Get to a Safe Place Quickly
If the perpetrator is still in the area, or his or
her presence on campus is threatening, call Trinity’s Department of Campus
Security (999-7000) or use a blue light emergency phone. Off campus, call the
San Antonio Police Department (911).
Contact Someone Trained to Help
- 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline (349-RAPE / 1-800
656-4673)
- Resident Mentor or Resident Assistant (listed on http://www.trinity.edu/departments/res_life/index.htm )
- Counseling Services (999-7411)
- Health Services (999-8111)
- Residential Life Office professional staff
(999-7219)
- Dean of Students (999-8843)
- Department of Campus Security (999-7000)
- San Antonio Police Department (911 off-campus)
Contacting these people in an emergency does not
obligate a person to move forward with a complaint.
Preserve Physical Evidence
Because evidence of the assault and the
perpetrator’s identity (hair, seminal fluids, bits of skin, etc.) may be left
on the victim’s body, it is important not to bathe, shower, douche, or even use
the toilet if avoidable. If the victim was assaulted orally, drinking prior to
an exam should be avoided. Victims should not straighten up the scene of the incident
and should take a change of clothes to the hospital. If the victim must change
clothes, put the items that were worn at the time of the attack in a paper bag
(not plastic) to the hospital. Having physical evidence collected can strengthen
a case if the victim pursues legal action.
Seek Timely Medical Attention
Victims are encouraged to go for a sexual assault
exam as soon as possible because injuries should be treated promptly and
evidence deteriorates quickly. In an emergency, Trinity’s Department of Campus
Security and the San Antonio Police Department can provide transportation to
the hospital. The Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital (MS&TH), at
the corner of Wurzbach and Floyd Curl Drive, (575-8168) employs trained Sexual
Assault Nurse Examiners to collect evidence, check for injuries and deal with
the possibility of pregnancy and exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual
assault victims enter through the emergency room, but have a separate waiting
area and exam room. A victim may bring a friend to the hospital for support. A
Rape Crisis Center Advocate will be present to offer emotional support. The
MS&TH has a contract with the San Antonio Police Department to provide
exams that collect evidence for victims age 16 and over. If not previously
contacted, a police officer will take an initial report, and evidence will be
preserved. Patients are billed directly for Rape Crisis Center services. If
victims later decide to pursue a criminal complaint through the District
Attorney, they may apply for compensation of exam fees. If a victim does not
want evidence collected, the emergency room provides an exam. If the assault
occurred weeks or months before, medical attention is still important. Health Services
can provide referrals for physical exams, pregnancy tests, and testing for
sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
Funding for initial exam and testing
Law enforcement will pay for all suspect and survivor forensic evidence
kits, regardless of whether a person chooses to press charges. (The prices are
$225 for survivor kits and $100 for suspect kits.) Medical treatment (e.g., lab
work, antibiotics, emergency pregnancy prophylaxis, and treatment for cuts) is
billed to the student's insurance. If the student does not want the bill to go
to a certain address, he or she needs to speak up right away at registration,
and may need to contact his or her insurance to ensure that the bill goes to an
alternate address. If a student has no insurance, he or she can submit an application
to the Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund to have expenses related to the
assault paid by the state. Applications and more specific information about the
submission process can be found at http://www.oag.state.tx.us/victims/cvc.shtml#benefits.
Cooperation with law enforcement is a criterion for eligibility under this fund.
In most cases, law enforcement will encourage the person to press charges.
Students can coordinate with the Rape Crisis Center in order to help get their
medical bills paid under this fund. Students should not throw away their
medical bills, because at times the request for payment is denied. If it is
documented in the police report that the survivor was under the influence of
alcohol at the time of the assault, s/he may be ineligible for payment under
this fund. If all other avenues for payment of medical bills have been
exhausted, Trinity University may pay the unpaid balance for initial exams,
testing, and medication.
Get Emotional Support
The support of a close friend or family member can
help with the immediate and long-term consequences of a sexual assault. University
counselors and Rape Crisis Center Advocates are available.
Ask Questions
Victims have the right to ask questions throughout
the process and decide what is best for them. Victims are encouraged to use
both on- and off-campus resources to help understand available options.
Make a Report to Campus Officials
Victims should notify Trinity’s Department of
Campus Security (in emergencies, 999-7000; for routine calls, 999-7070) and/or
the Dean of Students Office of any sexual assault. If the victim or perpetrator
is a resident student, make the report to a professional Residential Life staff
member (Dean/Director, Associate Director, Assistant Director, or Residential
Life Coordinator). The Department of Campus Security and Residential Life personnel
notify the Dean of Students of any assault involving students. University staff
members make every effort to handle reports of sexual assault discreetly.
Make a Report to the Police
Victims are encouraged to file a report with the
San Antonio Police Department. (For non-emergency calls: 207-7273). Trinity’s
Department of Campus Security can explain criminal complaint procedures and
assist victims in beginning this process.
Consider Civil Litigation
Victims may also pursue civil litigation against
their perpetrator(s) to collect actual and punitive damages. Contact an
attorney if interested in this possibility. The Rape Crisis Center offers
accompaniment through legal procedures.
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