Campus Life

Penn State shares resources, support services for victims of sexual misconduct

University encourages students and employees to report and seek support

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As part of Penn State’s efforts to create an environment focused on safety, reporting and accountability, the University offers a variety of resources and services for students and employees to learn about consent, seek care and assistance, and make a report of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, which also includes dating violence, stalking, sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual exploitation, and retaliation for reporting any of these behaviors.

Penn State encourages individuals who have been victims of sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct to make a report by contacting the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response or the University’s Title IX coordinator. The Gender Equity Center also is available to provide students with confidential support and advocacy about reporting options. 

“We are committed to providing the Penn State community a safe environment free from sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct,” said Amber Grove, Penn State’s Title IX coordinator. “For those times when an incident does occur, it is important to remember that sexual assault or harassment, no matter the circumstances, is never the fault of victims. There are many options on campus and in the community to support anyone who has experienced sexual assault or harassment. Please reach out to seek care, discuss your options, and make a report to the University or law enforcement.” 

Understanding the importance of consent and what constitutes sexual assault 

Whether an individual chooses to or not to have sex is a valid and personal decision. In every sexual encounter, consent must be informed, freely given and mutual. If a person does not give consent, such as in any of the below examples, and another party continues with a sexual encounter, the act could constitute sexual assault: 

  • Consent is affirmative and ongoing: If a person is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol or is unconscious, they cannot consent. 

  • Consent can be either verbal or nonverbal, but it must be clearly given: If you’re unsure if someone has given consent, then stop immediately. Make sure you clearly receive and confirm the other party’s consent before initiating or continuing. 

  • Not saying “no” doesn't mean “yes”: If a person simply doesn’t say “no,” this is not consent. If a person must be pressured or convinced into giving consent, it is not true consent.

  • Individuals can change their mind: If a person says “yes” but later changes their mind, they are no longer giving consent. You can consent initially and then decide to stop; everyone has the right to change their mind and withdraw consent. 

Options and steps to take following sexual assault 

The steps you take after a sexual assault are very personal and do not have to mirror those of others; support is available when you are ready. If at any time you don’t know where to turn for support, staff in the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response (for students) or the Affirmative Action Office (for employees) can assist you. 

If you have been sexually assaulted, consider the following: 

  • Know it was not your fault. No matter what you were doing, what you were wearing, or if you were drinking, a person is never at fault for being sexually assaulted. 
  • Go to a safe place as soon as you can; in an emergency, call 911. 
  • Try to preserve all physical evidence and save any text messages, emails or photos; do not bathe or use the bathroom. 
  • Contact a close friend to be with you until you feel safe again. 
  • Get medical attention as soon as possible; have a friend accompany you. 
  • Consider whether you would like to make a report to the University and/or the police. 
  • See a counselor or advocate to help you understand your feelings and access resources and support services. 

Penn State resources available to meet your needs include: 

  • Confidential survivor advocacy and support services. 
  • Free psychological counseling and psychological support. 
  • Free or low-cost health care options for students. 
  • Academic support. 
  • Housing and/or employment modifications. 
  • Referrals to local community agencies for additional services. 
  • See below under “Emotional support, advocacy and counseling resources,” “Safety and educational services,” and “Off-campus resources.” 
  • Assistance with requesting no contact directives or protection orders.

Resources at all Penn State campuses 

Each campus location has designated support resources, including individuals and offices that can connect students and employees with available medical assistance, emotional support and advocacy resources at your campus and/or community. 

Employees and resources that are designated as “confidential” do not disclose your information to the police or campus without permission except for some limited situations such as imminent threat of harm. 

Resources at University Park 

Medical services: 

It is important to seek immediate medical care after any physical or sexual assault to make sure you're physically OK and to collect and preserve evidence. Evidence can be preserved for the future, even if you are unsure at the time if you plan to pursue action. In the event of an emergency, seek immediate assistance by calling 911 or campus police at 814-863-1111. 

University Health Services can provide an initial nonevidence collection medical evaluation and one follow-up visit at no charge. At Mount Nittany Medical Center, individuals may choose to have either an evidence collection exam or a nonevidence collection exam. Staff are specifically trained and sensitive to your needs and concerns. 

Reporting resources: 

You have options if you choose to report an incident of sexual assault or misconduct. Reports can be made any time to the University and law enforcement; however, individuals are encouraged to make reports as soon as possible after an incident. 

Students and employees are encouraged to file a report online, in person in 120 Boucke Building, or via a virtual drop-in appointment. 

Emotional support, advocacy and counseling services: 

Safety and educational services: 

Off-campus resources 

Memorandum of understanding partnership with Centre Safe

In December 2022, Penn State entered into a memorandum of understanding partnership (MOU) with Centre Safe to not only comply with Act 55 of 2022, a Pennsylvania law, but also to ensure the broad provision of options for confidential services and support to the Penn State community. Centre Safe is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to the elimination of sexual violence, dating/domestic violence, and stalking in all forms and provides crisis response, emergency shelter, protection orders, and legal advocacy, among other services. As part of this MOU, not only will Centre Safe continue to provide the aforementioned services, but Penn State and Centre Safe will work together to improve the overall response to sexual misconduct at Penn State through response and education.

Dating and domestic violence concerns during and after COVID-19 

Movement restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic have increased domestic abuse worldwide. Penn State students who are concerned about their safety or the safety of someone else, no matter where they are, can visit Victim and Survivor Support and Advocacy online for more information on how to recognize abuse, find a safe space, and for resources related to victim and survivor protection and support. 

Last Updated August 17, 2023

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