Sexual Assault

Penetration (however slight) of the vaginal or anal cavities with any body part or object, or oral to genital contact when consent is not present.

Have you ​​been sexually assaulted in the last 4 days?

If you want evidence to be collected, make sure that you don’t bathe and that you take the clothes that you were wearing at the time of the assault to the hospital. However, if you have bathed or do not have the clothes, evidence can still be collected.

If you would like medical treatment and evidence collection, go to the nearest emergency department where an advocate can be called to meet with you.

To contact the emergency departments in the campus area:

Licking Memorial Hospital ​| (740) 348-4144

Have been sexually assaulted more than 4 days ago?

After 4 days have passed, evidence will not be collected. Testing for sexually transmitted infections and treatment for unwanted pregnancy may still be available to you at the aforementioned emergency department. To learn more about your options, contact Student Life.

Examples of sexual assault:

  • ​​Any sexual activity performed in the absence of consent or through coercion
  • Forced oral, anal, or vaginal sex with any body part or object
  • Unwanted rough or violent sexual activity
  • Rape or attempted rape
  • Keeping someone from protecting themselves from unwanted pregnancy or STIs
  • Sexual contact with someone who is drunk, drugged, unconscious or unable to give an informed yes
  • Threatening or pressuring someone into sexual activity

Common reactions

Sexual assault can be one of the most painful and upsetting things that can happen in someone’s life. It is natural if your emotions frequently fluctuate. Here is a list of common feelings and reactions that survivors of sexual violence have reported:

  • ​Wondering “why me?”
  • Fear
  • Anger or rage
  • Numbness or emptiness
  • Stomach ache
  • Headache
  • Difficulty sleeping/change in sleeping habits
  • Change in eating habits
  • Disbelief
  • Shame
  • Betrayal
  • Sense of Loss
  • Loss of control
  • Nightmares
  • Guilt
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Feelings of withdrawal
  • Panic
  • Reluctance to go to school/work

​Healing after sexual assault

You may find yourself constantly thinking about the sexual assault or refusing to think about it at all. All of these feelings and reactions are natural. Give yourself permission to take as long as you need to recover. Remember that no matter what the circumstances of your sexual assault, it was not your fault and you did the right thing to survive! Check out the Survivors​ page for more information on healing.

Need to help a friend or family member? Check out Survivors and Co-Survivors​. 

Get the facts​ about sexual assault and Get Help​​!​​