Sexual Assault Resources

If you are the victim or survivor of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic abuse, stalking, or similar assault or misconduct or if someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you are encouraged to either call Police Services/Public Safety at 901-333-5555 or the Office of Equity & Compliance at 901-333-5005.

The following are steps that should help you during the immediate aftermath of the incident.

• If in immediate danger, call 911.
• Go to a safe place. If possible, go to a police or fire station. If you need medical assistance, seek an Emergency Room (ER). If unable to do either, seek refuge at a public, well lighted business, where you can call for help and can remain until emergency responders and/or a friend can come to your aid.
• If you are not ready to call 911, at least consider seeking medical assistance to: address injuries (both visible and hidden); screen for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), pregnancy, and date rape drugs; obtain emergency contraception; and have documentation and other evidence collected in case you later elect to file for criminal charges or disciplinary complaints.
• Call a friend or a rape/domestic abuse crisis center. Crisis centers often offer 24/7 hotlines as well as victim advocates who can help you.
• To better ensure that medical personnel can collect effective DNA and other evidence, follow these steps:
  • Avoid combing or brushing your hair.
  • Do not change clothes.
  • If you cannot avoid changing clothes, carefully place each item of clothing in a clean paper bag (if possible, use one bag per item).
  • Do not bathe, shower, or wash any part of your body.
  • Do not brush your teeth or otherwise clean/rinse your mouth.
  • Do not eat or drink anything.
  • If possible, do not urinate.
  • Avoid moving, cleaning, changing, or touching anything that is part of the crime scene. A crime scene can be an indoor or outdoor location and can be either stationary or mobile. Sometimes there is more than one crime scene.
  • Try not to touch or move anything the offender may have come into contact with.