Sexual Assault

Sexual assault refers to any unwanted sexual act occurring against or without a person’s UNCOERCED consent—any sexual, physical, verbal, or visual act that forces a person against their will to have unwanted sexual contact or attention.

Yes! Sexual assault can and does occur to men as well as to women. We encourage all victims of sexual assault, regardless of gender to seek assistance and/or support.

The Joyful Heart Foundation states, "There are many short- and long-term effects of sexual assault and rape that affect the mind, body and spirit". Their website, linked below, provides information on the physical, mental, and emotional effects of sexual assault and rape.  

Effects of Sexual Assault and Rape

If you have been sexually assaulted, we encourage you to consider your safety first. Once you are safe, then move on to other areas of concern. Try not to worry about your physical appearance. You will not be judged by those seeking to assist you. If you can wait, please do not shower. Many important pieces of information (DNA, etc) may be on your person. It is understandable that you may be experiencing feelings of trauma. An advocate from the campus Victim Advocate program or Lifeline's Rape Crisis Center can assist you in developing a plan of action and in accessing available resources.

In terms of forensics, there may be a small window of time in which DNA and other medical evidence can be collected. However if you have been sexually assaulted, regardless of when the assault occurred, it is not too late to seek help. Medical assistance, legal assistance, and (in particular) emotional support can be beneficial to you well after an assault occurs. Again remember, even days or week after an assault, your safety is still very important; there are campus resources are available to assist in this regard.

As per the USA Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy, the "University of South Alabama is committed to an environment in which students, faculty, staff and guests are free from sexual harassment, including sexual violence/sexual assault." 

The University is dedicated to helping all victims of sexual assault in the most supportive and appropriate manner possible.  The following link provides further information regarding the University's policies in reference to sexual assault and compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  

Title IX

The following list provides contact information for campus and community resources available to any University student who has experienced a sexual assault. The assault does not have to occur on campus to seek assistance from these services.  Additionally, you may seek assistance from one or more of these services; you do not have to seek assistance in any particular order. 

 Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy

• • (251) 460-7151 or (251) 460-6312 
  • Trained advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emotional support, information, and referrals on services available following a sexual assault (medical, legal, housing, academic, etc) 

USA Children's & Women's Hospital Emergency Room

• • (251) 415-1620
  • Children's and Women's Hospital is able to collect evidence, even if the survivor is not sure about pressing charges.  Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE nurses) are available 24 hours a day.

Student Health Center

• • (251) 460-7151
  • Provides follow-up care for sexual assault victims and confidential testing for STDs.

USA Police Department (Campus Police)

• • Call (251) 460-6312 to file a report with the USA Police; to file a disciplinary case through the University, call the Dean of Students at 460-6172

University Counseling and Wellness Center

• • (251) 460-7051, 300 Student Center Circle
  • Confidential, no-cost counseling by professionals who are trained to assist students with issues including sexual assault

Lifelines Counseling Services: Rape Crisis

• • (251) 473-7273 or 1-800-718-7273
  • Services are available 24 hours a day

Housing and Residence Life

• • (251) 341-4663
  • If the student is a resident, the student’s RA or CD can assist in making sure the student has a safe place to go, assist with housing related needs, and help with referrals to other services

Dean of Students

• • (251) 460-6172

Campus Ministers c/o Dean of Student Services office 

• • (251) 460-6172

Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission

• • (800) 541-9388

Sexual Assault Recovery Group

• • (251) 473-7273