If Texas
State staff are asked to help a sexual
offense victim, use of these guidelines will help assure the victim has the
information necessary to decide whether to
-
seek counseling
-
undergo a medical examination
-
to file a report with the police
-
to file a report with Student Justice
I. INITIAL
STEPS TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO A SEXUAL OFFENSE VICTIM
A. Ensure that
the victim is safe.
B. Attempt to
have the crime scene and any other evidence preserved (victim's clothes, etc.).
C. Accompany
the victim, if requested, and remain with the victim for as long as he or she
wants support.
D. Explain
options and processes to the victim:
1. Ask the
victim if he or she would like to talk to a counselor and let them know that
assistance is available through the
2. Explain to
the victim the importance of undergoing a medical examination to obtain medical
attention and to collect evidence should he or she later decide to pursue legal
action. Reassure the victim that a pseudonym may be used to maintain anonymity
and that consenting to a medical examination does not commit him or her to
continued legal action.
3. Let the
victim know that he or she may file a report with the University Police
Department (UPD) (or police in their jurisdiction where the offense occurred).
Inform the victim that officers are trained to handle this type of situation
and that same-gender officers can usually be assigned if requested. Reassure
the victim that contacting the police does not commit him or her to legal
action, but it allows for the collection of important evidence should he or she
later decide to pursue legal action.
4. Inform the
victim that he or she may pursue legal action through the Office of Student
Justice if the accused is currently a
A. To request
Counseling, assist the victim in contacting the
B. To obtain a
medical examination, the location recommended in
Phone: 353-8979
1. Explain to
the victim that at the Emergency Room a trained sexual assault nurse examiner
will guide them through the examination and an advocate from the Women's Center
will be called to support them through the process in any way necessary (call
friends or family, explain services available, discuss options, etc.).
2. Let the
victim know that he or she can contact the
C. To file a
police report, assist the victim in contacting UPD (245-2805) or a local police
department and remind them that they may request a same-gender officer to
conduct the interview. Reassure the victim that contacting the police does not
commit him or her to continued legal action.
1. Attempt to
have the crime scene and any other evidence preserved in an intact status;
evidence can be collected and preserved should the victim decide to pursue
court action or action through the University Student Code of Conduct.
2. Explain to
the victim that UPD will likely:
a) Contact the
Hays-Caldwell Women's Center to request assistance including an advocate who
will accompany or meet the victim and transporting officer at a designated
medical facility or other location;
b) Inform the
victim on how the Criminal Court and Student Justice systems work and contact
appropriate local police agencies as needed;
c) Transport
the victim to CTMC or designated medical facility;
d) Complete a
Criminal Offense report and forward that report to the District Attorney;
e) Catalog the
required information in the campus crime report; and
f) Forward
the incident report to the Coordinator of Student Justice. The victim's name
may be withheld if a pseudonym is to be used in the police investigation.
D. For those
victims not wishing to file a police report, contact UPD at 245-2805 and inform
them that an alleged sexual offense has occurred, but the victim is unwilling
to file a report with the police (the victim remains anonymous). UPD will
inform the Dean of Students.
E. For those
victims refusing assistance, let them know of the resources available to them
(Counseling Center, Hays- Caldwell Women's Center,