What should I do right away if I’ve been sexually assaulted?
Students
If you believe you have experienced sexual violence in any form, you have options available to you, including seeking medical attention, receiving confidential support, and reporting the incident. Any or all of these options can be pursued based on what you feel is right for you. They are not mutually exclusive.
Physical evidence of a criminal sexual assault needs to be collected within 120 hours and a collection of this evidence can be done at the Hospital while seeking medical attention. However, even if that window has passed, you are still encouraged to get medical attention if you feel you need it.
Seeking Medical Attention
- You may first go to the College’s Student Health Services; the staff there can provide support and arrange for transportation and an escort to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital (L&M) emergency room (365 Montauk Ave., New London).
- If possible, do not wash yourself or your clothing before an examination.
- If possible, bring the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault.
- The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (a specially trained nurse) at L&M is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- You can also call the emergency room at 860-442-0711 if you want to speak to the nurse; ER will refer you.
- A Rape Crisis Counselor from the Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut will also meet you at the hospital and be available to you if you choose
Receiving Confidential Support
As one of your initial steps, you are also strongly encouraged to contact Nicole Powell, the Director of Sexual Violence Prevention and Advocacy at 860-439-2235, or spowell2@conncoll.edu.
Nicole is joined by two additional confidential advocates:
- Justin Mendillo, Director of Gender and Sexuality Programs
- Rev. Stephanie Haskins, Director of Religious and Spiritual Programs
- Chris Campbell, Director of Race and Ethnicity Programs
If you have had an unwanted sexual experience and need assistance after business hours, you can contact Campus Safety directly at x2222, or your Housefellow or Floor Governors can assist you.
Off-campus options for nights and weekends are also available, including:
- The Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern CT: 860-456-2789
- Safe Futures (New London): (860) 701-6000
- National Sexual Assault Online Hotline: https://hotline.rainn.org
All of the above resources are confidential.
Report the Incident
On the other hand, if you would like to report the incident so that it can be investigated and adjudicated, you may fill out the online Incident Reporting Form and/or notify Megan Monahan, Title IX Coordinator, titleix@conncoll.edu, 860-439-2035 or one of the Deputy Title IX Coordinators:
- Jenny Henneberry Malcomson, Title IX Case Manager and DEI Operations Coordinator, jhenneber@conncoll.edu, 860-439-2761