If you have had an intimate relationship with someone who is abusive, you may obtain   information about getting a Protection From Abuse Order by contacting the Women’s Resource    Center at 234-5050.

Question : Is there anything I can do to get a classmate to stop calling me, following me and threatening to hurt me if I won’t go out with him/her?  Won’t this behavior get worse if I report it?  My friends tell me I should be flattered by this attention.

Answer: The behaviors you are describing may be considered harassment/stalking and terroristic threats.  By making a report to the police these incidents can be documented, and the offender contacted and warned to stop the unwanted behaviors or face possible criminal prosecution. Additionally, the Office of Judicial Affairs at 863-0342 could issue an administrative directive to the offender (if a student) to have no contact with you or face a possible separation from the University. Typically, doing nothing only allows the offender to escalate the annoying or threatening behaviors and gives the impression that the victim is too intimidated to seek help.  No one has the right to intimidate, harass, stalk or terrorize you. Unwanted attention is NOT flattery--It is against the law!

Question : I was sexually assaulted last night.  Where should I go for medical care?  I do not want my parents to know this happened to me.  Will they receive a bill if I go to the hospital?

Answer: It is very important to seek medical attention after a sexual assault.  You may receive medical care at either the Mount Nittany Medical Center Emergency Department (within 72 hours of the assault) or University Health Services (after 72 hours and for follow-up care).  All rape-related care and follow-up tests are paid for by the University.  Your parents’ insurance company will not be billed.

Question : If I press charges against someone who sexually assaulted me, will I have to pay for my own attorney?  Will the University notify my parents?  What if my name appears in the local newspapers?

Answer: In cases of sexual assault, the first step in the legal process is to report the incident to the appropriate police jurisdiction.  The University Police investigate crimes that occur on campus and the State College Police investigate crimes that occur off-campus within the State College area.  After taking a report and interviewing any witnesses, the police will consult with the district attorney, who will recommend whether to file charges or not.  Victims are not responsible for pressing charges.  The victim is considered to be a witness to an offense and is represented by the District Attorney’s office in all criminal matters.  In cases of sexual assault, victims may choose NOT to prosecute, but it is always important to report the incident.  Students’ parents are not notified of any legal proceedings and the local media has a policy of not releasing names of sexual assault victims.

Question : Why should I bother going to the police?  No one saw me being struck . It’s my word against his. Isn’t it?  Besides, I really don’t want him to go to jail because of this.  I just want him to stay away from me!

Answer: In many instances, there are no witnesses to a crime, but the police are able to bring charges based upon interviews with the victim alone.  If you have any injuries they may be photographed as evidence.  Reporting an incident does not necessarily mean that a prosecution will automatically result, but it ensures that the authorities have a record of the incident in case you need additional assistance in the future.  There are several outcomes of the criminal justice system that do not involve jail time, including Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (A.R.D.) and probation.