If you are sexually assaulted, you should do the following:

Go to a safe place.

Do not shower or bathe.

Do not urinate, if possible.

Do not eat, drink, smoke or brush your teeth if oral contact took place.

Do not destroy or wash the clothes you were wearing. If you change, place your clothes in a paper bag.

Contact CVCC Campus Safety and Security, local law enforcement (Catawba County Sheriff's Department, Hickory Police Department, Newton Police Department, Alexander County Sheriff's Department, or Taylorsville Police Department) or the Executive Officer of Student Services.

Seek medical treatment immediately (preferably within 72 hours).

Following the above suggestions will ensure the preservation of evidence. Victims of a sexual offense/assault are encouraged to contact the Campus Safety and Security Office, local law enforcement or CVCC Student Services immediately following an incident. A report may be filed with the Campus Safety and Security Office and/or local law enforcement. The filing of a report does not obligate the victim to pursue charges, but does make filing of charges easier at a later date. Sexual offense/assault victims may seek action through the CVCC conduct and disciplinary policies and/or the judicial system (criminal and/or civil). CVCC will assist in pursuing option(s) elected by the victim. CVCC and the courts are independent systems; charges may be filed in either or both systems. If a sexual offense/assault victim does not wish to pursue action through CVCC or the judicial system, the victim may make an anonymous report. With the victim's permission, CVCC can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing the victim's identity. This type of anonymous report helps to ensure the future safety of the victim and others. With such information, CVCC can keep accurate records regarding the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of sexual offenses/assaults with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger.

Because of the traumatic nature of a sexual offense/assault, victims are encouraged to seek immediate counseling. The Rape Crisis Center provides counseling and group services free of charge.