SEX OFFENSE PROCEDURES, INCLUDING PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE AND TO WHOM TO REPORT

Victims of sexual assault are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the police. To preserve physical evidence that may be needed for investigation and prosecution, the victim should not change clothes or otherwise cleanse her/himself before going to a hospital. If the victim is reluctant to contact the police initially, she/he should still seek treatment at a hospital to preserve evidence and address any health concerns.

NOTIFICATION OF THE POLICE AND UNIVERSITY'S ASSISTANCE

Ball State University will provide whatever assistance the victim needs in notifying the police. On-campus assaults should be reported to University Police at (765) 285-1111. Off-campus incidents should be reported to either University Police or the Muncie Police Department at (765) 747-4838. In all cases, emergency assistance can be reached by calling 911.

If the victim does not wish to prosecute the offender or even report the offense to the police, she/he can still file a report with the Office of Student Rights and Community Standards, provided the offender is a student, and the university's disciplinary process may be initiated.

Ball State University makes a number of promises to victims of sexual assault and supports the CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM'S BILL OF RIGHTS, which can be found at www.bsu.edu/sa/srcs/sexassault.  Included in the Victim's Bill of Rights are such principles as:

• Every effort will be made to accommodate a victim's preference as to the gender of the reporting officer.
• Every victim will be treated with respect and sensitivity.
• Every case will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated regardless of the victim's gender or the gender of the assailant.
• The police will assist the victim in obtaining necessary medical attention and counseling, and will continue to assist victims as they proceed through the legal system.