Director of Campus Life - if requested by the victim, will make arrangements to modify housing immediately if the victim and the alleged assailant live in the same residence hall or if such action will facilitate the recovery of the victim. To a person who has been sexually assaulted, a medical rape exam may seem like a second rape. However, if the victim decides to file charges against the assailant at a later time, physical evidence is necessary. Encourage the victim to have a medical examination, and emphasize concern for the person s health. Suggest to the victim that someone such as a trained SAHC advocate is with her for support at the hospital.
Many victims are reluctant to report sexual assault and to file charges against the assailant.
These questions should be viewed separately by the victim. All victims should be encouraged to report sexual assault. If sexual assaults are reported, the University is aware of the magnitude of the problem and can respond with additional resources, programs, and security. Filing an incident report does not mean that further action must be taken by a victim. The question of filing legal charges or pursuing disciplinary action is a much more difficult decision to make.