Sexual Assault Resources

If you are assaulted

1. Get to a safe place as soon as possible.
2. Contact the police: call 911
3. Try to preserve all physical evidence including bed sheets, towels, and the clothing you were wearing. Do not bathe, douche, or use the toilet.
4. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
5. Contact a close friend who can be with you during this time. Your friend can accompany you to the medical exam and/or police department.

Emotional Support Services

On Campus

Counseling Services is available to provide emotional and logistical support for crisis situations such as sexual assault. 717-948-6025.

Off Campus

The Rape Crisis Center is a community service with a 24-hour hotline. 

717-238-7273 or 1-800-654-1211

Trained individuals are available to help you deal with the emotional, legal and medical issues of sexual assaults. A representative can accompany you to the hospital and court proceedings. 

The University also maintains a toll-free phone number and website with sexual assault resources. 
1-800-560-1637

Medical Treatment

In order to determine the presence of physical injury, sexually transmissible infections, or pregnancy, and to obtain evidence to assist in criminal prosecution, it is important to seek medical attention. Ideally, physical evidence should be collected immediately. It can be collected up to 72 hours following a rape/assault.

What to do when a sexual assault victim contacts you

1. Remain calm.
2. Arrange a private place for the individual to talk. Listen compassionately. Comfort the victim.
3. If a sexual assault has been reported to you, gently encourage the victim to allow you to contact one of the Victim/Witness Advocates (see below) who will give you further instructions, and/or University Police.
4. If a Victim/Witness Advocate is not available, contact the 24-hour Rape Crisis Center Hotline (717-238-7273 or 1-800-654-1211) and follow their instructions.

Victim/Witness Advocates

• Lily Duarte, YWCA Advocate at Penn State Harrisburg
  1-800-654-1211
  SEC 212R
  ADVOCATE@YWCAHBG.org
• Steve Backels, Ph.D., Counseling Services
  Office: 717-948-6025
• Andrea Mull, MEd, BSN, RN, Student Health Services
  Office: 717-948-6015