- Call the police.
Temporary, alternative housing is available to USC students who live on-campus or off-campus through SHVP at (803) 777-8249. Alternative housing is in a confidential location and has an alarm directly linked to the USC Police Department at (803) 777-4215. You may also access off-campus shelter at Sistercare, Inc. at (803) 765-9428.
- Call the police.
Reporting the assault is not the same as prosecuting.
The decision to prosecute can be made later. If the
assault occurred on campus, University Police should be
notified at 777-9111. If the assault took place off-campus,
local law enforcement will handle the case. The police
will take an initial report and then transport you to
the hospital for medical attention. Try to avoid
showering, bathing, douching, eating, drinking, or
brushing your teeth so that evidence will not be
disturbed. Clothing worn during the assault should be
saved in a paper bag, and the location at which the
assault took place should not be disturbed.
Reasons to Report the Assault: Reporting the crime helps you to regain a sense of personal power and control. Reporting assists you in accessing medical care. Reporting helps preserve evidence which could be valuable if you decide later to prosecute. Reporting helps you to resolve concerns about personal safety and security. Reporting does not mean prosecution is certain, but if pursued later, the first steps have been taken.
- Seek medical attention.
If the assault occurred within 72-hours:
Receiving medical attention is important immediately
after an assault regardless of whether you decide to
report the assault to the police or follow through
with the charges. Medical attention will determine
the presence of physical injury, sexually
transmitted infections, and pregnancy. Go to
Palmetto Richland Emergency Room (434-7000) for the
most appropriate care.
Hospital personnel are prepared to conduct a
standardized medical exam known as a "sexual assault
exam." This exam ensures relevant evidence is
collected and certain observations are recorded. The
cost of the exam is covered by special government
state funds set aside for crime victims. If you go
to the hospital before calling police, the hospital
will usually contact law enforcement. However, you
are not required to file a report when the police
arrive at the hospital. In order for the cost of the
rape protocol exam to be covered by the state, you
must file a police report. However, this does not
obligate you to pursue criminal charges. Questions
regarding the sexual assault exam and state
assistance can be directed to Sexual Health &
Violence Prevention (777-8248).
The hospital should
also call Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands and
a volunteer advocate should arrive at the hospital
to support the survivor throughout the exam. A
survivor/witness advocate from law enforcement
should also be available. An SH&VP advocate may be
contacted to respond to the hospital and/or provide
follow-up services. Follow-up services include
security matters (lock change, room change, phone
number change, etc.), academic assistance, advocacy
through the criminal justice system, support groups,
and other specialized services. All of these
services are free and confidential.
If the assault occurred more than 72-hours ago:
Many survivors of sexual assault do not come forward
until days, weeks, months, or even years after the
assault. If the assault occurred more than 72 hours
ago, all of the same procedures apply with the
EXCEPTION of the necessity to go to the hospital for
evidence collection (sexual assault exam.) You
should still report the assault to the police and go
to a medical center to check for internal injuries,
sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy. The
type and extent of police involvement, medical exam,
and counseling will depend on the amount of time
that has lapsed since the assalt.
Reasons To Report the Assault:
Reporting the crime helps you to regain a sense of
personal power and control. Reporting assists you in
accessing specialized medical care. Reporting helps
preserve evidence which could be valuable if you
decide later to prosecute. Reporting helps you to
resolve concerns about personal safety and security.
Reporting does not mean prosecution is certain, but
if pursued later, the first steps have been taken.
- Seek emotional support and legal assistance.
Advocates from the
USC Office for Sexual Health & Violence Prevention
are available 24-hours a day to provide support,
information, advocacy, and referrals. Call 777-8248
and (follow the emergency prompt system after
business hours) to contact an advocate. No matter
when the assault occurred, you can contact SH&VP for
support and assistance
Students may also receive free and confidential
counseling at the USC Counseling & Human Development
Center (777-5223).
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands provides free
and confidential services to survivors of adult and
child sexual assault to the local community
(771-7273 24-hour hotline).
Healing from an assault may take time, but it is
possible. No one deserves to be assaulted. Help is
available. Call 777-8248 or stop by the lower level
of the Thomson Student Health Center for support and
assistance.
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