Sexual Assault Victim Resources & Support

SEXUAL ASSAULT/SEXUAL VIOLENCE

If you are a victim of sexual assault:

  • Go to a safe place away from harm.
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • If you are on campus when the assault occurs, call the Office of Public Safety and Campus police at 434.981.6362.
  • Call a friend, a family member or someone else you trust to stay with you.
  • Go to the nearest medical facility/emergency room.
  • Take steps to preserve any physical evidence since it may be necessary to prove criminal charges or to issue a protective order.
  • Do not wash your hands or bathe.
  • Keep clothes that you were wearing when attack took place. If you change clothing, place worn clothing in a paper bag.
  • Tell someone the details you remember or write them down if possible.

RESOURCES & SUPPORT SERVICES

SARA( Sexual Assault Resource Agency)  provides a 24-hour hotline: 434.977.7273 or 434.295.7273.

SARA offers the following kinds of support:

  • Supportive staff to listen and provide services to help you in the healing process
  • Support for family members and friends
  • Someone to accompany a survivor to the hospital, to the police station or to court to provide emotional support
  • Information about sexual assault/abuse/common reactions and healthy relationships
  • Referral to other services
  • Support groups
  • Free and confidential therapy with clinically trained staff

Learn more at SARA.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  • For professional and counseling support, contact Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.838.8238.
  • Shelter for Help and Emergency (SHE): 434.293.8509
  • U.Va. Women’s Center: 434.982.2361
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7): 1.800.500.1119
  • NOT ALONE: Together Against Sexual Assault: http://changingourcampus.org/about-us/not-alone/