A survivor of sexual assault may encounter a bewildering number of choices related to medical services, legal assistance, and counseling/support services. The emotional reactions that may follow a sexual assault often make the decision making process even more complicated. Below please find some information about the medical, legal and counseling or support options available to a survivor of sexual assault.
Medical Needs
A survivor of sexual assault can go to the hospital for a forensic examination, rape kit, up to 96 hours after a sexual assault. This will include a collection of evidence. Therefore, when possible, it is best not to shower, wash, douche, eat, or drink. It is also important to bring, in a paper bag, the clothes that were worn at the time of the sexual assault. At the hospital emergency department, a survivor will be assigned an advocate who will stay with them throughout the process and answer any questions. The survivor will then be given a general medical examination, antibiotics and testing for sexually transmitted infections, emergency contraception, and HIV prophylaxis and testing. The exam and rape kit will be performed by a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) doctor or nurse, who is specially trained. The survivor can choose to stop the exam at any time. Upon completion of a rape kit, the survivor does not have to immediately file a report with the police. A hospital will store the rape kit for 30 days, which allows for the survivor to later decide if she/he wants to report to the police. The New York State Crime Victims Board covers any expenses incurred at the hospital. The survivor does not need health insurance.
If the survivor does not choose to have a rape kit completed, she/he also has the option to go to the NYU Student Health Center (SHC), a local health clinic or their private physician for a general examination, emergency contraception, and sexual transmitted infection treatment and testing. Medical assistance at the SHC is available at Women's Health Services, the Men's Health Program, HIV Testing and Counseling and Urgent Care Services.
Emotional Needs
A survivor of sexual assault can experience emotional as well as physical consequences. Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that can have both immediate and long-term effects. Initial reactions vary and may include shock, denial, anxiety, guilt, anger, and self-blame. A survivor may experience nightmares, changes in their eating patterns, and depression. Individuals who have been sexually assaulted are strongly encouraged to obtain help from a professional counselor as soon as they are ready after the incident occurs. A survivor can call the University Counseling Service, 212-998-4780 to set up an appointment. Survivors can also call the Wellness Exchange 212-443-9999 to talk about what happened and can do so anonymously, if they prefer. Students can even write an email to the Wellness Exchange at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu and a counselor will respond to them within a few hours.
Seeking University and/or Legal Action
A survivor of sexual assault has the option to file an incident report with the Department of Public Safety. If s/he is interested in filing an incident report, they can contact any of the following:
- 212-998-2222 Department of Public Safety
- 212-998-9829 Special Victims Liaison at the Department of Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety can connect the survivor with a Crisis Response Coordinator who can meet with them 24 hours a day as well as accompany the survivor to the hospital for a rape kit. Public Safety can assist the survivor in filing a complaint with the NYPD Special Victims Unit, if they so choose.
Survivors can choose to report to NYU Judicial Affairs with or without filing an incident report with the Department of Public Safety. A written complaint must be delivered, mailed, or e-mailed to NYU Judicial Affairs to begin the informal grievance procedures. If a survivor is interested in filing a complaint, contact NYU Judicial Affairs at 212-998-4403 or at thomas.grace@nyu.edu.