If You Are Raped

Try to get to a safe place as soon as possible. Get medical attention quickly, particularly if you are considering pressing legal charges. Save a urine sample in a clean cup or bottle. Do not bathe, brush your teeth, douche, or change clothes. An advocate can meet you at the hospital or Planned Parenthood and provide support through the entire process. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner can collect evidence the police will need. The nurse can also examine you without collecting evidence if you choose. Whether or not you decide to press charges, medical attention is very important.

Deciding whether to press legal charges is a very personal choice. An advocate can give information and answer questions so you can make the decision that is right for you. Counseling is available to you and to those closest to you

Victims Rights

You Have the Right To:

1. Decide whether you will report the assault and to whom.
2. Seek information, advocacy and support from the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (on-campus) and A.S.P.E.N. (off-campus).
3. Report the assault to Campus Police (anonymously if you choose).
4. Utilize the campus judicial system and bring charges against the offender. In such cases, you have the right to:
• A fair and impartial investigation proceeding.
• Have an advocate of your choosing accompany you to all interviews and proceedings.
• Know the outcome of investigations and proceedings as well as any disciplinary actions taken.
• Avoid face-to-face interaction with the offender during the student judicial hearings.
• Appeal findings of investigations conducted by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
5. Be treated with dignity and respect in all interactions with university personnel.

If You Are Raped | Where Can You Go For Help | What Happens IF You Go To The Hospital | Rape Examination and Legal Questions | Reporting to Law Enforcement | Sexual Assault Response Commitment | Office for Equal Opportunity | Counseling Center | Filing A Complaint With Student Affairs | Student JudicialCode | Contact Information

Where Can You Go For Help

The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (S.A.R.C.) is here to assist you. Call her at 963-3214 or E-mail Gail Farmer at: farmer@cwu.edu. If you've been sexually assaulted, the S.A.R.C. is a key campus resource. She wants to make sure your needs are met during this very difficult time. She will act as your guide and coach as you decide how you want to respond to your assault. If you need legal or medical assistance, the S.A.R.C. can refer you to the proper people. If you need counseling, academic accommodations or alternative housing, she will work with you and the appropriate university offices to see that they are provided. The S.A.R.C. serves as a single point of contact, meaning that you will not have to repeat your story many times with every contact you make. These services are available to you even if you decide not to file a complaint or press charges. The S.A.R.C. is located in the Wildcat Wellness Center located in Kamola Hall, Room 128. Come visit her in a safe place.

What Happens If I Go To The Hospital

Introduction

Free sexual assault therapy is available for you and/or your family. A.S.P.E.N. (Abuse Support and Prevention Education Now) can provide you with a list of treatment providers in our area.

By going to the hospital, you have taken an important step towards caring for yourself. The hospital staff is there to help you. You may have a lot of feelings. You may want to have extra support or you may want some time to be left alone.

It is O.K. to ask for what you need to feel safe and comfortable. The hospital or Planned Parenthood will automatically call an A.S.P.E.N. Advocate (as determined by the County Policy and Procedures).

An Advocate Can

• Answer questions about the rape examination and related medical procedures.
• Answer questions about legal concerns.
• Provide a list of names and numbers of community resources who can help with issues around your assault.
• Remind you that you are not responsible for the rapist's behavior.

Some Questions and Answers for Survivors of Sexual Assault

If You Are Raped | Where Can You Go For Help | What Happens IF You Go To The Hospital | Rape Examination and Legal Questions | Reporting to Law Enforcement | Sexual Assault Response Commitment | Office for Equal Opportunity | Counseling Center | Filing A Complaint With Student Affairs | Student JudicialCode | Contact Information

Rape Examination and Legal Questions

Do you want justice

Several avenues are available if you want to press charges against your attacker.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

You can report a rape by calling 911 or 925-8534.
911 is used to report rapes which are still in progress or shortly after when the perpetrator is still in the vicinity. The dispatcher will ask you if the situation is currently in progress, where you are located, and who you are. An officer will be sent to your location.
925-8534 is used when there is no immediate danger or some time has lapsed since the rape. Regardless, the officer assigned to your case has the primary goal of assisting you in your recovery from the incident.

