Sexual Assault: Victim Resources

Medical services are provided by either a doctor or a nurse practitioner who is certified as a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner). SANEs are doctors or nurses who have completed extensive training in sexual assault treatment and evidence collection. UWG Health Services has four SANES on staff.

Free medical services from our SANEs can include:

• Forensic exam to collect evidence
• Colposcopy
• Medical exam
• Preventive antibiotics
• Testing for sexually transmitted diseases
• The morning-after pill
• Follow-up care
• Patient Advocacy
• Screening for date-rape drugs

While competent care can be obtained at a hospital emergency room, the services are NOT free of charge.

Patient/Victim Advocates Phone:  (678) 839-0641 

The advocate is available to guide victims of sexual assault through the medical process and if the patient chooses to press charges, the advocate can assist with that as well. The advocate is trained in rape crisis and chairs the UWG Sexual Assault Response Team. The Patient Advocate can make referrals to campus and community resources as needed.

The following is a list of some of the ways the advocate provides assistance - always and only with the permission/agreement of the victim:

• Explains all available medical services and options for prosecution;
• Remain with the patient during the exam explaining the evidence collection process and provide emotional support;
• Help the victim decide whether he/she wants to file formal reports with law enforcement and/or judicial services;
• Advocate for the victim with faculty, other offices, and services as needed
• Address victims’ concerns of safety with university police and others;
• Assist the victim in telling family and friends (only with permission);
• Remains as a support to the victim as he/she undertakes the journey from victim to survivor;
• Provide contact information for the Carroll Rape Crisis Center at 770-834-7273 and the Victim Advocate of the District Attorney’s Office at 770-830-2171 and will assist in making any needed appointments.

UPD Phone:  (678) 839-6000

• State Certified Police Department
• Available 24/7/365
• Dedicated to the protection of the University and its students
• 21 trained police officers
• An Investigative staff assigned to follow up on all criminal incidents, including sexual assaults, which occur on campus. The investigators have all completed extensive training in the investigation of sexual assaults and assisting victims through the trial process.
• Will hold rape evidence kits in their property room until a victim decides whether to press charges

Call UWG Police if you:

• Are a victim of a sexual assault on campus or, if the assault occurred off campus and you need assistance in contacting the proper police agency.
• Are threatened, harassed or stalked
• Need medical assistance
• Are depressed and need to contact a counselor
• Need to develop a safety plan if you have been assaulted or threatened
• Need an escort after hours
• Want to explore whether to press charges
• Know someone in need of help but don’t know where to turn
• Would like to register for their self defense course

Counseling Center Phone:  (678) 839-6428 

The university’s counseling center provides confidential, individual counseling and can help a victim move through the journey of healing. Licensed professional counselors can assist victims with the potential after-effects of depression, anxiety, stress, anger, sleep disorders, trauma, rape trauma syndrome (RTS), and post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

Counselors are experienced in working with victims of sexual assault at all stages of recovery, from an acute trauma, handling immediate after effects, to helping survivors years after an incident. Counselors also work with partners of victims to help them understand what's happening with their partner and what they might expect in the relationship. They provide couples counseling if both parties are students.

They are available on call and will also travel to Health Services or the hospital upon request.

HRL Phone:  (678) 839-6426 

This office works with victims in many ways, including room or residence hall changes if needed and as space permits. Staff can also assist in making needed referrals, including counseling and medical services.

Student Conduct Phone:  (678) 839-4733 

Victims of sexual assault have a number of options available to them for recourse against their attacker. Criminal charges are always an option and are pursued through UWG Police or the police department where the crime occurred. If the attacker is a student, the victim may ask for disciplinary charges to be brought instead of, or in addition to, criminal charges.

The Office of Student Judicial Affairs works closely with the Victim and the Patient Advocate from Health Services to guide decisions about student judicial charges.

24-Hour Crisis Line: (770) 834-7273 

They, too, will provide 24 hour hospital accompaniment, crisis intervention and support, assistance with the criminal justice system, and community referrals, including professional counseling resources.

Be sensitive to ways in which your life might get out of balance, which can include sleep disruption, nightmares, eating disorders, difficulties with relationships and academics, sadness, and depression.

• Talk to someone – don’t isolate yourself.
• Know there is a difference between the support of friends and professional. counseling. Both can be very helpful.
• Seek medical attention if needed.
• Take time out for yourself. Playing, creativity, and relaxation are important in stress reduction and in healing. Take up a new hobby.
• Consider keeping a journal to express your thoughts and feelings.
• Maintain a balanced diet and sleep cycle as much as possible.
• Remember - you can heal and we are always here to help you along the way as you take that journey from victim to survivor!