Taking Action

Guidance on taking immediate action after a sexual assault incident:

1. Get to a safe place as quickly as you can.
2. It is essential that the victim not wash, bathe, shower, douche, or change clothing before medical treatment is provided.
3. In order to see the case through to a successful conclusion, it is important that evidence be preserved. Ensure that the physical scene of the assault, i.e., room, car, etc., not be altered, cleaned up, or disturbed in any way.  The decision on how to proceed can be made at a later date, but evidence preservation keeps options open.
4. Receive medical attention as quickly as possible. (When receiving medical attention, it is very important that you DO NOT eat or drink anything until the rape kit is completed at the hospital.)
5. If you decide not to seek medical attention in relation to a police investigation (i.e the rape kit), still seek medical attention from a gynecologist or hospital.  Female victims should talk to a healthcare professional about the “morning after pill” if the sexual contact may result in unwanted pregnancy.  Both Females and males may also want to be screened for sexually transmitted infections.
6. Tell someone you trust about the incident. Consider contacting a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) or community resources below:

Guidance on taking immediate action while or after experiencing relationship abuse or stalking:

1. Get to a safe place as quickly as you can. If someone is following you, consider going to a police station, place of worship, or public area.
2. In the event that you are being stalked, record all stalking-related behaviors, such as harassing telephone calls, electronic contacts (e.g., texts, e-mails, Facebook messages), letters/notes, acts of vandalism, and threats communicated through third parties. Record the following: date, time, and location of incident; description of what happened; and names of any witnesses. If possible, take pictures of evidence (e.g., bodily injuries, damaged items). Recording such information can help document behavior for protection order applications or criminal prosecution. It can also help you remember incidents about which you might later report or testify. Because this information may be introduced as evidence or inadvertently shared with the stalker, do not include any information you do not want the offender to see.
3. If you were harmed, receive medical attention as quickly as possible.
4. Tell someone you trust about the incident.
5. Treat all threats, direct or indirect, as legitimate and report them to one of the resources below. Even if there are no threats, consider reporting the incident(s).

Guidance on taking action after being sexually harassed or exploited:

1. Document the harassment:
   • Photograph and keep copies of any documentary evidence of harassment.
   • Keep a journal with detailed information on instances of sexual harassment. Note the dates, conversation, frequency of offensive encounters, etc.
   • Tell other people, including personal friends and co-workers, if possible.
2. If the harasser is a UNH student or employee, tell the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinators immediately.