Sexual Assault/Rape: Medical, Counseling and Educational Services
Sexual assault is a serious problem for the nation and for our campus. Studies suggest that between 20 and 25 percent of college women have been survivors of rape or attempted rape at some time in their college career. Sexual assaults occur between men and women, women and women, and men and men. Most reported incidents are of men sexually assaulting women.
Sometimes legal distinctions are drawn between rape and sexual assault."Rape" is applied to acts of forcible penetration, while "sexual assault" is applied to other sexual violations. Because the effects on victims (survivors) of rape and sexual assault are often similar, we use these terms interchangeably.
Sexual violence, including acquaintance rape, has a profound impact on an individual's psychological, physical, social and spiritual health. Moreover, in 9 out of 10 instances, the survivor knows the person doing the violence -- an intimate partner, an ex-partner, classmate, friend, acquaintance, coworker or person in some kind of authority. This adds a further devastating impact: a betrayal of trust and of safety.
It is important to understand that sexual assault can, and does, affect everyone: students, staff, and faculty of all ethnicities, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and lifestyles. It can significantly affect the survivor's academics, work, personal safety and general well-being, as well as her or his friends and family.
University Health Services recognizes the impact sexual assault has on the campus environment and offers the following services that can be of help. We work to prevent and respond to incidents by working with community services and other campus departments, such as the U.C. Police Department, the Gender Equity Resource Center, Housing and Dining Services, the Office of Judicial Affairs, the Title IX Compliance Officer, and Bay Area Women Against Rape.
| What You Need | What to Do |
| If you are a Survivor | See What to Do if You are Sexually Assaulted/Raped. |
| Medical care | Come to Urgent Care during regular business hours. Tang Center provides general medical care for students who have been sexually assaulted and for faculty and staff who have been sexually assaulted in the course of their work. Services include treatment for injuries sustained during the assault, and testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Referrals are made to local hospitals for evidence collection; arrangements can be made for the survivor to be accompanied. When Tang is closed:
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| Crisis and aftermath counseling | Call Social Services at 642-6074 during regular business hours or After Hours Assistance at 643-7197 when Tang Center is closed. Immediate response to survivors is our priority. We offer confidential crisis counseling and follow-up support. Individual and group counseling are available on a short-term basis. Referrals are provided for other services. Services are available for recent survivors and those working to recover from a past assault or an attempted assault. We also provide short term individual and group counseling and education sessions for friends, family, housemates and co-workers of the survivor. |
| Advocacy and assistance | Call Social Services at 642-6074 to schedule an appointment. Staff will provide assistance and advocacy for sexual assault survivors as needed with the initial medical evaluation, legal and police procedures, and academic and housing issues. |
| Help for family, friends, co-workers | See How Your Can Help A Friend Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted/Raped and/or How Advisors and Faculty Can Help A Student Who Has Been Assaulted
In response to incidents of sexual assault, training is available for the campus community regarding the scope of sexual assault issues and the effects of incidents on survivors, friends and families. Participants are trained to deal sensitively and effectively with sexual assault issues and with assault survivors. Call 642-6074. |
| Prevention and education | Health Promotion, 642-7202, coordinates prevention activities to support the campus community in creating an environment free of sexual assault. We offer workshops, trainings, campus activities and consultation. |
| Resources | See Campus and Community Resources for Sexual Assault/Rape. Also see online health topics on Sexual Assault/Rape |
| Workshops for student groups | Workshops facilitated by professional staff or student peer educators are available for living centers, classes, departments and other groups. Methods used to provide information and build skills include discussions, role plays, exercises and videos. Specialized workshops are available. Topics can include:
Call Health Promotion at 642-7202. |
| Campus policy | The University of California, Berkeley, is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all persons who participate in University programs and activities can work together in an atmosphere free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation. Every member of the University community should be aware that such behavior is prohibited by law and by University policy and that the University will not tolerate sexual misconduct in any form, including acquaintance or date rape. The University will take appropriate action to prevent, correct, and discipline behavior that is found to violate campus policy or regulations proscribing rape or sexual assault. For more on the campus policy, see Title IX: Sexual Discrimination and Harassment. |
See also
Campus and Community Resources For Sexual Assault.
How You Can Help a Friend Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted/Raped
How Advisers and Faculty Can Help a Student Who Has Been Assaulted/Raped
Sexual Assault/Rape: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Unwanted Sex, Sexual Assault and Rape: Advice and Resources for Men
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.
Last Revised: September 2004
