DID NOT RUN - Course of action for acquaintance rape victims

Although many of the steps may seem to add to the trauma of the rape, police need to gather as much evidence as possible. Without evidence, leaving only the victim saying that she has been raped, the chances of being successful in prosecution against the assailant are slim. The victim should not change her clothes, and if she does, she should be sure to save them and take them to the police as evidence. Hair fibers and bodily secretions like blood and semen may be found on the clothes. In addition, tears in clothes are signs of struggle. The victim should not shower because evidence found on her body may be very useful in winning a case. The victim should not even wash her hands because evidence, like scraped skin, may be found under the nails. Many victims' first instincts are to shower. But police say they should not in order to preserve evidence. In addition, the victim should try to stay aware of her surroundings during the rape so she will be able to describe the location to the police later. In addition, an accurate description of the rapist is needed. In most acquaintance rapes, this is not a problem. Finally, the victim should report the crime as soon as possible so the best physical evidence can be gathered and the rapist can be arrested. Roommates or friends of rape victims can also help. Friends should convince victims to seek help immediately, whether it be medical treatment, counselling or reporting it to police. Also, friends can be helpful by accompanying victims to the police station and to the hospital for an examination. Even if the victim decides not to report the rape to the police, she should always go to a doctor to treat any injuries or diseases she may have received in the attack. There are several University and city-wide services available for both the victims of rape and sexual assault and their friends and family. It is not necessary for victims of sexual assault or rape to press charges in order to receive confidential services. Some of the organizations offer 24-hour hotlines. · Women Organized Against Rape 24-hour hotline: 922-3434 This organization, with a 24-hour hotline, provides free, confidential telephone counseling, crisis intervention, emergency room counseling, follow-up and referrals, court companions, advocacy, education, training and literature. · Victim Support and Special Services University of Pennsylvania Police Department 3914 Locust Walk, The Annex 898-4481; 24-hour hotline: 898-6600 A unit of the University Police Department, Victim Support provides immediate, in-person support to sexual assault victims and friends. All discussions are confidential and become part of a police report only with the consent of the victim/survivor. · Penn Women's Center 119 Houston Hall 898-8611 The Women's Center provides a full range of services for both rape victims/survivors and their family and friends, including free and confidential individual counseling, victim support, group counseling, advice regarding judicial options and individual advocacy. · Office of Health Education Penn Tower Hotel, Lower Level 662-7126 and 662-7166 The Office of Health Education, a division of Student Health Services, is staffed by professional health educators with expertise in a variety of health issues, including sexual assault and sexual health. The primary function is educational, including the training and coordination of peer health education groups such as Students Together Acquaintance Rape. Staff are also available for counseling and assistance in using any of the health services available on- or off-campus. · STAAR 662-7126 A student-run organization that provides educational workshops, advocacy and support for survivors. A student in this office is available to listen, give support and guide you to appropriate resources. · Judicial Inquiry Officer 4 Bennett Hall 898-5651

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