Reporting Sexual Assault

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, report the incident IMMEDIATELY to the University Police Department. If off campus, contact the nearest law enforcement agency. Reporting an assault does not mean that you must press charges or take the case to criminal trial or to a University disciplinary hearing.

Take the following steps to preserve evidence:

1. Don't wash, shower, or change clothes.
2. Call police immediately and report the incident and location. If possible, describe the attack and give police any other helpful information.
3. Get medical attention. You may have injuries you are not aware of. A friend or relative may accompany you to the hospital.
4. At the hospital, you will receive first aid and have a physical exam.
5. During the exam, be sure to show the doctor any cuts, bruises or scratches on your body.
6. You may request that police not release your name to the media.
7. Remember, reporting sexual assaults to the police:
   1. helps pinpoint crime areas
   2. helps identify offenders
   3. may help solve your case
   4. can prevent the attacker from hurting someone else

Sexual Assault Awareness Program

Sexual Assault Awareness Week is held on campus each year. Activities include self-defense courses, lectures, panel discussions, films, skits, and other events that increase awareness about sexual assault, including acquaintance rape and date rape. Sexual Assault Awareness Week is sponsored by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (ADAP) and the Office of Student Life and Transition Services (SLTS) in the Division of Enrollment and Student Services. For more information, contact the Office of Student Life and Transition Services, University Center 305, (956)381-2659.

Services For Victims of Sexual Assault

Victims of sexual assault should obtain immediate medical attention at an area hospital emergency room. Hidalgo County hospital emergency rooms are required by law to treat victims of sexual assault. Area hospitals that can provide thorough rape exams and evidence collection.

Edinburg Hospital 1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX 78539 388-6000

McAllen Medical Center 301 W. Expressway 83 McAllen, TX 632-4000

Mission Hospital 900 S. Bryan Rd. Mission, TX 580-9000

The Rape Crisis Center, operated by Women Together/Mujeres Unidas, offers services for sexual assault victims. Located at 420 N. 21st St., McAllen, the Rape Crisis Center offers a 24-hour hotline (630-4878), victim's assistance, and confidential counseling.

The University of Texas-Pan American's Counseling and Advisement Center, located on the fifth floor of the Student Services Building, has trained counselors who offer individual, personal and group counseling to students who are victims of sexual assault. Call 381-2529 or 381-2574.

UTPA's Student Health Clinic provides medical services to students who have been victims of sexual assault; however, the Clinic does not have an emergency room and should not be used as the first medical contact after a sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault should go immediately to one of the hospital emergency rooms listed above. Clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Student Health Clinic is in Emilia Schunior Ramirez Hall, first floor, phone 381-2511.

The University can help students make reasonable, alternate on-campus living or class arrangements after an alleged assault. Students requesting this assistance should contact the Office of the Dean of Students, University Center 104, 381-2260.