If You Are Sexually Assaulted:

• If possible, get to a safe place, with people you trust.
• If you wish, call a friend or family member to be with you
• Call for help. People experienced in responding to sexual assault are available 24/7 @ 962-CARE or 512-4821 from UNCW CARE.
• Victim response is also available by calling the community Rape Crisis Center @ 392-4760.
• To report the assault call University Police @ 911 or 962-2222.
• Reporting does not mean that you will be required to prosecute.
• If you want to retain the option of prosecuting in the future, even if you are unsure at the time, do not bathe, douche, brush your teeth or hair or change clothes.  Instead, go to the emergency room to have an exam done for future use.
• Any or all of the campus or community resources are available to you, including responding to you in the hospital or in your residence hall.
• Even if you decide not to go to the emergency room, seek medical attention.  You may have injuries of which you are unaware.
• You will likely wish to get checked for sexually transmitted disease and/or to access emergency contraception @ the Student Health Center.
• A student victim may make an anonymous notification that a sexual assault has occurred through the offices of University Police, CARE, Dean of Students, Student Health, Residential Life or the Counseling Center.

If You Experience Relationship Abuse or Violence:

• If you are being emotionally abused know that help is available, even when physical violence in not happening. 
• Call for help. The CARE responder is experienced in responding to issues of emotional abuse or over-controlling behavior in relationships. Help is available 24/7 @ 962-CARE or 512-4821.
• When there is also physical violence happening, a call or visit to the CARE office is always in order.  You can get information about additional resources, especially the University Police, who will help you to plan for your safety.
• The University Police can help with the process of getting a protective order, as can the community Domestic Violence Services, along with the CARE responder.
• At CARE, we understand if you are having difficulty leaving or ending the relationship.  We will hear you out without judging.  At the same time, we will support you in remembering how important your emotional and physical safety is.

Remember:

• It is not your fault! Regardless of any circumstances, no one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted or abused in a relationship.
• It is your choice to report right away or not. If there is any possibility that you may consider prosecuting, preserve all physical evidence, including clothing as well as everything in the area in which the assault occurred. If there have been threats, save email, text messages, or voice mail when possible. 
• Seek support; you deserve it!