Unwanted Sexual Experience
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Professionals trained in crisis intervention are available free to UB students, and can help guide you through what services are available, so you can choose what happens next.
Find somewhere safe — away from the attacker(s).
Contact someone you trust to come meet you, including a friend, relative or police officer. You may also choose to report the sexual assault at this time.
About Your Confidentiality
At UB, there are people you can talk to confidentially about an unwanted sexual experience. Individuals who are confidential resources will not report crimes to law enforcement or college officials without your permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency.
You can get confidential help and support from Student Health Services licensed medical professionals when they are engaged in a physician/patient relationship, Counseling Services counselors and staff members when they are engaged in a counselor/patient relationship, individuals serving in a pastoral role under Campus Ministries, and the On-Campus Advocate.
If you feel more comfortable talking to someone else, we still encourage you to do so. Even UB offices and employees who cannot guarantee confidentiality will maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible.
University Police — Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault
The professional, highly trained police officers and staff at University Police have experience working with students after an unwanted sexual experience, and can help make sure you get the legal and emotional support you need.
By Phone
On-campus: Call University Police, 716-645-2222
Emergency Blue Light Phone
You can report any crime or suspicious activity by picking up any blue light emergency phone on campus.
On-Campus Advocate
The On-Campus Advocate is a confidential resource who can help you with every step that you decide to take, from reporting the assault to getting medical care and pressing charges. The On-Campus Advocate works closely with UB students, but is part of Crisis Services — an independent, off-campus organization. Call (716) 796-4399 for assistance 24/7.
Crisis Services
Trained professionals are available to help you 24/7. Call 716-834-3131.
An unwanted sexual experience can affect your health in many ways. Getting immediate medical care can reduce your risks of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, and help with any physical injuries (including injuries that may not be evident yet). You can get medical attention regardless of whether you will be pressing charges against your assailant. You may also choose to report the sexual assault at this time.
| In the first 96 hours (four days) after an assault | After 96 hours |
|---|---|
Go to the emergency room at any local hospital for testing, emergency medical care and/or evidence collection. We typically recommend going to the closest hospital, but you should go wherever you will be most comfortable — every hospital in Erie County can help you. If you need transportation to a local hospital, University Police can generally arrange it for you.
You don’t have to decide if you want to press charges right away, but preserving the evidence helps if you decide to press charges at a later date. | If it has been more than 96 hours (four days) since the sexual assault, go to Student Health Services or your preferred health care provider for follow-up care.
|
Emergency Contraception, STI and HIV Testing
If you are worried about pregnancy, contracting an STI or HIV after a sexual assault, we can help.
In this section:
Sexual assault is any sexual act committed against a person without their consent. Consent is a voluntary, verbal agreement between equal and unimpaired partners, without coercion. It is never too late to report an assault or get help.
Know Your Reporting Options
If you are sexually assaulted, know your reporting options:
- You may pursue a criminal complaint with law enforcement
- You may pursue disciplinary charges against the perpetrator if he or she is affiliated with UB
- You may file a report of discrimination and harassment
- You may pursue more than one option at the same time
- You may choose not to pursue a complaint or report, and still obtain assistance and accommodations
You can have an advocate with you for any of these options. Your advocate can be anyone you choose to support you, including a trusted friend or family member, or UB’s confidential On-Campus Advocate. UB’s Sexual Violence Response Policy explains the resources and support available to you as a survivor of sexual assault.
You Choose Who to Tell
You have the right to choose whom you tell. You may consider talking to a trusted friend or family member, a trusted faculty or staff member, or to a university office. Your parents will not be called without your permission. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, the hospital may call your closest relative, but the nature of your injuries will not be disclosed.
Report to University or Local Police
By Phone
On-campus: Call University Police, 716-645-2222
Off-campus: 911
Emergency Blue Light Phone
You can report any crime or suspicious activity by picking up any blue light emergency phone on campus.
Anonymous Online Reporting
Online reports are not sent instantly to police officers. Do not send anonymous reports about in-progress acts, since they may not be viewed immediately. If you need immediate assistance — and for any crime in progress or other emergency — call 716-645-2222.
Report to the Dean of Students Office
The the Dean of Students Office staff works closely with many students who have reported a sexual assault, and can also provide on-campus orders of protection as well as additional support and resources.
Tell Your RA or CA
If you live on campus, you can report a sexual assault to your Resident Advisor (RA) or Community Assistant (CA). Please note that any disclosure will trigger a response from Campus Living staff as well as University Police.
