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Sexual Assault

Crisis Hotline: 866-489-2225. If you believe you have been sexually assaulted you can call this 24-hour support service provided by the Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center.

Sexual Assault remains a serious concern for women today. Current statistics reveal that 1 out of 4 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. This number is even higher for college aged women, 18-25. Georgia Southern University recognizes the importance of this issue and strives to provide education regarding sexual assault occurrence and prevention, as well as providing services for victims of sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) oversees the Universities policies, and efforts toward sexual assault Response and Prevention. We also have a student organization, SAPA that presents programs about sexual assault education and awareness to classes and groups on campus.

The GSU Student Conduct Policy defines sexual assault as "sexual penetration, no matter how slight, of the genital, anal, and/or oral opening of the victim by any part of the perpetrator's body or by the use of an object, without the victim's consent or against the victim's will where the victim: (1) is forced or has reasonable fear that the victim or another will be injured if the victim does not submit to the act; (2) is incapable of giving consent or is prevented from resisting due to physical or mental incapacity, which includes, but is not limited to, the influence of drugs or alcohol; (3) suffers from a mental or physical disability."

If You Believe You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

You do not have to work through this alone! The professional staff at the Counseling Center is trained and ready to help you through your reactions to this experience. Below are helpful steps that you can take...

• Call the University Police after hours at 478-5234, and ask them to have an on-call counselor contact you. You may also call 911 for immediate assistance.
• Call a close friend or relative.
• See medical attention immediately. Call the GSU Health Center (478-5641) from 8-5 weekdays, OR call the East Georgia Regional Medical Center ER (486-1000).
• Do NOT bathe, shower, douche, or change clothes until you have talked with the police.

Your Rights...

• You have the right to file a report with the police
• Georgian Southern University Campus Police 478-5234
• Statesboro Police Department 764-9911
• Bulloch County Sheriff 765-8888
• You have the right to file a complaint with the Office of Judicial Affairs (478-5409).
• You have the right to seek civil action (contact an attorney).