What can I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

Ensure your safety:  if you are in any danger, or if you believe you may soon be in danger, do not hesitate to call for help.  Securing your immediate safety is the first priority.

  • Safety & Security always has campus officers on duty (315-229-5555).
  • You can reach the nearest police department by calling 911.

Reach out to someone:  contact someone you trust for guidance and support.  It can be someone you know, or someone on campus who is trained to help.

  • A trained advocate at the 24-hour Sexual Violence Hotline (315-244-5466).
  • A trained volunteer at Renewal House, a local organization (315-379-9845).
  • A student trained as a Community Assistant (CA).
  • A friend, mentor, or family member.

Seek medical care:  ask to be examined for potential injuries and infections.  You can also consider asking for evidence collection before washing or changing clothes.

  • The Torrey Health Center, at 76 Park St (M-F 8:30am-4:30pm).
  • The Canton-Potsdam Hospital, at 80 East Main St (M-F 4-9pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm).
  • For after-hours care, or for transportation, you can call Safety & Security (315-229-5555) or 911.

Report the incident:  making a report does not commit you to taking any disciplinary or legal action.  You can provide only as much information as you wish.

  • Safety & Security (315-229-5555) and the police (911) can take reports.
  • The Advocates program also provides an anonymous web form.

Seek counseling:  if you experience emotional distress, talking to a counselor can be an important part of the healing process.  Several types of counseling resources are available at the university.

  • Counselors at the Torrey Health Center (315-229-5392).
  • Chaplains Kathleen Buckley (315-229-5256) and Shaun Whitehead (315-229-5062).

Consider disciplinary or legal action:  if you decide to press charges, you can do so through the university, through the police, or both.

  • The Special Hearing Board hears cases of sexual misconduct on campus.  Rance Davis (315-229-5551) can help you pursue disciplinary action.
  • The Canton police department (315-386-4561) can help you pursue legal action.