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Sexual Assault Resources

Campus Support

The needs of someone who has been sexually assaulted vary from person to person and may vary over time. The University offers services and external resources, some of which may be accessed 24 hours a day, so that a student may choose what she or he would find most helpful and healing. A trained professional staff member serves as a Victim Advocate and provides confidential 24-hour response to students who have experienced forced or unwanted sexual contact or interpersonal violence.

The University urges anyone who has been sexually assaulted to seek confidential support from a Victim Advocate by calling (317) 910-5572 as soon as possible to minimize and treat physical harm, assist with processing the unique and complex emotional aftermath, and help preserve and understand options for reporting. If immediate police intervention is desired, contact the Butler University Police Department. Students have the option to report the event to the police and/or to the University.  Even for someone who does not wish to report the event to the police or to the University, seeking confidential support and medical attention as soon as possible can be helpful. At any point that a student is ready to seek help, a Victim Advocate will be ready to assist her or him.

If you suspect or know a friend has experienced sexual assault, do not be afraid to seek outside help.

Recommended Steps to Take After Forced or Unwanted Sexual Contact

1. Go to a safe place as soon as possible.
2. Avoid the following activities in an effort to preserve physical evidence: showering, brushing teeth, eating or changing clothing. If clothing is changed, put all clothing worn at the time of the incident into a paper bag.
3. Contact a Victim Advocate* (317-910-5572) or the Butler University Police (317-940-9396). Both are available 24 hours a day. A Victim Advocate is trained to assist survivors in getting physical and emotional care and to explain options and reporting processes.
4. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess for injury and treat for exposure to infections. Immediate and confidential medical attention for survivors of sexual assault is available at no cost at area hospitals within their Centers of Hope. The hospitals closest to Butler with a 24-hour Center of Hope are Methodist and St. Vincent. With a survivor's consent, a specially trained nurse will conduct an exam to collect evidence.
5. Seek counseling when the time is right. Butler's Counseling & Consultation Services* offer free & confidential services. Referrals to other local agencies such as Legacy House, Prevail, and the Julian Center are available as well.
6. Access routine STI testing for potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Consult with a Victim Advocate about free testing on campus or in the local community.

*Denotes a confidential campus resource.

Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Initiatives

• Campus wide campaigns to raise awareness around sexual violence, relationship or dating violence and other correlated issues including date rape drugs, alcohol, and myths and misconceptions.
• Programs and workshops regarding issues such as sexual violence prevention and response, dating violence prevention/response and healthy sexual choices are available through the Office of Health Education and Outreach Programs.
• Butler requires all incoming first-year students to complete the MyStudentBody online educational seminar which includes modules on sexual assault prevention, alcohol responsibility, and substance abuse. 
• The Butler University Police Department offers self-defense training.
• Coordination of the Butler University Victim Advocate Program
• Planning of Sexual Assault Awareness Week Activities
• The University's Title IX Coordinator who ensures the University's compliance with federal law is Elaine Johnson, Human Resources.

For additional information, please contact:
Sarah Barnes Diaz
sbarnes@butler.edu

Victim Advocate

Sarah Barnes Diaz Health and Recreation Complex For 24/7 Victim Advocate assistance call (317) 910-5572