Ans1: The victim will not “get in trouble” for drinking because, even though they were committing a possible violation of law, the incident the victim has just undergone (alleged sexual assault) outweighs the “drinking” incident. The victim should understand they are a victim even though they were drinking. Being intoxicated does not mean it was their fault the incident happened.
Ans2: The Commonwealth of Virginia (Supreme Court of Virginia) ONLY pays for any hospital examination and any other medical expenses that go along with someone who has been the victim of sexual assault if the victim presses charges. A CNU student will not pay for any counseling they would receive from the Office of Career and Counseling at Christopher Newport University.
Ans3: Victims have the option of keeping their report of sexual assault in complete confidence; protecting their right to anonymity, when make a report through the Office of Career and Counseling Services. Anonymous reports to OCCS that are not investigated by the University or local officials are not included in the annual crime statistics. Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to file a police report with the University Police Department or the Newport News Police Department. The victim may, with or without the assistance of the University, notify law enforcement. This action does not obligate prosecution, but it does make legal action possible if the decision to prosecute is made at a later date. The earlier an incident is reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence.
Ans4: There are many ways to anonymously report the incident. The victim can notify the Office of Career and Counseling, speak to the Resident Assistant or the Hall Director, or speak to a friend. They should be sure to tell the person they do not want the information to be told.
Ans5: Every sexual assault victim will react differently to his/her situation. A victim should want to seek medical attention as soon as possible, depending on the severity of the assault. Assault victims are cautioned to not take a shower or change clothes before going to the hospital or to the University Police. This may contaminate any possible evidence that could be used in the prosecution of the case, should it be prosecuted. The victim can then decide whether they want to talk about the incident and with whom they want to talk to (i.e. police, counselor etc.)
Ans6: A friend of a sexual assault victim should offer the OCCS as a resource. It is important to talk about what took place. The counselors at the OCCS are trained to help victims talk about sexual assault. A friend may ask if the victim would like to report the incident to the Police. If the victim does not want to go to the Center or the Police, be a good friend and listen to what they have the say. As a friend, you should not pressure the victim into coming forward if they do not want to.
Ans7: Seek the Counseling Center or the University Police. A victim will not be laughed at or treated improperly at either of these locations if they do not know whether they have been assaulted or not. It is better to know and receive information on what you can do than to do nothing at all.
Ans8: You will never be forced to press charges if you report the incident to the University Police. It is the victims right to decide whether he/she wants to pursue criminal prosecution. A CNU student who is a victim of sexual assault will have several options explained to them. A CNU student who has been a victim can pursue criminal prosecution and/or both the administrative processes through the University's Judicial Affairs process.
