Assault Resources
What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?
If the incident occurred in the last 24-72 hours:
Go to a safe place as soon as you can and ask a friend, family member or someone you trust to stay with you.
Get help by calling one of these sexual assault resources:
- The University Police or Chicago Police (123 or 702-8181 or 911)
- The University of Chicago Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call. They are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year and can be reached through the University Police dispatch operator (123 or 702-8181).
While your first impulse after an assault may be to bathe, this destroys crucial evidence you will need if you decide to prosecute. Avoid drinking, bathing, showering, douching, brushing your teeth or changing your clothes prior to seeking emergency medical care or calling the police. Evidence can be collected at the emergency room and you can decide later whether or not you want to press criminal charges.
To minimize the harm to your body and preserve the option of pressing charges, obtain medical attention as soon as possible. The University of Chicago Hospitals Mitchell Emergency Room is located at 901 East 58th Street, 702-6250. A Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call or a Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate can help you through the examination.
Don't face it alone. Seeking help immediately is best, but if for some reason you are not able to, don't hesitate to seek counseling, or make a report later. Early reporting makes it easier to find and convict the attacker, though filing a report with the police does not oblige you to press charges or pursue legal action. In the event of a criminal prosecution, the Southeast Crime Commission's Victim Assistance Program staff will be there to help you.
If the incident occurred a while ago:
Many individuals do not feel able to immediately report a sexual assault, so you are not alone if you felt unable to come forward at the time. No matter when the assault occurred, it is important for you to take care of yourself physically and psychologically. Not being able to talk about the assault at the time may make the recovery process more complicated. It is usually most helpful to survivors to talk about the assault with a concerned person. Please consider speaking with a counselor, your doctor, your minister, rabbi, imam, spiritual leader or a trusted person in your life.
If the incident occurred recently or long ago, there are many sources of support at the University of Chicago. If for any reason you are not comfortable seeking help on campus, there are several good Chicago area support services. See our section on University and community resources.
