a campus building
Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment

I've Been Sexually Assaulted

Experiencing sexual assault or dating/domestic violence can be very difficult.

Living through and dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault or dating/domestic violence can be traumatic and life changing. It’s important to remember that there are many different responses and behaviors that are normal reactions to a traumatic situation. ESU is committed to offering support, resources, and options that encourage empowerment and healing. Remember – you are not alone. Even though you may feel that no one can understand your personal situation, there are those out there who can and want to help and support you through this time.

What do I do right now?

Seek support and ensure that you are safe. The guidance below is intended to help you work through satisfying your immediate needs during this trying time. In addition, there is information on how to report an incident to the Title IX Office.

Ensure that you are safe

If you believe that you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911 as soon as possible.

  • You can also contact University Police at (570) 422-3064.
  • If you would like, University Police can assist you in contacting Stroud Regional Police or the Pennsylvania State Police.
  • You can contact someone you trust to be with you for support. This could be a friend, family member, or someone from campus.
  • You can contact Safe Monroe via their 24-hour hotline at (570) 421-4200. Safe Monroe is a community based, independent nonprofit that services anyone who has been impacted by sexual or domestic abuse. Trained crisis counselors are available via the hotline 24/7.

Preserve the evidence

It’s easy to be tempted to try to erase all signs of what happened to you, but is important to preserve the evidence. If you plan to have a sexual assault forensic exam done at a hospital, remember the following:

  • It is advisable that you do not bathe or shower, use the restroom, eat or drink, change your clothes, comb your hair, clean up the scene of the incident, or move anything the offender may have touched.
  • If you choose to have this exam completed, it is important that you do so within 72 hours if possible.
  • It is important that even if you have not decided whether to file charges, it is advisable to have the sexual assault forensic exam completed so that you can better preserve the options of obtaining a protective order and/or filing criminal charges at a later date.
  • You should also wear (or take with you in a paper – not plastic – bag) to the hospital the same clothing that you were wearing during the assault.

Seek medical assistance and treatment

No matter what happened, you should seek medical treatment as soon as you can – even if you’re not sure whether you want to report the incident.

  • It is important that you obtain medical attention as soon as possible after a sexual assault to determine the extent of your physical injury and to prevent or treat any sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Medical facilities can also screen for the presence of sedative drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB (date rape drugs).
  • The local option for medical care would be ExpressCARE at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono.

Obtain emotional support

Coping with the aftermath of a sexual assault or dating or domestic violence can be very difficult – but remember, you aren’t alone.

  • ESU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a CONFIDENTIAL resource to help you sort through your feelings and begin the recovery process. The counselors there are trained to provide crisis intervention and short-term and emergency issues.
  • Safemonroe.org is a community based, independent nonprofit that offers FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services to anyone impacted by sexual or domestic abuse/dating violence. Specially trained counselors and legal advocates are available to assist you. Call the 24-hour hotline to request services: (570) 421-4200

Ensure that you are safe

If you believe that you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911 as soon as possible.

  • You can also contact University Police at (570) 422-3064.
  • If you would like, University Police can assist you in contacting Stroud Regional Police or the Pennsylvania State Police.
  • You can contact someone you trust to be with you for support. This could be a friend, family member, or someone from campus.
  • You can contact Safe Monroe via their 24-hour hotline at (570) 421-4200. Safe Monroe is a community based, independent nonprofit that services anyone who has been impacted by sexual or domestic abuse. Trained crisis counselors are available via the hotline 24/7.

Preserve the evidence

It’s easy to be tempted to try to erase all signs of what happened to you, but is important to preserve the evidence. If you plan to have a sexual assault forensic exam done at a hospital, remember the following:

  • It is advisable that you do not bathe or shower, use the restroom, eat or drink, change your clothes, comb your hair, clean up the scene of the incident, or move anything the offender may have touched.
  • If you choose to have this exam completed, it is important that you do so within 72 hours if possible.
  • It is important that even if you have not decided whether to file charges, it is advisable to have the sexual assault forensic exam completed so that you can better preserve the options of obtaining a protective order and/or filing criminal charges at a later date.
  • You should also wear (or take with you in a paper – not plastic – bag) to the hospital the same clothing that you were wearing during the assault.

Seek medical assistance and treatment

No matter what happened, you should seek medical treatment as soon as you can – even if you’re not sure whether you want to report the incident.

  • It is important that you obtain medical attention as soon as possible after a sexual assault to determine the extent of your physical injury and to prevent or treat any sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Medical facilities can also screen for the presence of sedative drugs such as Rohypnol or GHB (date rape drugs).
  • The local option for medical care would be ExpressCARE at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono.

Obtain emotional support

Coping with the aftermath of a sexual assault or dating or domestic violence can be very difficult – but remember, you aren’t alone.

  • ESU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a CONFIDENTIAL resource to help you sort through your feelings and begin the recovery process. The counselors there are trained to provide crisis intervention and short-term and emergency issues.
  • Safemonroe.org is a community based, independent nonprofit that offers FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services to anyone impacted by sexual or domestic abuse/dating violence. Specially trained counselors and legal advocates are available to assist you. Call the 24-hour hotline to request services: (570) 421-4200

Contact Us

For help handling a situation involving any kind of sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination, sexual exploitation, or dating/domestic violence you can contact the University’s Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator Christopher Bean at titleixreport@esu.edu.

Contact Information

Campus Address
Sycamore Suites, Lower Level, 011
Phone:
(570) 422-2277
Title of Department Leader
Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator
Name
Christopher S. Bean