Sexual Assault

• If you experience a sexual assault, you are not to blame, regardless of the circumstances.
• If someone has unwanted sexual contact with you without your consent, this is sexual assault, which is a crime.
• If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, we encourage you to report it to law enforcement.

• Go to a safe place ASAP and call 911 or UMPD at (734) 763-1131. You may also contact U-M’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) (24-hour crisis line: (734) 936-3333), which will offer immediate confidential support and discuss medical and reporting options with you.
• Contact a trusted friend, parent or relative who can offer support.
• If possible, do not bathe, shower, douche, brush your teeth or comb your hair.
• Do not change or wash clothing and bedding used during the assault.
• If you suspect someone drugged you before the assault, collect your first urine in a clean container and bring it to the hospital for drug testing, or ask the hospital to test you there.
• Go as soon as possible to the Emergency Room at University Hospital or St Joseph Mercy Hospital (both 24 hours), or University Health Service (during designated hours), and request medical treatment and an evidence kit. A trained nurse is always on duty for this purpose. You may have suffered internal injuries, contracted a sexually transmitted disease or become pregnant. Additionally, necessary DNA evidence on your body or clothing may help identify the perpetrator. You can get the exam at no cost without filing a police report.
• Try to take a moment to record everything that you can remember. Doing this may help you through your recovery or with any legal action you may take.

The University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) created the Special Victims Unit (SVU) to help survivors of interpersonal violence navigate the criminal justice system. The unit strives to provide a safe, caring environment where victims are empowered to take action.

• U-M Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – (734) 764-8312 (24hrs)
• Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) – (734) 936-8660
• UMHS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – (734) 763-5409
• SAFEHouse Center – (734) 995-5444 (24hrs)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799-7233 (voice), (800) 787-3224 (TTY),
• National Sexual Assault Hotline – (800) 656-4673
• Find out more about U-M’s student sexual misconduct policies and procedures and employee policies on violence and sexual harassment.

University of Michigan policy states, " Consent is a clear and unambiguous agreement, expressed outwardly through mutually understandable words or actions, to engage in Sexual Activity.”

Additionally, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), consent doesn’t have to be verbal, but verbally agreeing to different sexual activities can help both you and your partner respect each other’s boundaries. It’s essential to recognize that consent:

• Is about communication
• Should be given every time
• Can be withdrawn at any time

Positive consent can look like this:

• Communicating when you change the type or degree of sexual activity with phrases like “Is this OK?”
• Explicitly agreeing to certain activities by saying “yes” or another affirmative statement, like “I’m open to trying.”
• Using physical cues lets the other person know you’re comfortable taking things to the next level.

Consent does NOT look like this:

• Refusing to acknowledge “no.”
• Assuming that wearing certain clothes, flirting or kissing is an invitation for anything more.
• Being under the legal age of consent, as defined by the state.
• Being incapacitated because of drugs or alcohol.
• Pressuring someone into sexual activity by using fear or intimidation.
• Assuming you have permission to engage in a sexual act because you’ve done it in the past.

While the responsibility and blame for sexual assault lie squarely with the perpetrator, there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Party with people you trust. As a group, agree to watch out for each other and plan how you’re getting home. If your plans change, tell the other people in your group. Don’t leave someone stranded in an unfamiliar or unsafe situation.
• Know your limits. According to the National Institute of Justice, alcohol is the substance most frequently used to facilitate sexual assault. As such, it’s essential to know your limits. Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had. Also, be aware of your friends’ behaviors.
• Protect your drink. Don’t leave your drink unattended. If you go to the bathroom or step outside, take the drink with you or throw it away. Only drink from containers you opened yourself or drinks you watched being made and poured. Perpetrators of drug-facilitated sexual assault may add substances with no color, taste, or odor.
• It’s okay to leave. You are never obligated to remain in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, pressured or threatened. Excuse yourself from these situations. Potential excuses include: needing to take care of another friend or family member, an urgent phone call, not feeling well or having to be somewhere by a specific time.
• Be a good friend. Trust your instincts and stick together. It probably isn't if you notice something happening with your friend that doesn’t feel right.
• The University of Michigan is committed to getting our students, faculty and staff home safely, even late at night. Learn more about the university’s After Hours Transit Services.

Bystanders can prevent sexual assault by taking action. Learn the “Four D’s”, or strategies for bystander intervention if you notice a situation and interpret it as problematic:

• Direct: Directly intervene.
• Distract: Distract either party.
• Delegate: Get help from others.
• Delay: Continue to check in.

Campus resources include:

• Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC)
• Counseling and Psychological Services for Students (CAPS)
• Office of the Student Ombuds
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP)
• UMHS Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The university has developed a special guide, Our Community Matters, to help you make decisions about what to do when stalking occurs.