Get to a place where you will be safe from further attack. For your own protection, call the police immediately, especially if the assailant is still nearby. The police will help you whether or not you choose to prosecute the assailant.
Call a friend or family member for support. Get medical attention immediately. The primary purpose of a medical examination following a rape is to check for physical injury, the presence of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy as a result of the rape. The secondary purpose of a medical examination is to aid in the police investigation and legal proceedings. So get medical attention as quickly as possible.
Don’t bathe or douche. Bathing or douching might be the first thing you want to do. You might literally be washing away valuable evidence. Wait until you have an examination.
Save your clothing. It is all right to change clothes. But save what you were wearing. Your clothing could be used as evidence for prosecution. Place each item of clothing in a separate paper bag for police.
Report the incident to the Police. It is up to you, but reporting a rape isn't the same thing as prosecuting a rape. Prosecution can be determined later. To contact police, call 911, 24-hours a day. A number of Campus personnel are willing and able to assist victims in reporting assaults to the proper authorities. If you are a victim of a sexual assault and decide not to notify the police, please secure medical attention and contact any of the victim support resources listed below. The campus will also assist the victim with contacting any of these supporting agencies.
- Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Center (SADVC) 410.828.6390
- Eastern Family Resource Center 410.887.0400
- Turn Around 410.377.8111
- Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center 410.836.8431
- Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault 1.800.983.7273
The campus will assist the victim, at their request, in notifying the appropriate law enforcement authorities to file criminal charges. The campus will also provide full and prompt cooperation in assessing the appropriate medical attention for the victim, including transportation to the hospital equipped with the Maryland State Police sexual assault evidence collection kit - Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
The campus will investigate sexual assault complaints and adjudicate them in accordance with college disciplinary procedures. Both the victim and the accused will be allowed to have witnesses present during the hearing process, and will be notified of the outcome of the campus disciplinary process.
The campus is committed to protecting reasonable confidentiality of the victim, affording protection against reprisal, and providing due process to those accused of violations. The campus will provide other services as appropriate or feasible including alternative class scheduling and psychological support.
An educational and informational campaign to assist with the prevention of sexual assaults will be readily available to students, faculty and staff. The educational programs are provided through various formats (films, lectures, workshops, etc.), which address the issues germane to sexual assault and its prevention, including acquaintance rape, rape, spousal and cohabitant abuse, and self-defense. In addition, there are free pamphlets available on acquaintance rape, rape, sexual assault, and spousal abuse in the Student Life areas of the campus.
