For Survivors

When it feels safe, consider reaching out to someone you trust. This could be a friend, mentor, advocate, therapist, or loved one. They can sit with you, help you plan next steps, or offer comfort. If speaking is difficult, you can write, text, or use an AAC tool to express what you’re going through.Whether you experienced sexual assault or harassment, what happened matters. You do not need to describe it perfectly or label it in order for it to count. Even if your feelings are unclear or your memories are incomplete, your experience deserves care.(Note: If your experience also included other forms of gender-based violence, you are welcome to refer to our Guide for Survivors of Stalking and our Guide for Domestic Violence Survivors)✨ Understanding Confidentiality and Mandatory ReportingWhether you are a middle or high school student, a college student, or a working adult, finding a safe person to talk to depends heavily on who you turn to. Confidentiality is not the same everywhere:For K-12 Students: Teachers, school nurses, guidance counselors, and staff are usually mandatory reporters. If you disclose sexual assault or harassment, they may be required by law to involve child protective services, parents, or authorities. The National Child Abuse Hotline and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline can help you talk through your options confidentially before disclosing to a mandatory reporter.For College Students & Adults: Some support services—such as licensed mental health professionals or on-campus advocates—are confidential. Others, such as Title IX coordinators, HR staff, or supervisors, may be required to report what you share. However, many are only required to share non-identifying information, and some reports are used only to track patterns or assess risk.In some states, though, professionals such as therapists, healthcare workers, or social service staff may be required to report sexual abuse involving “vulnerable adults”—including some disabled or elderly individuals—regardless of age. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, you can ask about confidentiality before sharing details.If you’re unsure what someone is required to report, ask them before disclosing details. You can also check your student handbook, employee manual, or organization's website to learn more about confidentiality policies and support options.✨ Whether or Not You Report is Your DecisionYou might feel torn, frozen, or unsure of what to do. That’s okay. You don’t have to decide everything right now.If you think you might want to report later, it may help to document what happened in a way that works for you. You can:Write or type a noteRecord a voice memoUse a communication board or AAC appInclude whatever feels important—sensory details, emotional reactions, quotes, or anything that stands out. Store it somewhere safe and add to it when you’re ready.✨ If You’re Considering Preserving EvidenceIf physical contact occurred and you’re thinking about a forensic exam or reporting later, try not to:Bathe or showerBrush your teethChange clothesClean the space where the harm occurredOnly follow these steps if they feel manageable. For many survivors—especially those with sensory sensitivities or medical trauma—these steps may feel distressing or physically uncomfortable. That is okay.If you do need to move or change:Place clothing or items in a paper bag (not plastic) to help preserve evidenceStore them somewhere safe until you decide your next stepsIf none of this was possible, it is still okay. You can seek medical care, emotional support, or accommodations at any time. Evidence is not the only path to being believed or getting help.

Medical care after a sexual assault can help protect your health and give you options—whether or not you report what happened. You may not feel injured right away, but a healthcare provider can examine you for internal or delayed injuries, offer treatment, and explain the support available to you.If you experienced sexual harassment without physical contact, you may still want medical care for stress-related symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal pain, or panic attacks. Some survivors find it helpful to speak with a trauma-informed provider about what they are experiencing—even if no physical evidence is present.Many services for survivors are free or low-cost. If you are concerned about the price of healthcare, you may qualify for reimbursement through a state victim’s compensation program. For more information, visit the Office for Victims of Crime’s website.(Note: If your experience included other forms of gender-based violence, you are welcome to refer to our Guide for Survivors of Stalking and our Guide for Domestic Violence Survivors.)✨ Available Medical ServicesThe medical care you may need includes:Treatment for injuries, including ones you may not be able to seeTesting for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)Emergency contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancyA sexual assault forensic exam (also known as a rape kit)These services are optional. You are allowed to accept some, decline others, or take time to decide what feels right. If spoken communication is difficult, you can write, type, or use an AAC tool to communicate your choices in a way that works for you.