You'll be encouraged to immediately make contact with a sexual assault advocate and undergo a medical examination by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. (You may have a friend or advocate accompany you for support.) The officer will ask you what happened. This will be a short, preliminary conversation to determine what kind of evidence may be immediately available. Within the next few days, the officer may contact you again for a more extensive interview to get more details and potentially discover more evidence.
If the perpetrator is known and is not in custody at this time, the officer or advocate may encourage you to get a protection order. They can assist you with this process if you choose.

Evidence collected during the medical examination will be turned over to the investigating officer if you have signed a release that gives the officer access. (Your previous medical history will not be part of the investigation.) In some jurisdictions the original officer who contacted you will do all the follow-up on the investigation. In other jurisdictions a detective may be assigned. In either case, you will be kept informed of the status of the police investigation. Rape investigations are a multi-agency effort with advocates, nurses and officers working to assist you.

Once all evidence in the case has been collected and all persons involved interviewed, the police will forward the case to the Prosecutor's Office for review and contemplation of charges. Before a charging decision is made, the Prosecuting Attorney will most likely consult with you. The ultimate decision, however, rests with the Prosecuting Attorney. If the case moves forward, a legal advocate from A.S.P.E.N. can help you with the process

When you report a rape to the police, you are eligible for Victim Compensation funding. This money will pay for medical examination expenses and some additional expenses connected with the incident.

If You Are Raped | Where Can You Go For Help | What Happens IF You Go To The Hospital | Rape Examination and Legal Questions | Reporting to Law Enforcement | Sexual Assault Response Commitment | Office for Equal Opportunity | Counseling Center | Filing A Complaint With Student Affairs | Student JudicialCode | Contact Information

Sexual Assault Response Commitment

Sexual assault, including date/acquaintance rape, is a very serious concern of this Police Department. If you feel you are a victim of a sexual assault on campus, the Department of Public Safety and Police Services will guarantee the following:

• We will meet with you privately, at a time and local place of your choice, to take your report.
• We cannot and will not notify your parents without your consent.
• We will treat you and your particular case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding and professionalism.
• Our officers will not prejudge you, and you will not be blamed for what occurred.
• We will assist you in arranging for any necessary hospital treatment or other medical needs. We will also assist in emergency housing if needed.
• If you would feel more comfortable talking with a friend or advocate of your choice present, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
• We will fully investigate your case, and will help you to achieve the best outcome. This may involve the arrest and full prosecution of the suspect responsible. You will be kept up-to-date on the progress of the investigation and/or prosecution.
• We will assist you in privately contacting counseling and other available resources.
• We will continue to be available to answer your questions, to explain the system and process involved (prosecutor, courts, etc.), and to be a listening ear if you wish.
• We will consider your case seriously, regardless of your gender or the gender or status of the suspect.

If you feel you are a victim of sexual assault, call the Department of Public Safety and Police Services at (509) 925-8534 (any time of day or night), to privately make a complaint.

-Endorsed by:
The Empowerment Center (509) 963-2127
Student Health and Counseling (509) 963-1881
A.S.P.E.N. (509) 925-9384.

If You Are Raped | Where Can You Go For Help | What Happens IF You Go To The Hospital | Rape Examination and Legal Questions | Reporting to Law Enforcement | Sexual Assault Response Commitment | Office for Equal Opportunity | Counseling Center | Filing A Complaint With Student Affairs | Student JudicialCode | Contact Information

Office for Equal Opportunity

The Office for Equal Opportunity (O.E.O.) promotes and supports the university's commitment to develop an inclusive and diverse community of students and employees. Students who seek information or assistance regarding sex discrimination and sexual harassment, especially as it relates to interactions with non-student members of the university community, are encouraged to contact O.E.O. The O.E.O. Office is located in Barge Hall, room 211 (963-2205).

The University has a resource that provides personal counseling to assist you and anyone affected by sexual assault. Whether the situation has happened in the past or is more immediate, trained professionals will listen to your story and help you process what has happened.

