Sexual Assault & Misconduct

If you are sexually assaulted while abroad it is important to remember it is NOT your fault. The following information and resources are available to help ensure your safety and decide on your next steps.

Assessing Safety

If you are sexually assaulted it is important to remember it is NOT your fault. It is also important to carefully consider your next steps to ensure your safety.

  1. Are you in a safe place? If not, call a trusted friend, classmate, or administrator to come get you or assist in getting you to safety.
  2. Do you need to seek medical attention? If so, make sure to do so immediately. international insurance can help you identify a medical care facility. Please visit our 24/7 Emergency Contact page for international insurance contact information.
  3. Do you want to report the sexual assault (either in the country you are in or to the university)?
    • Every country has different laws surrounding sexual assault and, as visitors to that country, you are expected to follow them. For assistance in determining if it is safe to report the sexual assault, you may contact International Safety and Security.
    • If you would like to report the sexual assault to the university, you can either speak with International Safety and Security who can assist in filling out the Title IX incident reporting form or you can fill out your own Title IX incident reporting form on the WeCare website.
    • If you determine that you would like to report the sexual assault and press charges, make sure to do a self-collection of evidence. Put all clothes, linens, and other evidence in a paper bag. Collect any bodily fluids to the best of your ability by putting them in a container and into a paper bag. If you have any injuries, take pictures immediately.

Medical Assistance

If you are physically injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not wish to report the sexual assault. If you feel comfortable, reach out to a trusted friend or classmate to accompany you. Having someone who can be your support system can be very comforting.

international insurance can assist with locating a medical facility and scheduling an appointment for you. You can also seek care at the medical facility of your choosing.

If you would like to talk with a mental health provider about the sexual assault, there are multiple ways you can be connected to one.

  • Utilize international insurance to help locate a mental health professional and schedule the appointment for you. Often, but not always, international insurance can help locate an English-speaking provider.
  • Inquire about mental health services that are provided to students by your host institution. Many of our partner institutions abroad have staff dedicated to providing students resources while abroad and may have specific mental health services available.

Review the University Policy on Sexual Misconduct.

Learn more about the University Title IX Coordinator on the WeCare website.

Learn more about the Rights and Options of Students Who Have Experienced Sexual Misconduct on the WeCare website.

Definitions: This is an important distinction to understand in cases where you do not wish you report a sexual assault. Please know there are still services available to you, and you should not hesitate to reach out to confidential resources.

  • Non-confidential resource. A person, or organization, that is required by law to report known instances of sexual misconduct to the Title IX office.
  • Confidential resource. A person, or organization, that is not required by law to report known instances of sexual misconduct. This could be a religious organization, a mental health professional, the university Women’s Resource Center, etc.

For guidance or resources for reporting sexual assault: