Your safety is the #1 priority. If you're in an unsafe situation, get to safety immediately. If you continue to need emergency assistance or would like to report a crime, dial 911 or reach out to the Department of Safety and Security at 603-646-4000.

Even if you're unsure about reporting sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or another incident, we recommend preserving evidence and documenting information as soon as possible. If you choose to report the incident at a later date, having forensic or digital evidence can help facilitate reporting and investigation processes. 

Forensic Evidence

Forensic evidence includes clothing, blood and urine samples, and other physical evidence. Under New Hampshire law, individuals can pursue evidence collection processes free of charge. Here are some tips for preserving and collecting physical evidence:

• Avoid drinking, bathing, showering, brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or combing your hair following the incident.
• Avoid changing your clothes. If you've already changed, place clothing, blankets, sheets, and other items related to the incident in a brown paper bag. Please note that plastic bags may destroy evidence.
• Photograph bruises, scratches, and other physical injuries. Law enforcement may also take and document photos of injuries if you choose to report the incident.
• Obtain a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) and other medical care at a hospital emergency department. A trained healthcare provider can help you collect and preserve forensic evidence. If you suspect that you are the victim of a drug-facilitated sexual assault, ask the healthcare provider to take a urine sample. Rohypnol , GHB, and other drugs are more likely to be detected in urine than in blood. Rohypnol can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours and GHB leaves the body in 12 hours. The sooner you're able to have samples collected, the better.
• Please note that sexual assault evidence collection can only be completed within five days of a sexual assault. You have the right to refuse the entire exam or any part of the exam at any time. You also have the option to complete an evidence collection exam anonymously.
• You do not need to seek medical care alone. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center reaches out to a WISE advocate, a confidential support resource, each time a patient comes in for a SAFE exam. The WISE advocate can provide you with information about your options and which steps to take next. It is your decision whether or not to speak with the WISE advocate and they are not permitted to share your information without your expressed consent.
• If you need a ride to or from the hospital, the Dartmouth Department of Safety and Security can provide you with transportation 24/7. You do not need to provide information on your reason for going to the hospital. You can reach the Department of Safety and Security at 603-646-4000.

Electronic Evidence

Electronic evidence, such as texts, emails, social media posts, photos, and videos, can be an important piece of internal or criminal investigations. Electronic evidence is often easier to collect than forensic evidence, but taking steps to ensure proper preservation is important. Here are some tips for collecting and documenting electronic evidence:

• Download or take screenshots of electronic evidence, especially electronic evidence that can be deleted by another party. For example, social media posts can be deleted and chat messages can sometimes be unsent, so it's best to preserve these as soon as possible.
• Save information in a secure location. Keeping evidence organized can make it easy to find if you choose to report the incident in the future.

We encourage you to seek medical care following a physical or sexual assault; you may not know whether or not you have sustained injuries. A healthcare provider can offer comprehensive care, including:

• Treating any injuries that may have occurred;
• Providing emergency contraception;
• Providing preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
• Performing a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) to collect forensic evidence following a sexual assault; and
• Taking a urine sample to detect Rohypnol or GHB if you suspect you were a victim of a drug-facilitated sexual assault. 

Medical care is available at both Dartmouth College Health Service (Dick's House) and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC). The Department of Safety and Security can provide you with transportation 24/7. You do not need to provide information on your reason for going to the hospital.

The EOATIX office is here to provide support and assistance. We can answer questions, provide information, and connect you with on-campus and off-campus resources, such as medical and mental health resources. If you choose, we can also guide you in filing a formal complaint and pursuing further action.

Other helpful resources include:

• WISE of the Upper Valley: Reach out to them 24/7 at 866-348-9473. WISE is a confidential resource and cannot share your information without your expressed consent, except in cases of imminent danger to yourself or others or as required by law.
• The Dartmouth Counseling Center: The Dartmouth Counseling Center is available 24/7 at 603-646-9442 and is a confidential resource.
• Friends and family: Surrounding yourself with people you trust and love can help you deal with the challenges of your experience and ensure you have a strong support system around you.
• Visit our Resources page for more confidential and non-confidential reporting and support options.

Sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and other traumatic incidents impact each person differently. You might be exactly sure of what you need or have no idea. There is no normal way to feel after an incident and the resources you need might differ from the resources another person needs. There are various on-campus, off-campus, confidential, and non-confidential resources available to you. For more information, please visit our Resources page.

Healing takes time and looks different for everyone. It's important to give yourself as much time as you need. Ways to support your healing process after sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and other traumatic incidents include:

• Surrounding yourself with a solid support system. This can include family, friends, or confidential resources, such as counseling services. Having people that you trust to talk through your feelings with can help you feel less alone and regain a sense of control and confidence.
• Making time for self-care. Getting enough sleep, taking time to rest, eating well, journaling, meditating, spending time with friends, and other forms of self-care can make an overwhelming situation feel more manageable and help you regain a sense of control.
• Building your toolbox. Healing is cyclical, not linear, and setbacks or flashbacks are a common part of the process. By creating strategies and tools for yourself to deal with these moments, you can practice greater self-compassion and know how to handle challenging situations when they arise. Toolbox items can include reaching out to a designated friend, going for a walk, practicing yoga, or taking time to breathe in moments when you feel overwhelmed. Your toolbox is personal to you, so add any strategies or habits that make you feel comfortable and safe.
• Seeking out therapy. A trained professional can help you better understand what happened to you and help you move forward. Both on-campus and off-campus resources are available.

For more detailed information about healing after a traumatic incident, please visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) resource on recovering from sexual violence.