Report Sexual Assault

ETSU Police Department

Reporting a Sexual Assault

Go to a Safe Place Immediately & Call Someone Who Can Be With You

After experiencing a traumatizing event such as rape, it is important to find a place where you feel comfortable and safe from harm. This location could be a friend's room, the police station, or the local hospital.

If you do not want to call a friend or a family member, you can contact Branch House's   24/7 Hotline to speak with a Sexual Assault Advocate (423) 574-7233.

Call the Police as Soon as Possible

Contact the ETSU Police Department (423) 439-4480. If you are off campus and call 911, the local police will respond to your call. By calling the police, you are reporting the crime that was committed against you, as well as seeking the protection of the police.

Preserve All Physical Evidence

If possible, to preserve important physical evidence please:


  • DO NOT shower, bathe or douche
  • DO NOT wash hands, comb hair,  brush teeth
  • DO NOT eat, drink or urinate

  • DO NOT change or throw away clothing. If you must change clothes, please preserve the clothing in a paper bag. (Plastic bags may destroy evidence)
  • DO NOT smoke or take drugs or alcohol
  • DO NOT disturb the area of the occurrence

Seek Medical Attention

Options for medical treatment include:

Branch House   has specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) to conduct sexual assault forensic exam and provide medical care. All services are free and confidential.



The local emergency room can provide medical care and provide a Physical Evidence Recovery Kit in the event that you decide to pursue an investigation.

The Student Health Clinic can provide medical care during the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday

Seek Follow-Up Counseling

Whether or not you report the assault or prosecute, a trained counselor can help you deal with the emotional trauma of an assault. Branch House   offer counseling, services for legal advocacy, and more. All services are free and confidential.

File a Report with Title IX

You may file a separate sexual violence or harassment report with the Title IX team. 
Note: This report is separate from a police report and is handled by the Title IX team.

 

Dealing With the Aftermath: Survivor Assistance

University personnel will assist any student who is the victim of a sex offense in notifying law enforcement, in obtaining medical assistance, and in pursuing counseling. If a student requests a change in her/his academic or on-campus living situation, then the university will accommodate the student's request if those changes are reasonably available.