Steps to Consider Get Yourself to a Safe Place Call 911 or local Police College Police (843)349-7806 Save Evidence Try to preserve all physical evidence. It is best not to bathe, change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, rinse your mouth, or brush your teeth. You are strongly encouraged to go through the rape exam for medical attention and for the preserving of important physical evidence as soon as possible. Physical evidence can be obtained up to 72 hours after the assault. However, as time passes, the quality of evidence diminishes. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment You may call and request medical transportation without divulging that you have been raped. Even if you choose not to become involved with the police, you should seek medical attention. Seek Counseling and Support Services You may feel helpless, scared, confused, frustrated, angry, traumatized, or even unusually calm. Speaking to someone about your feelings may make you feel less alone. Help is Available Police Departments: Emergency: 911 Horry County: (843) 915-5350 Myrtle Beach: (843) 918-1382 North Myrtle Beach: (843) 280-5511 Conway: (843) 248-1790 Loris: (843) 456-4000 Atlantic Beach: (843) 663-2274 Surfside Beach: (843) 913-6368 Georgetown Sheriff: (843) 546-5101 Andrews: (843) 264-5223 HGTC Counseling Services: (843) 349-7587 (843) 349-5309 counseling@hgtc.edu Family Justice Center: 24-Hour Hotline: (843) 436-3733 info@fjcgeorgetown.org www.fjcgeorgetown.org 1530 Highmarket Street PO Box 366 Georgetown, SC 29442 Rape Crisis Center: 24-Hour Hotline: (843) 448-7273 Myrtle Beach: (843) 448-3180 Georgetown: (843) 545-5198 PO Box 613 Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 info@victimtosurvivor.org www.victimtosurvivor.org National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) ULifeline: Resource for Students www.ulifeline.org/hgtc/get_help_now THIS DOCUMENT WAS CREATED FOR STUDENTS BY STUDENTS. What is sexual assault? Defined as rape, or any actual or attempted nonconsensual or forcible sexual touching, including fondling, kissing, groping, attempted intercourse (whether oral, anal or vaginal), penetration or attempted penetration with a digit or any other object. Nonconsensual sexual assault includes those situations in which the victim is unable to consent. What is relationship violence? Defined as violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship; type of relationship; and frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Definition of Consent Defined as an affirmative agreement to engage in mutually acceptable sexual activity. It is given by clear words or actions and may not be inferred from silence, passivity, or lack of active resistance alone. It will be considered “without consent” if there is no clear consent, verbal or non-verbal. In some situations, an individual’s consent to sexual activity may be invalidated because of circumstances or the behavior of another. Did you know? Q &A Every 2 minutes a woman is sexually assaulted. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience violence from their partners in their lifetime. Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender, race, age, nationality, etc. Many times, the rapist knows the victim prior to the assault. Sexual assault can occur between intimate partners even if they previously have had consensual sex. Sexual assault is a violent crime based on power, not physical attraction. No one deserves to be raped. The victim is NEVER to blame. Q: If I go to the hospital do I have to report it to the police? Every person has the right to be safe, protected and respected - and not be hurt with words or violence. Every person has the responsibility to treat others with respect and dignity – without verbal, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse. A: No, you do not have to report it to the police. You can request an anonymous sexual assault kit to be performed. You will have one year to decide if you want to press charges until the evidence is destroyed. Q: If I want to report an incident or file a complaint, whom should I call? A: You have several reporting options. To file a criminal report, call the police (local numbers are listed in this brochure). If the person who committed the offense is a student, you may also report the incident under the Student Code of Conduct to the Office of Student Affairs at (843)349-7550. Horry Georgetown Technical College Student Affairs and Services Conway: (843)349-5249 Georgetown: (843)520-1403 Grand Strand: (843)477-2062 2050 Hwy 501 East Conway, SC 29528