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The Student who may be a Victim of Sexual Violence

Your responsibilities are not to diagnose or provide therapy; it is the development of a compassionate and forthright conversation that ultimately helps a student in trouble find understanding, support, and the proper therapeutic resources


Facts about sexual violence:

  • Sexual violence is any sexual contact that is committed by force, threats of force, coercion or when an individual is unable to give consent.
  • Consent must be informed, freely and actively given, and an understandable exchange of affirmative words or actions, which indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.
  • It is the responsibility of the initiator to obtain clear and affirmative responses at each stage of sexual involvement.
  • The lack of a negative response is not consent.
  • Consent may not be given by any individual who is intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs and/or alcohol both voluntarily or involuntarily consumed.
  • Past consent of sexual activities does not imply ongoing future consent.

Examples of sexual violence include:

  • Completed rape
  • Attempted rape
  • Unwelcomed sexual contact
  • Voyeuristic or exhibitionistic acts

Although most acts of sexual violence are committed by men against women, men can be assaulted by women, and same-sex assaults also occur.


What you can do:

  • Inform the student that confidential services are available at the Victim Advocacy Program at: (904) 620-1010.
  • Inform the student that they can receive a free forensic medical examination even if they decide not to report to law enforcement.  Contact the Women’s Center (904) 620-2528 to arrange for the exam up to five days after the assault.
  • The Women’s Center (904) 620-2528, Student Health Services (904) 620-2900, and the Counseling Center (904) 620-2602 can provide advocacy to assist the student with negotiating post-assault decisions and resources.
  • Inform the student that they may also file a report with the Title IX Administrator (904) 620-2513 to begin an investigatory process.
  • The LGBT Resource Center (904) 620-4720 can provide support for students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) or students who are struggling with sexuality or gender identity after an assault. 
  • If the student needs immediate medical attention, refer them to the Student Health Services or the closest emergency room. 
  • Refer the student to the Counseling Center (904) 620-2602 for counseling options.
  • Be aware of the campus Sexual Misconduct Regulation, including what your campus crime reporting responsibilities and duties may be, as an university employee
  • If the student wants to report the assault to police, assist them in contacting UNF Police Department at (904) 620-2800. If possible, they should not bathe, shower, brush their teeth, drink, or even use the restroom until they are seen by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). All these things destroy physical evidence that may be helpful in a criminal investigation.
  • Referral may be made to Department of Recreation & Wellness for Free Anonymous HIV Testing, at (904) 620-1570.
  • Inform the student that they are able to file an anonymous report with the UNF Police Department (904) 620-2800. They may also file a report with the Dean of Students (904) 620-1491.
  • If the student needs help dealing with academic issues as a result of the sexual assault, contact the Dean of Students (904) 620-1491.