Sexual assault is an unwanted sexual act that occurs because of force, threat, intimidation, or the inability of the victim to give consent.

 

Approximately 25% of college women and between 3 and 7% of college men are victims of actual or attempted sexual assault .

 

Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim --  it is solely the fault of the perpetrator. There are many resources available at Penn for victims.

 

The members of the Special Services Unit are professionally trained to assist victims of sexual assault. If you choose, they will accompany you to Jefferson Hospital for a forensic examination. They will help you file a police report if you decide to do so. If you decide to go to the Student Health Service for an evaluation, they will accompany you at your request.

 

Whether or not you engage the assistance of the Special Services Unit, you can come to Student Health for a health evaluation and treatment. Services are confidential.

 

If you are female, a female provider in the Women’s Health section of Student Health will examine you, discuss sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, provide you with emergency contraception if necessary, and discuss follow-up with you.

 

If you are male, you may wish to see a provider in the Men’s Health Division. The provider will examine you, discuss sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and discuss follow-up with you.

 

The aftermath of sexual assault may include symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress, including depression, sleep disturbance, and social withdrawal. You may see a provider at CAPS or be referred to a provider in the community to help you with these symptoms.