Counseling Center

Residence Hall Staff and University Police can assist in contacting an on-call counselor after hours if there is an emergency

Filing A Complaint With Student Affairs

If the accused is a student at Central Washington University and you would like him/her to be held accountable, you can file a formal or informal complaint with the Vice President for Student Affairs and/or designee (963-1515) naming your attacker. You'll receive a copy of the process used to investigate your complaint. After the investigation is completed, you'll be notified of the outcome. Both you and the accused will have the opportunity to appeal the decision of the Associate Vice President. This process is internal to the university and is separate from any legal process that may occur if you filed a police report. Feel free to bring a friend or advocate with you when you meet with the Associate Vice President. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator can serve in this capacity if you choose.

If You Are Raped | Where Can You Go For Help | What Happens IF You Go To The Hospital | Rape Examination and Legal Questions | Reporting to Law Enforcement | Sexual Assault Response Commitment | Office for Equal Opportunity | Counseling Center | Filing A Complaint With Student Affairs | Student JudicialCode | Contact Information

Student Judicial Code

Students who are found in violation of policies involving sexual violence or sexual harassment could face suspension or expulsion from the University.

1. Disruptive and disorderly conduct which interferes with the rights and opportunities of other students to pursue their academic studies.
2. Sexual assault in any form, including acquaintance rape and other forced and/or nonconsensual sexual activity.
3. Actual or attempted physical/emotional abuse of any person or conduct which threatens or endangers the health and safety of any person or which intentionally or recklessly causes a reasonable apprehension of harm to any person.
4. Harassment of any sort or any malicious act which causes harm to any person's physical or mental well being.
5. Recklessly engaging in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical harm to another person.

In addition, other violations could apply to situations of sexual violence. An example of such a policy is the university alcohol policy. Please see the student judicial code for all university policies related to conduct and behavior.

Contact Information

• Emergency: 911
• S.A.R.C. Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator.
  C.W.U. Wildcat Health and Wellness Center
  Suite 128, Kamola
  Ellensburg, WA. 98926
  Phone # (509) 963-3214
  E-mail S.A.R.C. at: farmer@cwu.edu
• A.S.P.E.N. Abuse Support and Prevention Education Now.
  220 W. 4th Ave.
  Ellensburg, WA. 98926
  24-hour toll free # 1-866-925-9384
  E-mail A.S.P.E.N. at: dvsa@cwcmh.org
• Planned Parenthood
  312 N. Pine
  Ellensburg, WA. 98926
  Phone # 925-7113
  Toll-free # 1-800-230-PLAN(7526)
• C.W.U. Police
  400 E. University Way
  Ellensburg, WA 98926-7527
  Business Phone # (509) 963-2959
  After Hours Non-Emergency# (509) 925-8534
  Emergency Phone # 911
  E-mail C.W.U. Police at: criderc@cwu.edu
• Ellensburg Police Department
  100 N. Pearl St.
  Ellensburg, WA. 98926
  Non-emergency # (509) 962-7280
  Emergency # 911
  E-mail Ellensburg Police at: policedept@ci.ellensburg.wa.us
• Kittitas Valley Community Hospital
  603 S. Chester St.
  Ellensburg, WA. 98962
  Information# (509) 962-9841
  T.D.D. # (509) 925-8472
• C.W.U. Student Affairs
  400 E. University Way
  Ellensburg WA. 98926
  Phone # (509) 963-1515
  E-mail student affairs at: haleyp@cwu.edu
• University Housing and New Student Programs
  400 E. University Way
  Ellensburg WA. 98926
  Phone # (509) 963-2735
  Toll-free # 1-888-CWU-HOME
  T.D.D. # (509) 963-3323
  E-mail University Housing and New Student programs at: Housing@cwu.edu
• C.W.U. Office of Equal Opportunity
  Barge Hall 211
  400 E. University Way
  Ellensburg, WA. 98926
  Phone # (509) 963-2205
  T.D.D. # (509) 963-2207
  E-mail the Office of Equal Opportunity at oeo@cwu.edu
• C.W.U. Disability Support Services
  400 E. University Way
  Ellensburg, WA. 98962-2171
  Phone # (509) 963-2171
  T.D.D. # (509) 963-2143
  E-mail Disability Support Services at dahlberc@cwu.edu
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing:
  1-800-759-8331
  TTY Pin: 8779516528

Additional Information: www.wcsap.org/