✨ Sexual Assault Forensic ExamA sexual assault forensic exam is a medical procedure used to collect evidence after an assault. It is usually most effective when completed within 72 hours, but some locations allow survivors to receive the exam up to 120 hours (5 days) afterward. Even if this time has passed, you can still receive medical care whenever you are ready.During the exam, a healthcare professional will gently examine your body and collect any evidence they can. This may involve swabs, photographs of injuries, and samples of hair or fluids. If you stored your clothing or other items in a paper bag, bring them with you to the exam, along with a change of clothes to wear afterward. The examiner may need to collect your original clothing as evidence.You can ask for accommodations at any time. You can request that procedures be explained step-by-step, or ask the examiner to move slowly or stop if needed. If you experience sensory sensitivities or medical trauma, you are encouraged to share that ahead of time, if possible. You have the right to feel safe and respected throughout the process.✨ Accessing Services at School or WorkIf you are a student or an employed adult, your options for accessing care depend on your setting. Always remember to check confidentiality policies as discussed in Step 1:For K-12 Students: School nurses, doctors, and medical personnel are mandated reporters. If you seek medical treatment or disclose a sexual assault to a healthcare provider as a minor, they are legally obligated to report it to child protective services or authorities. If you want to talk through what a medical disclosure or forensic exam will mean before you go, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline can help you understand your options confidentially.For College Students: Campus health centers may offer basic care, but check whether student health staff are confidential resources or required to report.For Working Adults: Your workplace may offer access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or be able to refer you to trauma-informed providers. You are not required to disclose why you are seeking medical attention unless you want to.If you prefer to go off-campus or outside of work-based resources, you can visit a hospital or healthcare provider instead. To find one near you, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline. They can connect you with a local community resource that supports survivors. That resource may be able to send a trained advocate to accompany you to the medical facility, explain what will happen, and offer emotional support.✨ If You Choose Not to Have the ExamIf you decide not to have a forensic exam—or if no evidence is found—you can still report the crime to law enforcement. A rape kit is not required for you to be believed. You do not have to prove what happened to deserve care or support. There is no right or wrong choice—only what feels right for you.To learn more about the sexual assault forensic exam, visit the National Sexual Assault Hotline’s website.

If you were sexually assaulted or harassed by someone at your school or job, you may have the option to report what happened through your school’s Title IX office or your employer’s Human Resources (HR) department. These options are separate from reporting to law enforcement. You are not required to report to any institution. You can report to your school, your job, both, or neither—whatever feels safest and most supportive for you.Some survivors feel more in control after reporting. Others prefer not to report or need more time to decide. Your reasons are valid, and you deserve support either way.✨ If You Are in SchoolTitle IX is a federal law that requires schools receiving federal funding to respond to sex-based discrimination—including sexual assault and sexual harassment. Under the current Title IX regulations, your school must take steps to ensure a safe and equitable learning environment if you experience this kind of harm in connection with a school program or activity.(Note for K-12 Students: While Title IX grants specific rights, remember from Step 1 that K-12 school staff, teachers, and many campus employees are also mandatory reporters. If you disclose harm to a K-12 school employee or Title IX coordinator, they will likely be required to involve child protective services or authorities, unlike adult college students who often have more autonomy over whether an investigation is launched)You do not need to report what happened to access support. If you tell your school’s Title IX office, they are required to offer supportive measures—even if you choose not to pursue an investigation. These may include:Academic accommodations (schedule changes, deadline extensions)Housing or transportation adjustmentsCounseling referrals or mental health supportNo-contact orders or safety planning assistanceIf you choose to file a formal complaint, your school must begin a grievance process. This process must be fair, prompt, and free from retaliation. Depending on your state, school type, and applicable regulations, investigation procedures may vary—some institutions utilize flexible single-investigator models, while others are still required to conduct live hearings. Your Title IX coordinator or a campus survivor advocate can explain the exact grievance model your school uses.Some schools also offer informal resolution options, which let you seek support or address the harm without launching a full investigation. These may include facilitated conversations, safety plans, or restorative responses. Not all schools offer this pathway, so check your school’s website or speak with a campus advocate. Be mindful of confidentiality limits, as explained in Step 1.You also have the right to:Request confidentiality (though this may limit your school’s response)Ask that an investigation not occur (which schools may honor in many cases)Be protected from retaliation for reporting or participating in the processIf you are neurodivergent or disabled, you can request accommodations during the Title IX process. These may include:Participating remotely or asynchronouslyCommunicating in writing instead of speakingAdjusting the hearing or meeting environment to reduce sensory overloadBringing a support person or communication aideTaking extra time to review documents or respond