Both men and women can be victims of sexual assault. The consequences, medical and emotional, may be numerous, long-lasting and painful. Due to the myths and misconceptions surrounding this issue, many victims hesitate to seek support or professional help.

If you are sexually assaulted:

• Get to a safe place.
• Reach out to someone you trust for support: for example a friend, parent, resident assistant, staff or faculty member.
• Even if you don't think that you've been seriously injured physically, medical attention is always recommended. The local hospital for sexual assault medical support is UMDNJ: call 972-1325 or 972-1324 for telephone crisis counseling. The Emergency Room general number is 972-5123 .

If you wish, NJIT Public Safety will provide transportation to UMDNJ Emergency Room: call them at 596-3111 . You need not file a formal report or press charges to receive their assistance with transportation.

Until your medical examination, you are advised not to bathe, shower, douche or change clothes. If possible, you should also not urinate, eat, drink or smoke.

If you decide to formally report the sexual assault, you can contact NJIT Public Safety 24 hours a day or the office of the Dean Of Students during business hours (staff of Residence Life and Public Safety can also contact the Dean Of Students for you after business hours).

Whether or not you want to formally report the sexual assault, you are encouraged to seek professional help and support. On campus, the Counseling Center (596-3414) and Student Health Services (596-3621) are resources for professional assistance; services of the Counseling Center are confidential.

Believe in yourself; give yourself time to heal and to make decisions. It's okay to change your mind and decide to seek professional help or report the sexual assault even if you were initially reluctant to do so.

If a friend is sexually assaulted:

• Many times victims choose not to tell anyone about the assault. If a friend of yours has been sexually assaulted and turns to you for support, the most important thing you can do is listen and:
• Believe your friend; don't question him/her.
• Tell your friend it was NOT his/her fault.
• Refer your friend to one of the resources listed here.
• Encourage your friend to seek medical attention.
• Know your own limitations; seek assistance and support if needed.

Information about medical and counseling resources for sexual assault victims outside the local Newark area is available on the Counseling Center's web site.

Copies of the New Jersey Campus Sexual Assault Bill of Rights are available in the Dean Of Students office.