UW Police

Victim Advocacy

If you need immediate or after-hours support, contact a 24-hour hotline such as RAINN and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. In emergency situations dial 911.

If you have concerns that your internet usage may be monitored, remember to clear your browser history and find other internet safety tips at: https://www.domesticshelters.org/safe-surfing

Being a victim of crime can feel overwhelming or isolating.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

It’s not your fault…

Sexual assault and sexual harassment is a serious concern on college campuses. Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the United States have been raped at some time in their lives. (CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2010)

Although unwanted sexual contact is against the law, most rapes are not reported to law enforcement. Holding sex offenders accountable for their criminal acts can give victims a sense of justice and helps protect the community by lowering the chances of sex offenders re-offending.

If you are a student, UW Sexual Assault Resources are available online at www.uw.edu/sexualassault, and you can also contact the Health & Wellness Student Advocate (formerly known as SARIS) at hwadvoc@uw.edu.

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UWPD SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE COMMITMENT

Everyone has the right to control their own sexuality. Sexual assault, including date/acquaintance rape, is a very serious concern of this police department. The University of Washington Police Department has adopted the following commitment when responding to sexual assault. If you feel you are a victim of a sexual assault on campus, the police department will guarantee the following:

UWPD Commitment

  1. We will meet with you privately, at a time and local place of your choice, to take your report.
  2. We cannot and will not notify your parents without your consent.
  3. We will treat you and your particular case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding and professionalism.
  4. Our officers will not prejudge you, and you will not be blamed for what occurred.
  5. We will assist you in arranging for any necessary hospital treatment or other medical needs. We will also assist in emergency housing if needed.
  6. If you would feel more comfortable talking with a friend or advocate of your choice present, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
  7. We will fully investigate your case and will help you to achieve the best outcome. This may involve the arrest and prosecution of the suspect responsible. You will be kept up-to-date on the progress of the investigation and/or prosecution.
  8. We will assist you in privately contacting counseling and other available resources.
  9. We will continue to be available to answer your questions, to explain the system and process involved (prosecutor, courts, etc.) and to be a listening ear if you wish.
  1. We will consider your case seriously regardless of your gender or the gender or status of the suspect.

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