SMU Health & Safety Information - What to do if a sexual assault occurs

Getting help after a sexual assault

It is critical that anyone who has been sexually assaulted seek medical attention immediately. All students, faculty and staff also are urged to report campus sexual assaults to SMU Police as soon as it is safe to do so.

Download this poster.

To reach SMU Police:

Call 911 from a campus phone
Call 214-768-3333 from a cell phone (note: calling 911 from a cell phone on campus will connect you with surrounding police stations but not SMU Police)
Pick up a blue-light phone on campus

In the case of assaults off campus, call 911 to reach police in that jurisdiction or call 214-768-3333 to reach SMU Police, who can connect students with police in the appropriate jurisdiction.

Students are urged to obtain medical care, regardless of whether they decide to contact police. At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, a certified sexual assault nurse examiner will provide care and a sexual assault exam. SMU Police are available to transport and accompany students to the hospital. A representative of SMU Counseling and Psychiatric Services who specializes in sexual assault issues also can accompany students to the hospital; call 214-768-4795.

As part of the sexual assault exam, a sexual assault nurse examiner will gather forensic evidence that can aid in prosecution. Individuals who have been sexually assaulted are urged to preserve evidence before the exam. Do not bathe, shower, douche or use toothpaste or mouthwash; and do not wash clothing, bed sheets, pillows or other potential evidence.

For confidential counseling and assistance from counselors who specialize in sexual assault issues, call SMU's Coordinator of Psychological Services for Women and Gender Issues at 214-768-4795; an emergency contact number is provided at all hours.

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