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Information for Sexual Assault Victim/Survivors

(Jump to "Know Your Rights")

If you have been sexually assaulted, immediately after the assault...

1. Go to a safe place.

• If possible, go some place with trusted loved ones and where the attacker cannot find you.

• Talk to someone and get support.

• Know that what happened was not your fault - no matter what. Call a friend, family member, or crisis line.

  CCS San Diego 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, (888) 385-4657
  National Sexual Assault Hotline, (800) 656-HOPE

2. Call 911 (if you want to report the assault).

If you want more information on what it may be like to report a sexual assault and have an exam, a counselor on the CCS Hotline at (888) 385-4657 can help you understand the process.

• It is your choice to report. If you want your attacker to face criminal charges you will need to call 911 immediately.

• You can report the assault now and later choose not to pursue the criminal case.

• If you choose not to report the assault immediately, you can still do so at a later time, but there may be less physical evidence against the attacker if you report it later.

• It is your right to have a friend, family member, or sexual assault advocate present with you while talking with the police. You also have the right to have a sexual assault counselor and a support person of your choice present with you during the rape exam.

     To preserve evidence of the assault

• Don't bathe or brush your teeth.

• Write down all the details you can recall about the attack.

• Do not change clothes or straighten up the area where the assault took place.

• If you already cleaned up from the assault, you can still report the crime, and the police will take a report and investigate.

4. If you know that you will never report to the police, there are some things you should still consider:

• Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.

• If you were assaulted by athother CSUSM student, you can still report the assault to the Dean's Office and request a Student Code of Conduct Hearing. Please contact Lea Burgess-Carland, Gender Equity Diretor, at 760-750-4988 for more information about this process.

• Recognize that healing from sexual assault takes time. Give yourself the time you need. Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, talking to an advocate or counselor can still help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later.

5. If you were assaulted by another CSUSM student,  you have a right to a Student Conduct Hearing through the Dean of Students Office.

• To file a complaint, contact the Dean of Students Office. Lea Burgess-Carland, Gender Equity Center Director, may accompany you to any meetings as a support person and to act as your advocate (or advisor), at your request. You may also invite another person of your choosing to serve in this role.

• A complaint may be made by submitting a Student Complaint Form to the Dean of Students. Download the complaint form here.

• For detailed information regarding the process and your rights during a Student Conduct Hearing, download the CSU Student Conduct Hearings Executive Order.

• For more information about this process, you may also contact Lea Burgess-Carland, Gender Equity Center Director, at 760.750.4988.

Your Rights

As a victim of sexual assault, you have the following rights.

1. The right to have an advocate present during all meetings, interviews and exams.

Call the Gender Equity Center at 760.750.4988 to learn more about your rights or to request an advocate.

2. The the right to be notified of the outcome of any Student Code of Conduct proceedings.

You also have a right to have an advocate or support person with you during any proceedings.

3.  The right to safe housing.

CSUSM has an obligation to change your academic and living situations after an alleged sex offense, if you request those changes and are "reasonably available".


4.   The right to report the assault to the police department.

The University Police Department is committed to providing victims with these guarantees:

• to meet with you privately and you may be accompanied by a personal advocate.

• provide a female officer to conduct the initial interview if requested and one is available.

• to fully investigate your case, regardless of the gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion or disability of the parties involved.

• will not pre-judge you or your actions. Assault victims are not responsible for the criminal actions of others.

• to treat you and your case with courtesy, sensitivity, and understanding.

• will assist you in arranging for your medical needs and/or hospital treatment.

• will provide you with advocate and counseling referral information.

• will not release your name to the public or to the press.

• will discuss and explain the criminal justice process. You will be kept informed as to the progress of the investigation.

• to be available to answer your questions as the process of the investigation and prosecution unfolds.


For questions about your rights, options, or to speak with an advocate, please call the Gender Equity Center at 760.750.4988.