Report to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
You can report the incident to the Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), who is UB’s Title IX Coordinator. EDI investigates reports of discrimination and harassment.
About Your Confidentiality
At UB, there are people you can talk to confidentially about an unwanted sexual experience. Individuals who are confidential resources will not report crimes to law enforcement or college officials without your permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency.
You can get confidential help and support from Student Health Services licensed medical professionals when they are engaged in a physician/patient relationship, Counseling Services counselors and staff members when they are engaged in a counselor/patient relationship, individuals serving in a pastoral role under Campus Ministries, and the On-Campus Advocate.
If you feel more comfortable talking to someone else, we still encourage you to do so. Even UB offices and employees who cannot guarantee confidentiality will maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible.
Do I Have To Go To Court?
You only have to go to court if you want to press charges. You do not have to decide whether or not to press charges right away. For more information, please seek legal advice.
Healing from a sexual assault takes time. As the victim, you are encouraged to get help from people who are here to listen, take care of you and support you through this difficult time. If you are anxious, afraid or dealing with other emotional issues after a sexual assault, these caring professionals are here to listen, offer trusted advice and help you move forward.
It’s your choice whether you want legal protections from the person who assaulted you, and whether you want to press charges against them.
Keep the Person Who Hurt You Away
If you want to keep someone away from you, you should request an order of protection. If you need a legal order of protection, a report needs to be filed with law enforcement in the jurisdiction in which the assault occurred. Crisis Services can provide information about legal orders of protection, and help you through the process.
On-Campus Protection Orders and Disciplinary Procedures
If you have had an unwanted sexual experience, you can request an on-campus order of protection to help limit communication between you and your assailant while you are on campus. You can also file judicial charges against your assailant, which may result in disciplinary action against them from the university. To learn more about your options, talk to someone at Student Conduct and Advocacy.
Do I Have To Go To Court?
You only have to go to court if you want to press charges. You do not have to decide whether or not to press charges right away. For more information, please seek legal advice.
What to Do Steps Download
Remember
• It is not your fault
• Every rape or sexual assault is different
• It doesn’t matter what you did or did not do during the assault
• It is never too late to get help, even if the assault happened years ago
• Getting help does not mean you have to press charges against the person who assaulted you
Supporting a Survivor
If someone you know has been sexually assaulted, they may experience a wide range of emotions including shock, disbelief, anger, helplessness and depression. Here are a few ways that you can help:
- Believe them
- Listen to them
- Be there to offer support
- Don’t be judgmental
- Let them know the options they have, but remember that it’s their decision
- Be patient — it takes time to process and time to heal
- Let them know that professional help is available
- Encourage them to contact Counseling Services, University Police, Crisis Services, the On-Campus Advocate or others who can help
Need Help?
On-campus emergencies and crime prevention, 24/7
Bissell Hall, North Campus
Phone: (716) 645-2227; Emergencies: (716) 645-2222
Phone: Call or text (716) 796-4399; 24-hour hotline: (716) 834-3131
Campus-wide student support
Student Life
University at Buffalo
315 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-2982; Fax: (716) 645-2260
Student conduct rules and regulations
Student Life
University at Buffalo
9 Norton Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6154; Fax: (716) 645-3376
Short-term on campus mental health support
Student Life
University at Buffalo
120 Richmond Quadrangle, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14261
Phone: (716) 645-2720; Fax: (716) 645-2175
University at Buffalo
1st Floor Michael Hall, South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 829-5800
Primary, non-emergency medical care
Student Life
University at Buffalo
4350 Maple Rd
Amherst, NY 14226
Phone: (716) 829-3316; Fax: (716) 829-2564
Preventative health and wellness education
Student Life
University at Buffalo
114 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-2837; Fax: (716) 645-6234
Support for addressing discrimination and harassment
406 Capen Hall, North Campus
Phone: (716) 645-2266
Additional Resources
Sexual Assault
Relationship Abuse and Domestic Violence Support
Hotlines
- NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence 24-hour Hotline 1-800-492-6906
- Domestic Violence Shelter 24-hour Hotline (716) 884-6000
Need to talk?
Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. We're here for everything: anxiety, depression, suicide, and more. Text: Got5U to 741741
Faculty and Staff
Follow the faculty and staff protocol for responding to notification of a sexual assault. You should also review the guidance from the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.