Sexual Assault

There are several medical options to consider after a sexual assault. This time is often confusing, frustrating, and filled with a wide range of emotions.
It is recommended to seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if there are not any visible physical injuries, there may be a risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection. Women may also be at risk for pregnancy.

Within 120 Hours/10 Days of the assault, the following options are available at Mercy Medical Center (410-332-9000):

AFTER 120 HOURS of the incident, the following options are available:

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that often leaves those involved with many emotions, which may include shock, anxiety, irritability, confusion, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. It is important to be aware that everyone responds differently to a crisis situation. Some will have immediate, intense reactions and others will have delayed reactions. Remember that there are services available on campus for support.

• The Counseling Center provides free and confidential support through in-person and telehealth services. Students who have experienced a sexual assault may seek daytime emergency services Monday-Friday, 8:30am- 5:00pm by coming into the Counseling Center (Humanities 150) or calling 410-617-2273 and requesting to meet with the Emergency Counselor. Initial, non-urgent appointments may be scheduled Online or by calling 410-617-2273.
• The Sexual Violence Prevention, Education, and Response Coordinator, provides confidential support and advocacy for students who have experienced sexual misconduct, including supporting students in seeking medical care and understanding their reporting options. They can be reached in the Women's Center, Seton Court 04A, or by calling 410-617-6769.
• If the incident occurs after business hours or on the weekend, contact the Office of Student Life (RA, GRC, or AD) or the Counseling Center crisis line at 410-617-5530, which can assist with connecting to confidential campus resources after business hours. To contact Student Life staff after-hours, call the Office of Public Safety at 410-617-5911 and request to speak with the Assistant Director on-call.
• Students who have experienced a sexual assault may need flexibility around class attendance and assignments, their on-campus obligations, and having a safe space to reside on campus. The Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance provides accommodations for students who experienced sexual violence, including support with academics, housing, and on-campus activities. Students do not need to file a Title IX report to access accommodations.

Students have options to report a sexual assault through the on-campus conduct process and/or for criminal proceedings with off-campus law enforcement. The decision to report a sexual assault for adjudication on or off-campus is made by the survivor and is not mandatory. Students are eligible for supportive services on-campus regardless of whether a sexual assault is formally reported. On-campus reporting occurs through the Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance, Public Safety, and the Sexual Violence Prevention Response and Education Coordinator can assist with making reports to off-campus law enforcement, when requested. Please note that the Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance and Public Safety are not confidential resources.

If you are considering off-campus reporting or legal action, the following recommendations are made to assist with evidence preservation:

• Place clothing in a brown paper bag is recommended if you change clothes.
• Do not bathe, wash your hands, brush your teeth, eat, or smoke.
• If you are still in the location at which the crime occurred, do not clean or straighten up or remove anything.
• Write down all the details you can recall about the attack and the perpetrator.
• If you suspect you have been drugged, request that a urine sample be collected to preserve evidence.