Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sexual Violence

What can I do if . . .

I think that I was assaulted, but I don’t know if it is really rape or I don’t remember:
If you think that you may have been raped, listen to your gut.  Talk to someone you trust.  You can always talk to an advocate at the Women’s Resource Center (ipv@pdx.edu or 503-725-5605), call PWCL 24-hour crisis line (503-235-5333), or talk to a counselor at Student Health and Counseling (drop in or call 503-725-2800).  Your concerns can be kept confidential/ anonymous.

My friend was sexually assaulted:
LISTEN to your friend.  Don’t be judgmental.  Be patient and remember that it will take you friend time to deal with the crime.  Let your friend know that they can speak to an advocate at the Women’s Resource Center (ipv@pdx.edu or 503-725-5605) if they would like to understand their options for health, counseling, reporting, and support on campus.  They can also call the PWCL 24-hour crisis line (503-235-5333) for more information on community resources and 24-hour support.

I want to make a police report about a sexual assault:
If the crime just occurred or you need immediate medical or police assistance, call 911.  If not, call the police department in the area that the crime happened in.  If it happened in Portland you can call Portland Police (503-823-3333) or Campus Public Safety (503-725-4407) to make a police report.

Please also note that if the crime happened within 84 hours you may go to the hospital and get an exam and have evidence collected.  You can choose whether or not you would like to make a police report at that time.  If the crime occurred in Portland, you need to go to OHSU emergency room to get a forensic exam.

I would like to get medical care due to a sexual assault:
If it is within 84 hours of the assault and you would like to have forensic evidence collected (also known as a SAFE kit), you need to go to the hospital authorized in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.  In Portland, you would go to the OHSU emergency room. If you decide to get a forensic exam immediately after an assault, try not to use the restroom, shower, or brush your teeth.  If you need to change your clothes, put them in a paper bag and bring them with you to the hospital.

If it is after 84 hours or you do not want to collect evidence, it is important that you still get medical attention for possible sexually transmitted infections, potential pregnancy, or injuries.  If you are a student taking a minimum of 8 credits, you can go to the Center for Student Health and Counseling (1880 SW 6th Ave) for free.  Nurses there are specially trained to help you.  You can also go to any Planned Parenthood or the Outside In clinic.

I need the morning after pill (Plan B):
If you are taking a minimum of 8 credits, the Center for Student Health and Counseling (1880 SW 6th Ave) can give you Plan B.  If you are taking less than 8 credits, you can go to your local pharmacy. 

I was sexually assaulted by a PSU student.  How can I report the assault to the University?
Portland State has a student code of conduct that takes sexual assault and harassment very seriously. (www.pdx.edu/dos/conduct/) If you were assaulted by a student on campus or you were assaulted off campus and therefore feel threatened on campus, you may file a complaint with the Assistant Dean of Students (503-725-4422, Smith 433).  The Women’s Resource Center advocate (ipv@pdx.edu or 503-725-5605) is available to explain the process, help you fill out the form and to navigate the process.

I was sexually assaulted by a PSU staff or faculty member.  I want to report the assault to the University.
You can report sexual assault or sexual harassment to the Affirmative Action Office (503-725-4417, 122 Cramer).

I was sexually assaulted by a PSU student or staff member.  I want to make an anonymous report:

I know someone who was raped by a PSU student.  They don’t want to report, but I feel that the University should know:
You can fill out an anonymous report form at www.wrc.pdx.edu/anon_report.php.  Please note that if you give us the survivor’s name, the University may choose to call him/her.  If no identifying information is given, the University will not be able to investigate but will use the information for crime statistics on campus.

I would like to get counseling:
You can contact the Women’s Resource Center advocate (ipv@pdx.edu or 503-725-5605)   for referrals on and off campus for counselors who have specific training and understanding of sexual assault.  You can call also call the PWCL crisis line for counselors and support groups in the community (503-235-5333).

I need to move housing to get away from the perpetrator:
If you currently live in PSU Housing, they will move you immediately to a new room or apartment.  If none is available immediately, the University will arrange short-term emergency housing.  You can speak to a Residence Life staff person or call the Women’s Resource Center advocate (ipv@pdx.edu or 503-725-5605) for help with this process.