Sexual Assault

Steps to Take

Sexual assault and/or rape is defined as “any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of under age, mental illness, mental deficiency, intoxication, unconsciousness, or deception. This includes forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling. Non-forcible sex offenses are acts of “unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse,” and include incest and statutory rape.

Sexual assaults can happen anywhere and often by someone the person knows. The effects are multi-dimensional: physical, psychological, emotional, medical and legal. If you have been the victim of this crime please contact one of the numbers listed below for confidential assistance and services to help you with recovery.

What To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted

Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you for moral support.

Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth. Don't wash the clothes you were wearing. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack & the attacker.

Call someone for help:

TSU Police Dept: 963-5171 24 hours a day

TSU Counseling Center: 963-5629

Rape and Sexual Abuse Center of Nashville: 256-8526

The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day

Get medical attention! Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy

To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam

If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected

Report the rape to law enforcement authorities, a counselor can provide the information you will need to understand the process

It wasn’t your fault

It is never too late to get help. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) for more information

RAPE IS A VIOLENT CRIME THAT AFFECTS EVERYONE