to questionsFor more about your rights:National Women’s Law CenterEqual Rights AdvocatesU.S. Department of Education – Title IX Summary✨ If You Are in the WorkplaceIf the harm occurred in a work setting—whether by a coworker, supervisor, client, or customer—you may have the right to report it through Human Resources. Workplace sexual harassment and assault fall under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, not Title IX. These protections apply to most private and public employers in the U.S.If you report, your employer is legally required to:Take your complaint seriouslyInvestigate the situationImplement appropriate actions to address the harmIf your employer ignores your complaint or retaliates against you, you may have the right to file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or your state’s civil rights agency.You have the right to:Report sexual harassment or assault to HR or a supervisorAsk for job-related accommodations (schedule, location, assignments)Request that your identity remain private if possibleBe protected from retaliation (firing, demotion, harassment)File a complaint with the EEOC if your employer fails to actYou can also request accommodations if you are neurodivergent, disabled, or dealing with trauma, such as:Attending meetings virtually or through written communicationRequesting a quieter or more accessible meeting spaceBringing a support person with you to discussionsFor help writing a complaint or understanding your rights:EEOC – Sexual HarassmentEqual Rights AdvocatesNational Women’s Law Center

If you are thinking about reporting what happened to the police—whether it was sexual assault, sexual harassment with physical contact, or another form of sexual harm—you are not alone. Some survivors find that reporting helps them feel safer, believed, or more in control. Others decide not to report—or are unsure what they want to do. All of these feelings are valid.✨ Statute of LimitationsYou do not have to decide right away. You can take time to figure out what feels best for you. Just know that every state has a time limit, called a statute of limitations, for filing a criminal report. These deadlines vary depending on where you live, how the law defines sexual assault, and whether or not you had a forensic exam.To find out how your state defines sexual assault and what the statute of limitations is, visit the National Sexual Assault Hotline’s website. If your state’s definition does not cover what happened to you, please know that the law is not the only measure of harm. What happened to you still matters—even if the legal system does not name it the way you do.(Note: For information about other statutes of limitations, please refer to "Step 4" in our Guide for Survivors of Stalking and our Guide for Domestic Violence Survivors)✨ Legal Definitions of Sexual HarmWhen evaluating your options, keep in mind that some forms of sexual abuse are not clearly defined in each state’s criminal code, including:Unwanted touching of any intimate body part, including the breasts, buttocks, and inner thighsVerbal or emotional coercion, which involves psychological pressure or manipulation to force complianceSexual threats or intimidation, which use fear to compel participation or silenceReproductive coercion, such as birth control sabotage or pregnancy pressure used to control reproductive choicesNon-consensual sexual communication, such as being pressured to send explicit photos or engage in unwanted sexual conversationsIf what happened to you is not legally defined as sexual abuse in your state, that does not mean that you are not a sexual assault or harassment survivor. If you feel violated, there is a reason.For a more in-depth analysis of what sexual abuse is, read the "Sexual Abuse" section on our Resources page. ✨ Navigating Timelines, Evidence, and Minors' RightsIf you have evidence that was not collected in a rape kit, police generally need to gather it within 72 hours of the assault. If you completed a rape kit, it is best to report the assault before that evidence is discarded. You can ask how long your state stores rape kits without a police report. Under federal law, you have the right to receive a forensic medical exam (rape kit) without committing to filing a police report, and some states allow survivors to remain anonymous for a period of time.Your age and life stage also shape how a report is handled, meaning you should consider specific factors depending on your circumstances:Minors and K-12 Students: Law enforcement and child protective services will typically be involved if you are considering filing a police report, as investigators are legally required to involve parents, guardians, or child welfare agencies depending on your age and state laws. If you want to talk through what a police report means for your family or safety before you speak to law enforcement, the National Child Abuse Hotline and National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline can help you talk through your options confidentially.Adults and College Students: You retain full autonomy over whether to initiate contact with law enforcement, though campus police and local police coordinate differently depending on where the incident occurred.✨ Initiating the ReportDepending on your situation, there are several distinct pathways you can use to start a report:If you reported your assault to your school, you can request that a campus police officer or student safety staff member assist you with the transition to local law enforcement.You can call or visit your local police department directly to speak with an officer on duty.You can ask a healthcare provider, trauma-informed advocate, or trusted support person to accompany you and help initiate a report.If you already reported the assault at your workplace—such as through Human Resources or a supervisor—you can bring a copy of your complaint, safety plan, or workplace record of the incident to help establish a timeline, noting that employers cannot contact law enforcement on your behalf unless you explicitly ask them to do so.