Reporting the Sexual Assault

Another difficult decision survivors of sexual assault are faced with is whether to report the sexual assault and to whom. Several reporting options are available to survivors.

University Police - Foggy Bottom (202) 994-6111
University Police- Mount Vernon (202) 242-6111
DC Metropolitan Police Department- (202) 282-0070

Reporting a sexual assault to the police is encouraged regardless of the availability of evidence. The sooner the sexual assault is reported, the more evidence can be gathered. Even if the survivor has not yet decided to press charges, having the evidence available will make it easier to do so later. Evidence can be collected regardless of whether the survivor decides to press charges.

If a survivor contacts University Police, they will immediate notify a member of the Sexual Assault Crisis Consultation Team who can provide the survivor with information and resources.

Confidential Reporting

If you are assaulted and do not want to pursue action with the University system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, the Chief or a designee of UPD can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others.

University Disciplinary Procedures

If you have been sexually assaulted by another student or group of students and are considering University action, you are encouraged to discuss the matter with a SACC Team member at 994-SACC (7222) or with a representative from Student Judicial Services (994-6757). This will allow you a chance to review the procedures should you decide to file a formal complaint through the University's disciplinary/judicial system. This discussion does not obligate you to pursue official action.

If you decide to take part in the University adjudication process, you should contact Student Judicial Services.
Charges may either be filed directly by you or by the University on the basis of your written statement. Such a charge would be handled in accordance with the procedures relating to violations of the University's Code of Student Conduct regulations.
Assailants could be subject to disciplinary action pending review by the University judicial system. Those students found responsible for violating the Code in this way could be suspended or expelled.
Under the University's disciplinary procedures both the accuser and the accused are entitled to have an advisor or support person present during the hearing.
Students who allege sexual assault by another student may request a change in their academic and living situations on campus after the alleged incident takes place if such changes are reasonably available.
Finally, in accordance with federal regulations, both the accuser and the accused will be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding alleging sexual assault. For more details on these proceedings, consult the Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities.

If you have been sexually assaulted or harassed by a non-student GW employee, this is a violation of the law and University policy. Students should contact a SACC Team member at 202-994-SACC (7222) to discuss complaints.

Criminal Investigation and Charges

If you want to press criminal charges, call the Metropolitan Police Department (or the Loudoun County Sherriff's Department for people at the Virginia Campus). We recommend that you contact a SACC Team member or the University Police Department before you notify the local police, so they can assist you with the legal processes.

The GW UPD can notify the appropriate authorities or the complainant may contact them directly. Depending on the timing of your report and preference, it may be possible for you to make a statement in the presence of a UPD officer and the local police at the same time. Be advised that questioning can be difficult. Remember, you may request that a support person be with you during police interviews (the SACC Team members are available upon request).

If it is possible for the assailant to be apprehended, the suspect will be taken by police before the local Superior Court judge and charged with the appropriate offense(s) at a preliminary arraignment. You do not need to be present for this proceeding. The assailant may be jailed or released on bail depending on the circumstances of the crime. One of the conditions of bail is usually that the suspect not try to contact you. If you are contacted by the suspect or feel threatened in any way, you should immediately call UPD and the local police. Bail can be revoked and additional charges can be filed if necessary.

The prosecutor or deputy prosecutor will represent you without cost throughout the criminal proceedings. You may also speak with an attorney of your choice.

Victim Assistance Services