Options

If you believe that you have experienced Prohibited Conduct, you have options.

• In an emergency, call 911.  

• 24/7 crisis support is available at 1-800-203-3488 (ACCESS Hotline). 

• For your safety and well-being, immediate medical attention is encouraged. Medical professionals can treat any injuries, treat for sexually transmitted infections, obtain emergency contraception, and/or collect evidence using a sexual assault examination kit. A medical forensic exam is generally viable within 120 hours (5 days) after an incident but is most effective when performed as soon as possible after an incident. Individuals can contact medical professionals directly and/or the university’s Title IX Coordinator is available to assist in this process. 

• Confidential resources (both on- and off-campus) are available to discuss options, resources, and support services. See Resources tab to the right. 

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• Even after the immediate crisis has passed, consider seeking professional counseling and  the support of on- and/or off-campus support service such as a sexual assault recovery center or domestic violence safe house. This can help you recover from psychological effects and provide a safe environment for recovery. Contact information for ACCESS of Story County and ISU Counseling Services can be found on Resources and Help page.  

• The university encourages any individual who has experienced Prohibited Sexual Harassment to contact the ISU Police Department and/or local law enforcement. See Resources and Help page for law enforcement contact information.  

• Preserve any evidence you have in case you decide to report the incident at a later time.  

• Anyone with knowledge about an incident of Prohibited Conduct is encouraged to report it to ISU’s Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. See Resources and Help page for contact information. 

• Responsible Employees of the University are responsible for reporting incidents of Prohibited Title IX Sexual Harassment to the Title IX Coordinator.

 

Preserving Evidence:

ISU encourages individuals who have experienced Prohibited Conduct to preserve evidence. Suggestions for preserving evidence include:  

• Preserve electronic communications, such as text messages, pictures, and/or social networking pages, by saving them and/or taking screen shots.  

• If there is suspicion that a drink may have been drugged, inform a medical provider and/or police as soon as possible so they can collect evidence (e.g., from the drink, through urine or blood sample).  

• Because evidence that may be located on the body can dissipate quickly, consider going to a medical facility immediately to seek a medical exam. If possible, do not shower, brush teeth, use the bathroom, or eat before seeking medical attention.  

• It may be helpful to gather bedding, linens, or unlaundered clothing and any other pertinent articles that may be used for evidence. These articles may be secured in a  clean paper bag. 

• If you have physical injuries, have them photographed with a date stamp on the photo.

• If able, try to remember and write down important details.  

In Iowa, evidence collection is provided free of charge up to 120 hours after a reported sexual assault incident. For more information about this service, see: 

https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/media/cms/SAE_brochure_32015_BB113F9D4DE6E.pdf

 

ISU is available to assist you with:

• Connecting with on-campus and off-campus resources, including counseling, health, mental health, advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, LGBTQIA+ student services, and other applicable resources and services.  

• Filing a police report and/or a complaint with the university’s Office of Equal Opportunity.