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Sexual Assault Support

Sexual Assault

Other important steps

  • Get to a safe place
  • Seek a friend you can trust
  • Do not shower, change your clothes, use medications or urinate (if possible)
  • Get medical help (Student Health Services, 336.758.5218)
  • Seek counseling
  • Consider your legal options

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual misconduct, contact at 336.758.5285 to learn how we can help.

Sexual assault, including acquaintance rape, is an act of aggression and power. Acquaintance rape accounts for the majority of rapes committed and includes situations in which a victim is physically or mentally unable to consent. Sexual assault is specifically prohibited on campus and in the University community. Violators can be arrested, charged with a felony crime, and may face University discipline.

Sexual misconduct is defined as any act of a sexual nature perpetrated against an individual without effective consent or when an individual is unable to freely give consent. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to: intercourse, sexual touching, sexual exploitation (including recording, voyeurism and incapacitation). For a full definition:

» Read the University’s sexual misconduct policy [PDF]

» Read more about Wake Forest’s regulations and policies in the Student Handbook [PDF]. (see Sexual Misconduct, page 52)

Reporting Sexual Assault

Reporting an incident of sexual assault is a difficult yet important decision. Making a report may help with recovery, and pressing charges can prevent the offender from assaulting someone else.

It is important to contact the Wake Forest Police at 911 (on campus) or 336.758.5911 (off campus or cell phone) or program at 336.758.5285.

If the assault occurs off campus, call 911 for local police assistance. The University’s Police Department can coordinate with other law enforcement agencies when needed.

Silent Witness

  • The Wake Forest Police Department also provides a “Silent Witness” reporting form, which allows for anonymous submission of information about suspicious activity that has already occurred.

Reporting to the police is not the same as pressing charges against an offender. The Police, and the can provide students with sexual assault information and other community based resources along with information about victim’s rights and services, reporting options, and the prosecution process.

The Police Department and the Advocacy and Support Services both encourage third-party reporting. In third-party reporting, a friend of the victim can contact the Police Department, Advocacy and Support Services or the Title IX Coordinator to discuss reporting options.

Support Services

Advocacy and Support Services is staffed with a trained professional available 24 hours a day to discuss an incident of sexual assault in a private setting, to help a victim understand their reporting options, and to make referrals to the appropriate support services.

Assistance is also available in contacting appropriate offices regarding changes in academic and living situations, when appropriate. Faculty, staff, friends, and family are encouraged to contact Advocacy and Support Services to seek information and support or express concerns.

Medical help is important after a sexual assault. Treatment is available at Student Health Services (336.758.5218) in the lower level of Reynolds Gymnasium, Baptist (336.713.9000) or Forsyth (336.718.2001) hospitals.

Counseling is available by calling the University Counseling Center, located in Reynolda Hall, at 336.758.5273. After-hours and weekend emergency assistance from University Counseling Center staff during the fall and spring semesters is available by calling Student Health Service at 336.758.5218.

Also available is the Policy Group on Rape Education, Prevention and Response (PREPARE), which has 20 trained student advocates who respond to student victims of sexual assault. They are available 24 hours a day during the fall and spring semesters at 336.671.7075.

Judicial Review

Victims of sexual misconduct may also seek judicial recourse through the University’s Dean of Student Services Office.

For cases that need direct and immediate intervention by University personnel, a University hearing can be called. To fully understand the process — including how complaints are addressed, responses are handled, hearings are held, decisions are made and appeals are filed — see this webpage.

» Read more about Wake Forest’s Judicial System in the Student Handbook [PDF]. (see Judicial System, page 68)