Unwanted Sexual Experience

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Professionals trained in crisis intervention are available free to UB students, and can help guide you through what services are available, so you can choose what happens next.

What to Do Steps Download

Remember

• It is not your fault

• Every rape or sexual assault is different

• It doesn’t matter what you did or did not do during the assault

• It is never too late to get help, even if the assault happened years ago

• Getting help does not mean you have to press charges against the person who assaulted you

Supporting a Survivor

If someone you know has been sexually assaulted, they may experience a wide range of emotions including shock, disbelief, anger, helplessness and depression. Here are a few ways that you can help:

  • Believe them
  • Listen to them
  • Be there to offer support
  • Don’t be judgmental
  • Let them know the options they have, but remember that it’s their decision
  • Be patient — it takes time to process and time to heal
  • Let them know that professional help is available
  • Encourage them to contact Counseling Services, University Police, Crisis Services, the On-Campus Advocate or others who can help

Need Help?

Additional Resources

Sexual Assault

Relationship Abuse and Domestic Violence Support

Video on orders of protection by the UB Family Violence & Women's Rights Clinic and the University at Buffalo Police

Hotlines

  • NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence 24-hour Hotline  1-800-492-6906
  • Domestic Violence Shelter 24-hour Hotline (716) 884-6000
Need to talk?

Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support via text message. We're here for everything: anxiety, depression, suicide, and more. Text: Got5U to 741741