What To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted
What is the University's Policy?
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Dallas to strive to maintain an environment that is free from intimidation and inappropriate sexual conduct. The university will not tolerate any form of sexual assault, including, but not limited to, acquaintance rape, date rape, sodomy, sexual assault with an object, fondling or any other form of non-consensual sexual activity.
A student who individually, or in concert with others, participates or attempts to participate in a sexual offense, regardless of whether it takes place on or off campus, is subject to disciplinary action by the university, notwithstanding any action that may or may not be taken by the civil authorities.
What To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted
1. Get medical attention immediately.
After a sexual assault, the primary medical concerns are physical injury, sexually transmitted disease, and pregnancy. While you may be given a pregnancy test at the time of the exam, an accurate pregnancy test cannot be given for several weeks. A preventive pregnancy medication can be given at the time of the exam but is effective only if taken within 24 hours of the assault. The secondary purpose of a medical examination is to collect evidence to aid in the police investigation and legal proceedings. There is physical evidence (such as the presence of sperm) that can only be obtained during a medical exam within 72 hours of the assault. If you decide at a later date that you would like to prosecute, the evidence will be available. HCA Plano and Parkland Hospitals have been certified for gathering evidence in sexual assaults. If you are taken to a hospital by the UTD police, treatment expenses will be the responsibility of the police. If you are taken to the hospital by Richardson or Dallas police they will assume financial responsibility for treatment only if you file charges. If you go to a medical facility without the involvement of the police, treatment expenses will be your responsibility. If you do not have adequate financial resources or health insurance, Parkland Hospital would be financially less burdensome.
2. Preserve all physical evidence.
Do not bathe, shower, douche, use the toilet, brush your teeth, comb your hair, or change clothing if it can be avoided. If you do change clothes, place each item of clothing in a separate paper bag.
3. Report the incident to the police and/or university officials.
Reporting an assault does not mean that you must press charges or take the case to criminal trial or a university disciplinary hearing. Even if you have not decided to press charges, calling the police and going to the hospital will allow your medical needs to be cared for and will preserve the options to press charges at a later date. University police can be contacted by calling 972-883-2331 or dialing 911 from a campus phone. The Dean of Students can be contacted by calling 972-883-6391.
4. Even if you decide not to report the incident to the authorities, for your own well-being you should seek assistance and emotional support.
What You Can Expect from the University's Student Judicial System
You may talk informally with the Dean of Students, who has primary responsibility for student discipline at the university. This discussion does not obligate you to pursue official action. However, if it is determined that the accused student presents a danger to the safety and well-being of the campus community, interim disciplinary action may be taken against the accused student without your consent.
If you have not received medical attention and/or contacted the police, you will be assisted in doing so if you wish. Every effort will be made to make necessary changes in your academic schedule and/or on-campus housing assignment. You will be provided information describing both the criminal and campus judicial process and you will be informed of the counseling and medical services available to you on or off campus.
If you choose to file a complaint that will be addressed by the university disciplinary system, you will be entitled to the following rights:
- The right to present his or her testimony the disciplinary hearing. (The accused student has the same right.)
- The right to have a support person present. (The accused student has the same right.)
- The right not to have evidence of your past sexual history with third parties admitted as evidence.
- The right to have the hearing closed to spectators.
- The right to know the outcome of the hearing to the extent permitted by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Commonly Asked Questions
If I call the Police, what will happen? It is your right to make a police report and document the incident, however just because you contact the Police, does not mean that you have to press criminal charges.
What if I do not want to file a police report? I can discuss the incident confidentially with Corporal Misty Boyd (972-883-2331), or the Student Counseling Center (972-883-2575), or the Women’s Center (972-883-6555)
What if I only want to go to counseling? Where can I go? The Student Counseling Center (972-883-2575) or the Women’s Center (972-883-6555)
How does S.A.R.T. work? The S.A.R.T team is a cooperative effort to assist a victim of sexual assault, sexual harassment or a violent crime. Once a team member is contacted, it will be determined how best to address the victim in their recovery. The victim of a Sexual Assault who chooses not to make a police report will be respected. Confidentiality rights are strictly followed.
What about stalking? If you feel that you are being stalked, contact the UTD Police Department (972-883-2331) so you can document each incident. Explain exactly what happened and what threats were made against you.
Can I file a sexual harassment complaint through S.A.R.T? Contact the Human Resources Department at 972-883-4633. To discuss the matter confidentially, contact the Women’s Center at 972-883-6555 or the Student Counseling Center at 972-883-2575.
Resources
Police Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency
University Police and TDD: 972-883-2331
Police Building ( Answers 24 hours)
Dean of Students: 972-883-6391
Student Union, 1.602
Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Counseling and Emotional Support
UTD Counseling Center 972-883-2575
Student Union, 1.608
Monday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
UTD Women’s Center 972-883-6557
McDermott Library, 1.204
S.A.R.T. (Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Team) Contacts
