Information for Survivors
Take Care of Yourself
- Get to safety.
- Go to a safe place.
- Call 911 if you feel unsafe.
- Call someone you trust, such as a friend, counselor or RA who can provide support to you and help you sort out the next steps.
- Get medical treatment, if necessary.
- You can get emergency medical help at Altru Health System or non-emergency care at UND Student Health Services. Both can help you get medication for STIs or discuss other care options.
- A specially trained nurse at Altru can perform an examination to gather evidence up to 96 hours after the assault. This examination is free of charge and won't be billed to your health insurance or your parent's health insurance.
- Even if you don't want to make a criminal report, any evidence collected can be stored until a later date.
- Preserve evidence.
- Avoid the destruction of evidence. Do not bathe, douche, change clothes or clean up in any way. If oral contact occurred, do not eat or brush your teeth. If you have already changed clothes, put the clothes in a paper bag to preserve evidence.
You Have Options
- You can contact a confidential resource for support services.
- Reporting to a confidential resource will not result in a report to the Title IX Coordinator or any investigative or disciplinary action.
- Even if you chose to only report to a confidential resource now, you can make a report to the Title IX Coordinator later.
- Consider reporting to the University.
- UND's Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators are trained to work with individuals who report sexual misconduct. They can tell you about on- and off-campus resources, services, and options so that you can decide how you would like to proceed.
- The Title IX team can tell you about supportive measures whether or not you decide to file a complaint.
- You can report directly to a Title IX team member or make an on-line report.
- Consider reporting to University Police
- UND encourages individuals to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the police. You may file a police report with or without initiating a criminal investigation. You may also choose not to file a police report or do it at a later time.
- Make an anonymous crime report to police.
Unhealthy Relationships and Relationship Violence
Abuse is about power and control. It isn't restricteed by age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. Abusive relationships also aren’t always spousal or intimate partner relationships. Violent or abusive homes can be created by parents, siblings, roommates, or others.
- Domestic violence survivors may be cut off from family, friends, and formal avenues of support.
- Survivors may find it difficult to reach out for help when needed because their abuser may monitor their contacts and communication more closely.
- Abusive partners may withhold necessary items.
- Abusive partners may share misinformation to control or frighten survivors.
If you are a victim of abuse, remember it is not your fault and you should not feel ashamed or embarassed to seek help.
Managing Stress and Practicing Self-Care
If you've survived sexual violence, it is not uncommon to experience stress or trauma even after the event. Understand that it’s okay to walk away from any situation or conversation that feels triggering. We encourage you to be mindful of your health and others and to embrace healthy habits. Remember that your well-being comes first. If you need help, please reach out.
Reporting and Resolution Process
We know the reporting process can be confusing or even scary. You may have lots of questions about what happens next. We want you to be informed about your options so you can make choices about what is best for you. The flowchart below will guide you through our reporting and resolution processes.