✨ Accommodations and Communication SupportIf verbal communication is difficult or overwhelming, you do not have to force yourself to speak standard chronological paragraphs. To protect your nervous system, you can utilize the following communication methods:Writing your report ahead of time so you do not have to rely entirely on verbal recall under stressUsing notes, outlines, or diagrams to explain what happened step by stepBringing a trusted support person or advocate to speak on your behalf or sit with you through the processUsing an AAC device, text-based option, or communication board if speech is inaccessibleAsking for a quiet room, dimmed lights, or other sensory accommodations to reduce environmental overloadSome survivors freeze, forget details, or struggle to describe what happened. This is a common trauma response—not a sign that your story is not real. Many officers are trained to understand how trauma affects memory, speech, and consistency, though experiences vary. You are allowed to pause, take breaks, or say “I’m not sure.” If something returns to you later, you can share it in a follow-up interview.✨ What to Expect During the ProcessThe reporting process may take several hours. During this time, you may be asked to navigate specific procedural steps:Describing what happened in your own words while investigators take notes or record the statementAnswering detailed, sometimes repetitive questions to establish a complete timelineReturning later for follow-up interviews if additional information is neededYou can ask to bring a friend, advocate, therapist, or family member to stay with you the entire time. If any part of the process feels overwhelming, you have the right to request adjustments such as:A break to rest, eat, stim, or ground yourself before continuingPostponing the conversation to continue another day if exhaustion sets inA private space away from heavy foot traffic or chaotic waiting areasA different officer, if you do not feel safe or comfortable with the one initially assignedIf you are mistreated by law enforcement—for example, if someone is disrespectful, dismissive, or pressures you in a way that feels unsafe—you can ask to speak to their supervisor or another officer. You can also file a complaint later. What happened to you is still real, even if someone else responds poorly.If you want to learn the anatomical terms that officers or medical staff might use, resources like Planned Parenthood include visual diagrams and definitions. Knowing this vocabulary may help you describe what happened more clearly or choose words that feel more comfortable for you.To learn more about how reporting works in your area, visit the National Sexual Assault Hotline's website or contact a local advocacy center. Many programs can explain your rights, connect you with legal support, or walk you through the process step by step.If you decide not to report, that is okay too. Your experience is still valid. You are still a survivor. And you still deserve every form of care, support, and healing available to you.

Whether or not there was physical violence, you are allowed to take steps to feel safer—in your body, your environment, and your relationships. Sexual harm often involves fear, violation, or ongoing discomfort. If something makes you feel unsafe, you are not overreacting. You are allowed to protect yourself.A safety plan is not about fixing the past. It is about preparing for what might come next. That could mean:Running into the person who harmed youGetting unwanted messages, contact, or retaliationNavigating shared environments like work, school, or social spacesCoping with emotional overwhelm, flashbacks, or triggersYou can make your plan in any format that works for you. Some survivors write it out in a notebook. Others use visuals, audio notes, or reminders on their phone. You do not have to share it with anyone unless you want to.✨ Situational Safety for Minors and AdultsThink through any spaces or routines that might feel unsafe. This could include school buildings, work settings, events, or transit routes. Your age and setting will shape how you approach situational safety:For K-12 Students and Minors: If you are navigating an unsafe environment at school or with someone you see daily, situational planning includes identifying trusted adults on campus (like a counselor or teacher, keeping mandatory reporting in mind), knowing safe indoor routes, and understanding how to safely involve a parent, guardian, or advocate if you need schedule changes.For Adults and College Students: You can map out campus routes, identify building exits, and coordinate directly with campus security or Title IX staff to adjust class or housing locations.Across all settings, you can protect your physical well-being by:Identifying physical exits, quiet recovery areas, or nearby support staff you trustCreating a concrete plan for what to do if you unexpectedly see the person who harmed youConsidering bringing a trusted friend or support person with you to high-stress environments, when possibleSaving emergency contacts in your phone or keeping them written down securely in your bagPacking a bag of grounding or sensory tools that help during distress—such as noise-reducing headphones, textured objects, or fidgets✨ Digital SafetySome perpetrators use digital platforms to harass, shame, or pressure survivors. You deserve boundaries that feel safe and manageable. To secure your online life, you can:Adjust your privacy settings on social media to restrict who can view or message youDisable location-sharing features across all apps and devices where possibleBlock, mute, or filter unwanted contacts across your communication channelsSave harmful messages, emails, or screenshots in a secure, password-protected folder if you feel safe doing soAsk a trusted friend, supportive adult, or tech-savvy supporter to help if digital settings feel overwhelmingFor more help securing your devices and online footprint, visit the Technology Safety Center.