What to Do if You Are Sexually Assaulted

If sexually assaulted, take the following actions:

  • Go to a safe place
  • Call campus police at 540-568-6911 if the assault happened on campus, call the local police at 911 if it happened off campus
  • Contact a trusted family member or friend
  • As much as you may want to, do not shower, bathe, or douche. Keep from urinating if possible
  • If oral contact took place, do not eat, drink, smoke, or brush your teeth
  • Keep the clothes worn during the offense.  If clothes are changed, place them in a paper bag (evidence can deteriorate in plastic)
  • Get prompt medical attention at Rockingham Memorial Hospital or the University Health Center. If you have not yet called the police, you can go to the ER at the hospital, tell them you were sexually assaulted, and they will call the police for you. They will them perform a physical evidence recovery kit (PERK) which collects evidence to use in pressing criminal charges.
  • Do not destroy the physical evidence that may be found in the vicinity of the crime. If the crime occurred in the victim's home, the victim should not clean or straighten until the police have had an opportunity to collect evidence.
  • Tell someone all details remembered about the assault.  Write down all details as soon as possible.
  • Call one of the following on-campus resources:
    • Student Wellness & Outreach: 540-568-2831
    • CARE: 540-568-6411

Contact Info

Heather Driver, M.A., LPC,
phone: 540-568-2831
email: driverhf@jmu.edu

Counseling Hours

8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday,
by appointment or crisis walk-in

Sexual Assault Services at a Glance

  • Individual Counseling
  • Group Counseling
  • Consultation and counseling for secondary survivors
  • Advocacy, Support, & Referrals
  • Resource Library
  • Prevention Presentation

Please use the left hand navigation for more information about Sexual Assault Services