When a Sexual Assault Occurs

Calling the police does not commit you to pressing charges against the assailant. That choice can be made later.

The Office of Violence Prevention offers support services for students impacted by relationship and sexual violence. OVP is a resource for the campus community and advocates for individuals needing assistance, information, confidential consultation, and referral services on and off- campus. OVP also provides leadership and development opportunities for students, faculty and staff interested in making UGA a safe place for everyone.

An off-campus assault should be reported to the Athens-Clarke County police at 911. If you are sexually assaulted on campus, report it to the University police at 706-542-2200.

Calling the police does not commit you to pressing charges against the assailant. That choice can be made later.

Because it is important to preserve as much physical evidence as possible, do not bathe, douche, or change clothes. Call 911 immediately for further instructions. The 911 operator will ask questions to help determine if you need emergency medical care for physical injuries and will arrange transportation to either a local hospital emergency center, or the Sexual Assault Center of Northeast Georgia if physical injuries are not involved. A sexual assault nurse examiner with special training in working with sexual assault victims will perform an evidence collection exam. This exam must be performed within 72 hours of the assault. The nurse will discuss pregnancy prevention, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. She will also provide information about follow-up testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

The Cottage: Sexal Assault Center (1-877-363-1912) will provide trained volunteers to accompany a victim through the medical and legal procedures. There is no charge for these services.

If you do not want a sexual assault evidence collection exam, you are encouraged to seek medical attention. Medical and counseling services provided by the University Health Center are made available to students at reduced charges. Please call the University Health Center at 706-542-8690.

SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL SERVICE

The University’s Sexual Assault Referral Service provides guidance in obtaining services needed once the immediate medical requirements have been addressed. Call the Office for Violence Prevention, 706-542-7233 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Procedures for disciplinary actions are found in The University of Georgia’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment (NDAH) Policy. The NDAH Policy in enforced by the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) which is located at Peabody Hall, Suite 3 (706-542-7912). The University’s Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the EOO. If an investigation finds that sexual assault has occurred in violation of the NDAH Policy, sanctions up to and including expulsion may be applicable based upon the facts and circumstances of the particular case.

Also see the Relationship and Sexual Violence Policy at http://www.uhs.uga.edu/ovp/univpolicies.html

COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

There are various counseling services in the area which can be of assistance.

University Services

  • Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator (706-542-7233)
  • Counseling and Psychological Services Department, University Health Center (706-542-2273)

Community Services

  • The Cottages: Sexual Assault Center (1-877-363-1912))

For Assistance in Changing Academic or Living Situations

  • Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator (706-542-7233)
  • Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (706-542-3564), 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays