The reporting process begins with a call to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at 719-333-7272. The SARC will explain restricted and unrestricted reporting options and will assign a victim advocate.
Both the SARC and victim advocates are trained first responders who will link victims with other helping agencies to facilitate recovery and assist victims through the medical, investigative and legal processes.
REPORTING GUIDELINES
-- Determine immediate needs (medical, safety, emotional).
-- Encourage the victim to call the SARC immediately at 719-333-7272.
-- Be calm -- not angry, judgmental or threatening -- and listen.
-- Be aware of the victim's response: common reactions include freezing, fighting and fleeing.
-- Do not leave the victim alone. Tell others to go for help.
-- Do not pressure the victim for details or information; allow proper authorities to ask for this information.
-- Do not disturb any possible evidence; if in doubt, don't touch anything.
-- Do not anticipate the victim's response -- everyone reacts differently to trauma.
-- Take any comments about hurting or killing oneself seriously. Do not leave the person alone; have someone else call 911 if necessary. Ask the victim, "Are you thinking about harming yourself?" Persuade the victim to seek help and make an immediate referral.
-- Help maintain the victim's options.
FACTS ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT
-- The majority of sexual assaults are never reported.
-- Women are more likely than men to report that a sexual assault has occurred.
-- Both men and women are likely to report a sexual assault if there's physical evidence to corroborate the crime.
-- False reporting for sexual assault is the same as for other crimes: 2 to 4 percent.
-- As a co-worker or friend, your role is to support -- not to determine whether a sexual assault occurred.
