Caring for Victims of Sexual Assault
Important Legislation
You may have seen the recent report of new PA legislation, HB 1615, which will require universities and colleges to maintain an online anonymous reporting system. The University of Pittsburgh applauds this legislation, and would like to take it as an opportunity to remind the community of its online reporting system which has been in operation since 2016. We encourage all members of our community to report incidents of sexual harassment or misconduct. You can contact the Title IX office directly, or may report using the form https://www.titleix.pitt.edu/report which allows for anonymous reports.
This new legislation also requires colleges and universities to provide that someone making a good faith report will not be sanctioned for personal use of drugs or alcohol. Like the anonymous reporting system, the University of Pittsburgh is already engaging in this best practice, and the Student Code of Conduct includes a provision.
All questions are encouraged regarding these practices or any resources. Please feel free to contact the Title IX Office at any time:
412-648-7860
Policy
Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that often leaves those involved with profound long-term psychological effects, aside from obvious physical traumas that may have occurred. Early treatment, however, can mediate these long-term effects.
The Student Health Services recognizes the impact sexual assault has on individual students and the campus environment. We work to prevent and respond to incidences of sexual assault by collaborating with campus partners such as the University of Pittsburgh Police, Title IX officer, Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, and Residential Life and other campus groups as well as other community support services.
The Student Health Services objective is to manage both male, female and LGBTQ victims of sexual assault in a consistent, compassionate, and confidential manner that ensures patients receive appropriate medical and emotional care and support.
Services
The Student Health Services provides compassionate medical care and referral for counseling for students who have been sexually assaulted. This includes but is not limited testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as well as appropriate treatment. Follow-up care is also provided and encouraged.
The Student Health Services provides ongoing confidential medical treatment for any physical problems related to an assault. Student Health Services can assess for:
- pregnancy risk,
- test and treat for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and,
- assess, treat, and/or offer/give referrals for physical injuries.
Medical doctors at Student Health Services routinely assess for signs of Interpersonal Dating Violence and can provide medical support and referrals for emotional support as well.
Students are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center and or other community resources, including Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) for additional support.
The Student Health Services cannot perform a forensic medical exam (rape examination) for collection of evidence and thus refers all such patients to Emergency Department of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC (Room, 300 Halket Street, 412-641-4933). Magee is staffed with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic care of patients who has experienced sexual assault or abuse.
Confidentiality
The clinical staff of the Student Health Services are trained to provide privileged and confidential care and communications with all our patients. All discussions, treatment and care for the victim is done in confidence. Staff are only to report to the University that an incident occurred without revealing any personally identifying information. This is done via the Clery Report.
Campus Resources
| University Counseling Center: | 412-648-7930 |
| Title IX Coordinator: | 412-648-7860 |
| University Police: | 412-624-2121 |
| Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR): | 1-866-363-7273 |