Sexual Violence Awareness, Prevention and Response

Your safety is always the number one priority. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Find somewhere that is safe for you. Reach out to trusted and supportive family or friends, ASU Victim-Survivor Services, Student Advocacy and Assistance or any resource that supports survivors. In situations of Domestic or Relationship Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides resources on how to create a safety plan.

Filing a police report does not obligate a victim to press charges against the assailant. A report to ASU or local police begins with an initial interview. An investigation includes a forensic exam, witness statement and evidence collection. Prosecution includes a preliminary hearing, court date and verdict. The ASU Victim Advocate can provide confidential support, resources, and explain reporting options.

Preserving evidence, even if you are unsure you want to report or press criminal charges, may assist in proving that the offense occurred or may be helpful in obtaining a protective order. Evidence may include the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault or incident, bed linens, phone calls or text messages, and other items that were with or around you during the assault. Clothing and linens should be stored in a brown paper bag. DNA evidence is also important to preserve, and can be collected during a medical forensic exam. Visit RAINN for more information on the importance of DNA evidence.

Victims of sexual violence have the right to a medical forensic exam, at no cost to them, regardless of whether they report to law enforcement. A forensic exam is a comprehensive medical exam provided by a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician with specialized training in the medical care and treatment of sexual and domestic violence victims. Each part of the exam requires your consent and you do not have to participate in anything that makes you uncomfortable.

In Maricopa County, HonorHealth Forensic Nurse Examiner Program conducts medical forensic exams at Family Advocacy Centers (FACs) located in Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Downtown Phoenix, near ASU’s campuses. When reporting to law enforcement, the exam will be scheduled on your behalf and you will be transported to the FAC. If you do not wish to report to law enforcement and live in Maricopa county, you can call HonorHealth at 480-312-6339 (available 24/7) and enter a call back number. A nurse will call you back soon after. If you reside in Arizona but do not live in Maricopa County, review the list of Medical Forensic Exam Facilities in Arizona.

ASU Health Services does not provide medical forensic examinations.

View the Medical Forensic Exam Resource Guide for more information.

Incidents that include only students are reported to ASU Student Rights and Responsibilities. The investigation process includes interviews and a collection of relevant evidence. Both parties are notified of investigation results which includes responsibility and sanctions. Student Advocacy and Assistance will provide additional support services during the investigation. Any incidents that include faculty or staff are reported to the Office of University Rights and Responsibilities. *Note: Reporting to ASU Student Rights and Responsibilities or the Office of University Rights and Responsibilities can be done in addition to reporting to the police for criminal prosecution. Please review the Sexual Violence Response Flowchart for more information on reporting options if sexual violence has occurred. 

For your health and protection, it is important to be examined by a medical professional for possible injuries, sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy. If you choose to have a medical forensic exam, the nurses will identify and treat any possible injuries, can offer prophylaxis to prevent some Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, and may offer medication to prevent pregnancy if applicable. However, it is important to follow-up with ASU Health Services, your Primary Care Physician, or other specialist for pregnancy testing, STI testing, and other medical concerns and needs.

Sexual violence is a complex and painful experience that impacts each victim/survivor in different ways. You may wish to seek confidential support on campus or in the community to discuss what steps you would like to take next or how to heal from the experience.

Not sure where to go or who to report to?  You can always contact the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@asu.edu, 480-965-0696 or on the Title IX website.

If you are concerned that a family member, friend or fellow Sun Devil may be experiencing sexual violence or is in an abusive relationship, respond with support. It can be difficult to support someone through these experiences, but by listening to them and validating their experience you can help them begin to define their own healing process. To learn more about how to offer support, visit our Providing Support webpage.