your need for support and grace.

✅ Apply for academic leave if you need it

All higher education institutions offer some form of academic leave for students dealing with complex circumstances. Many students who experience campus sexual assault end up applying for academic leave at some point to help with their recovery.

If you need to take a break from school while you recover from your experience, contact your school’s administration office to find out how to apply. 

There is no shame in needing a break from your studies while you recover. Applying for academic leave can help you take the time you need to get back on your feet before finishing your degree.

✅ Focus on self-care

No matter which path you take moving forward, focus on taking care of yourself. Offer yourself kindness, compassion, and patience as you navigate this difficult and emotional time.

In the hours and days following the assault, this might look like getting lots of sleep, taking warm baths, or spending time with trusted friends. You may also find you need extra alone time or time to simply zone out and focus on other things. Regardless of what you need, try your best to find healthy ways to support yourself as you recover.

Find More Sexual Assault Resources Through Go Thrive Go

Go Thrive Go is an online web app and resource library designed to help victims and survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence find their pathway to recovery. The articles in the Go Thrive Go library can help you understand things like consent, coercion, sexual abuse, and more.

Many of our resources are available for free online through GoThriveGo.com. If you’re interested in using the Go Thrive Go web app, you can start a 14-day free trial any time.