Sexual Misconduct Incident Response “Checklist”

Immediate Emotional Support

If you experience sexual misconduct, often the most important action to take is to find someone who can provide you with emotional support. When you feel listened to and supported it is easier to make other important decisions. In selecting a support person, you may wish to confide in someone who is:

An active listener
Easy to confide in
Non-judgmental
Respectful of your decisions
Dependable and available

Advocacy Support

You are also encouraged to speak directly with the Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate (SAVA) at 509.526.3032. All discussions with the Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate are voluntary and confidential. The SAVA is available to assist you in accessing all campus and community resources and, at your request, will also accompany you to all of these locations.

Medical Attention

Many types of sexual misconduct require seeking medical attention. The Health Center services are voluntary and confidential. The Health Center provides:

Care for medical and/or psychological injuries
Referrals for advocacy and support services
Pregnancy testing, emergency contraception (Plan B)
Testing for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and treatment if indicated.

In cases of sexual assault where there is a desire to collect physical evidence, time is of the essence. If the incident occurred within the last 72 hours and you desire evidence collection, do not inadvertently destroy evidence by showering or changing clothes. The Health Center will provide transportation to the local emergency room if you request physical evidence collection

Safe Housing

You need to consider if you have a safe place to stay. If not, the Health Center is an immediate, short-term option. The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Coordinator and/or the Dean of Students Office can assist you with locating permanent alternative campus housing.

Counseling Services

You may also want to consider taking advantage of counseling services provided by the College. All counseling contacts are voluntary and confidential. Many students who experience sexual misconduct find it extremely helpful to have a safe, empathetic professional to assist them as they work through their feelings and issues regarding the incident.

Reporting the Incident

Finally, you will need to decide if you wish to report the incident to the College and/or the Walla Walla Police Department. The College has a disciplinary hearing process for adjudication of incidents of sexual misconduct. Details of this process can be discussed confidentially with the Sexual Assaut Victim's Advocate without filing charges. If you decide to report an incident to the Walla Walla Police Department, the Sexual Assault Victim's Advocate can accompany you to make your statement or make arrangements for an officer to come to campus to take your statement, if you wish.