Sexual Assault

TRIGGER WARNING: This section contains an in-depth discussion of sexual assault. If this topic resonates with you, consider making an appointment with USC Student Counseling and Mental Health by calling (213) 740-9355 or going online to MySHR.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is when any kind of sexual contact occurs without consent. It is a crime punishable by law, and anyone, regardless of sex or gender, can be a victim. Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim, even if:

  • The attacker is someone the victim knows (90% of victims know the person who sexually assaulted them)
  • The victim has been drinking or using recreational drugs
  • The victim has been intimate with the attacker before
  • The victim said “yes” and then later changed their mind
  • The victim was unable to physically or verbally communicate lack of consent
  • The victim was wearing something that someone might view as “seductive”

How does someone know if they were sexually assaulted?

Sexual assault means that some type of sexual activity occurred without consent. Here are some situations in which consent is automatically not given:

  • Someone physically or verbally communicates “no”
  • Someone has had drugs or alcohol
  • Someone feels coerced or threatened into participating
  • Someone is unaware of what is happening
  • Someone is a minor

What steps should I take after experiencing sexual assault?

  • Before anything else, make sure that you are safe. If you are injured or in danger, call the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (213) 740-4321.
  • Consider calling USC Student Health at (213) 740-9355, where you can discuss your options going forward with full confidentiality.
  • Consider visiting a hospital or SARC (Sexual Assault Response Center). There, they can perform a sexual assault forensic exam (also known as a rape kit), treat any injuries you may have, prescribe medications (including emergency contraception), and give important vaccinations as needed.
    • One excellent option in the greater Los Angeles area is the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center, which provides free medical and counseling services to individuals who have been sexually assaulted. If you choose to have a “rape kit” done, they can store it as evidence for years, until you eventually decide whether or not you want to take legal action. Their phone number is 310-451-0042.
    • If possible, do not shower, brush your teeth, or change your clothes before going to a hospital or SARC. If you do need to change, keep your clothes in a paper bag and bring them with you to be collected. Try to leave the scene undisturbed, but if that is not possible, bring evidence with you in a paper bag.

Do I have to submit a police report?

It can be worrisome to think about filing a report and pursuing legal action after experiencing sexual assault. This is not something you necessarily need to be concerned about right after the fact. However, it is strongly recommended to have a “rape kit” done at a hospital or SARC, preferably within 24-48 hours of the incident. Preservation of evidence will give you more options in the future.

What resources are available for me after having been sexually assaulted?

At USC, various offices and departments assist with the reporting of sexual crimes, and are required to share certain information you provide with the university:

  • Student Health Center: (213) 740-9355
  • Office of Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX: (213) 740-5086
  • Department of Public Safety (DPS): (213) 740-4321
    • Note: DPS shares information with both USC and LAPD

There are also confidential support resources available to you at USC that are not obligated to share information with the university:

  • Student Counseling and Mental Health: (213) 740-9355
  • Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services (RSVP): (213) 740-9355

Lastly, there are a multitude of off-campus resources that you can access. Here is one of the most well-known:

  • RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network)
    • National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673
    • Live chat available at www.rainn.org

How do I talk to a friend or loved one who has been sexually assaulted?

  • Let them know that you believe them. It is scary to tell someone that you have been sexually assaulted, and it is important for you to validate their experiences.
  • Do not blame them for what has happened. They may falsely believe that they did something to cause this incident.
  • Provide comfort. Listen to them as they feel comfortable sharing, and respond with compassion and care.
  • Avoid giving advice. Respect their autonomy and ability to make their own choices in response to what has happened.
  • Help them to find resources that will guide them on the path to healing.
  • Protect their privacy by keeping this confidential.
  • Take care of yourself as well. Sexual assault is a heavy topic, and you cannot effectively help others unless you are checking in with your own mental and emotional wellbeing.

References and Further Reading