Sexual Assault

connect with help

Supportive Resources

For Pierpont Students - Connect with a Counselor

Confidential - Covered by your fees with no addition charge to you.

Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm - when school is in session.

access@pierpont.edu

304-534-7878

National Sexual Assault Hotline

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

Hours: Available 24 hours

1-800-656-4673

to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

To go to their website, click below

https://www.rainn.org/

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

To see the website, click below

https://www.nsvrc.org/

How to respond to sexual violence after an assault. o Immediate steps. o One. Get to a safe place. Victims of sexual violence often experience fear and disorientation after sexual violence. However, victims need to immediately leave the location where the attack occurred and find a safe place. o Two. Document what happened. Predators often know their victims. Therefore, survivors should compile proof of communication if applicable. While difficult to consider, victims should not change their clothing or shower because authorities can use kits to confirm the predator’s DNA. o Three. Reach out for help and support. Victims who go straight to the hospital can access help from local authorities to file a report. However, victims can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, where a trained representative can provide assistance and direction. Students who feel uncomfortable calling the police can use their smartphone to report assault through apps such as “JDoe” and “Callisto.” o Four. Seek medical attention. Receiving medical attention provides multiple benefits to victims. For instance, health practitioners can collect samples to confirm the identity of predators. In fact, many facilities only allow 72-96 hours for collecting forensic evidence. Healthcare facilities also offer screening for STI’s or medicine that can prevent HIV. Medical practitioners can also help drugged victims.

Students who experience sexual violence outside of rape should still seek medical assistance.

Responses to sexual violence include suicide and severe anxiety.

If Someone You Know Is Assaulted

Safety is more important than anything else. Help the victim reach a safe location away from the assailant. Make the victim feel as safe as possible.
Many victims blame themselves for an attack. Tell the victim that the sexual assault was not their fault.
Be a supportive listener. Thank the victim for telling you it happened. Tell them you believe their story, and that they won't have to deal with this alone.
If you saw the attacker or witnessed any part of the assault, take detailed notes about what you saw.
If you are comfortable doing this, accompany the victim to the hospital and ensure that they meet with medical professionals who specialize in sexual assault trauma.
Follow up with the victim. Encourage them to seek counseling and support groups.

https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/sexual-assault-on-campus/

For more information about how to stay safe at home, while driving, at school, at your job, and more,

open you browser (ex., Chrome, Mozilla, Explorer) and type in the key words:

How to be safe from [sexual assault, harassment, etc.] [at home, driving, etc.]

Enter the topic between the brackets that meets you needs.

IMPORTANT: If your abuser has access to your computer, tablet, or phone, it could be better to research and/or contact your resources on another person's phone or computer that your abuser does not have access to.