Q&A’s

Sexual assault includes any sexual contact that occurs without clear initial consent or lacks ongoing consent throughout additional sexual activity. Perpetrators can be acquaintances, classmates, colleagues, supervisors, former or current intimate partners, family members, or strangers.

Sexual assault affects people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, social classes, ages and abilities.

If you are in immediate danger call 911. Medical attention is important following a sexual assault. There are options including the Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center (Teal House) and the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire (RCC). The Teal House and RCC provide free medical and forensic examinations by specially trained SANE nurses, advocacy services, crisis intervention counseling, therapy services, and a 24-hour crisis line.

A medical examination can be facilitated at any time following a sexual assault, although the sooner medical treatment is obtained, the safer the patient. A medical examination checks for and treats any injury and/or infection that has resulted from the assault. A forensic examination also checks for injury and/or infection in addition to collecting evidence in the event that the victim decides to press charges or file a report. A forensic examination can be facilitated up to 120 hours (5 days)( after a sexual assault occurs. Seeking a forensic exam does not obligate a person to press charges or file a report.

Most police departments, and the university, allow individuals to file an anonymous report. See our page on Reporting Options. If you choose to report anonymously, it could impact the amount of action that can be taken on your behalf. In addition to anonymous reporting, you can file a report with the police and have up to one year to decide if you want to press charges.

Forensic exams are commonly referred to as “rape kits.” This is a specialized exam performed by a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). SANEs provide medical treatment and emotional support while they collect evidence in the event an individual decides to pursue criminal charges. Forensic exams can be performed up to 5 days (120 hours) after a sexual assault occurs. Obtaining a forensic exam does not mean an individual has to move forward with criminal charges.

SANEs are on-call to respond to those who experience sexual assault. They are available through the Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center (Teal House) and the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire (RCC) in Savannah.

Teal House: 866-489-2225 (24 hours)

RCC: (912) 233-7273 (Crisis line)

Under the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, consent means words or actions that show a knowing and voluntary willingness to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. Consent cannot be gained by force, intimidation, or coercion; by ignoring or acting in spite of objections of another; or by taking advantage of the incapacitation of another where the respondent knows or reasonably should have known of such incapacitation. Minors under the age of 16 cannot legally consent under Georgia law.

Consent is also absent when the activity in question exceeds the scope of consent previously given. Past consent does not imply present or future consent. Silence or an absence of resistance does not imply consent.

Consent can be withdrawn at any time by a party using clear words or actions.

Yes. Relationship status does not matter, nor whether or not you knew the person beforehand. Most acts of sexual violence are committed by someone the victim knows. If sexual activity takes place without consent, that is sexual assault.

An officer will meet with you to take a report. You can let them know your wishes, such as if you just want the report on file, if you want time to think about it, or if you want to start an investigation. Based on your wishes, an investigator may be assigned to your case. This person will speak with you, any witnesses, and the accused. The police can also help you plan for your safety and filing a report can help document the situation that can later be used if you decide to press charges.

If you report to the university, you can be connected with support and resources to assist you such as communication to faculty, connections with counseling and health services, university housing adjustments, etc. You are not required to participate in an investigation in order to receive this assistance. You will also have the opportunity to meet with someone in the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX who can explain available policies and procedures if you decide you do want a university investigation (this is separate than a law enforcement investigation).

Support and resources, both on- and off-campus, are available to you regardless of where an assault took place. If you would like to report to law enforcement, see Reporting Options for a list of local law enforcement agencies. The university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy also allows individuals to pursue an investigation even if the assault occurred off-campus.

No, the information you provide will be kept private and shared only with people who have a need to know, such as those providing you support and resources, an investigator if you choose to move forward with a university investigation, etc. Your information is protected by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), which means we cannot disclose information about your report to your family or friends without your written consent.

The university will work with you to identify options to help you feel safe, such as implementing a no contact order if the other person is a student, identifying alternative living arrangements, parking accommodations, as well as providing you with information about obtaining a protective order. The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, and other resources such as the Dean of Students Office, can assist with this.

There is no one way to identify if someone has been sexually assaulted unless they tell you what occurred. However, there are several signs/symptoms of rape trauma (a type of post-traumatic stress) which may help you identify if a friend needs help:

• Sleep disturbances (nightmares, difficulty falling or staying asleep)
• Change in appetite (has no appetite or eats more than usual)
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fears about personal safety
• Exaggerated startle response (jumps at a small noise, or if their name is called)
• Numbness, uncommunicative
• Depressed – may experience feelings of hopelessness
• Has difficulty being touched or expressing loving feelings
• Withdrawal or disinterested in participating in activities they once enjoyed (doesn’t feel like going out, going to movies, seeing friends, volunteering or participating in student groups, etc.)
• Seems detached from others

If someone you know has experienced sexual assault, there are things you can do to help them cope and find help. Whether the assault occurred recently or a long time ago:

• Always believe them and never blame them for the assault. It is never the victim’s fault.
• Maintain a calm manner when speaking with them.
• Listen without interrupting.
• Convey genuine concern.
• Let them know that “It’s not your fault” (You cannot say this enough!).
• Allow for tears and expression of feelings. There is no one way to react following a sexual assault. All emotional reactions are within the realm of normal behavior.
• Offer to stay with the individual to provide support.
• Let them know there are people who can help them and that they don’t have to go through this alone.
• Know your resources and refer them to help.
• Support the victim’s decisions to report or not report, seek medical services or not seek medical services. It is important that the victim of the assault is in control of their experience.

On Campus Resources: