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SEXUAL ASSAULT

For emergencies, always call 911

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, we encourage you to report it to law enforcement. The University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) has a Special Victims Unit (SVU) that strives to provide a safe, caring environment where victims are empowered to take action.

Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. Our SVU officers start by believing. They have expertise in the trauma-informed approach and are committed to treating survivors with compassion and respect while navigating the criminal justice system. Officers will connect survivors with a variety of community resources, including medical assistance and accommodations for housing, academics, transportation and work, as well as assisting survivors in creating personal safety plans.

Did You Know? Many rapists attack more than once—one unreported assault may allow one or more additional rapes to occur (Lisak et al., 2002). Read the full report in Violence and Victims.

What to do if you are sexually assaulted

  • Go to a safe place ASAP and call 911 or UMPD at (734) 763-1131. You also may contact the U-M’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) (24-hour crisis line (734) 936-3333), which will offer immediate confidential support and discuss medical and reporting options with you.
  • Get in touch with a trusted friend, parent or relative who can offer support.
  • If possible, do not bathe, shower, douche, brush your teeth or comb your hair.
  • Do not change or wash clothing and bedding that was in use at the time of the assault.
  • If you suspect you may have been drugged before the assault, save your first urine in a clean container and take it with you to the hospital for drug testing or ask to be tested there.
  • Go as soon as possible to the Emergency Room at University Hospital or St Joseph Mercy Hospital (both 24-hours), or University Health Service (during designated hours), and request medical treatment and an evidence kit. A trained nurse is always on duty for this purpose. You may have suffered internal injuries, contracted a sexually transmitted disease or become pregnant. Additionally, there may be important DNA evidence on your body or clothing that could help identify the perpetrator. You do not have to file a police report to get the exam and it will be provided to you at no cost.
  • Try to take a moment to record everything that you can remember. This may help you through your recovery or with any legal action you may decide to take.

Resource Guide

A special guide, Our Community Matters, has been developed by the university to help you make decisions about what to do when a sexual assault occurs. We strongly encourage you to report any assault to the police, the university or both. The resources and supportive measures described in this resource guide are available to you even if you decide not to report.

Other Confidential Resources

For sexual assault awareness information, go to our Sexual Assault Awareness page.

Find out more about U-M’s student sexual misconduct policies and procedures as well as employee policies on violence and sexual harassment.