(Note: If your experience involves persistent digital tracking, monitoring, or online harassment, please refer to our Guide for Survivors of Stalking with specialized digital safety measures)✨ Emotional SafetyEven when you’re physically safe, it’s common to feel emotionally raw, jumpy, or numb. Some survivors feel fine and then get overwhelmed without warning. Others feel confused about how to cope. That is valid. Your nervous system is doing its best to protect you.When emotional distress arises, you might want to try the following coping strategies:Writing or recording personal affirmations that ground you in your truthCreating a comfort plan for moments of distress (such as 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, deep pressure, or calming music)Identifying your emotional triggers and noting practical ways to self-regulate when they appearKeeping a soothing object, comfort item, or specialized playlist nearbyMaking a short list of people you can text, message, or sit silently with when you feel alone✨ Building a Support SystemYou should not have to handle this by yourself. Even sharing your safety plan with one trusted person can make a difference. When assembling your support network, consider these steps:Choose someone who can support you emotionally, physically, or logistically without judgment (such as a trusted friend, family member, counselor, or advocate)Let them know how you prefer to communicate (such as texting, email, or low-pressure check-ins)Set up code words, safe phrases, or specific emojis if you want a discreet way to ask for helpMake sure at least one person understands your unique communication preferences—especially if you use an AAC device, type to speak, or need extra time to respondFor guidance on building safe relationships and boundaries, visit the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline's website.✨ Documentation and Protective OptionsIf you are being stalked, harassed, or threatened, documenting what happens can support your safety and peace of mind. (Note: If you are experiencing patterns of control within a domestic or dating relationship, refer to our Guide for Domestic Violence Survivors that has tailored legal and safety strategies). When recording incidents, you can:Record the date, time, and specific location of each occurrenceDescribe what occurred objectively and note how it affected youInclude screenshots, photos, or witness names if availableKeep the record in a private digital folder, secure notebook, or locked appWhen it comes to legal protective orders, options differ by age:For Minors: Survivors under 18 often require a parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem to file for a civil protective order or restraining order on their behalf, though local youth advocacy groups or legal aid can help explain how minors can seek protection through juvenile or family courts.For Adults: You can petition for a restraining order or civil protective order independently—even if the harm was non-physical or harassment-based. Visit WomensLaw.org to learn what protective legal options are available in your state.You do not have to do everything at once. Take small steps. Revisit the plan when you’re ready. You deserve to feel safe—not just from physical harm, but from intimidation, coercion, and emotional distress.Whatever choices you make, you are not alone—and you are not overreacting. Safety planning is a way to reclaim your space, your peace, and your power.

Your mental and emotional well-being matters just as much as your physical health. After sexual assault or harassment, it is common to experience emotional shifts or mental health symptoms. These responses are not signs of weakness. They are often the body's and mind’s reaction to trauma.Some survivors feel anxious, angry, numb, sad, overwhelmed, or disconnected from others. Others may struggle with concentration, memory, appetite, sleep, or self-worth. These changes can show up days, weeks, months, or even years after what happened—and they may come and go. This is true even when the harm did not involve physical contact. If something disrupted your peace, safety, or sense of self, your feelings are valid. You are not alone.✨ Finding the Right Kind of SupportMental health care does not have to mean long-term therapy—though it can. Support might include brief counseling, medication, group spaces, body-based care, or even just finding someone to listen. There are many ways to heal your mind and heart.Just like physical health services, many mental health resources are available for free or at low cost. You may also be eligible for reimbursement through a victim compensation program in your state. To learn more, visit the Office for Victims of Crime.Below are some types of mental health support you may consider:Individual or group therapyCrisis services or trauma recovery programsDrop-in support or peer-led groups24/7 hotlines, such as the National Sexual Assault HotlinePsychological screening or psychiatric evaluationMedication for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or trauma responsesNonspeaking supports, such as art, movement, or music-based careSensory regulation tools or emotional safety plansYou can choose the level of support that feels right for you. Some survivors want help right away. Others prefer to wait, explore options slowly, or return to care later. There is no correct timeline for healing.✨ If You are in SchoolYou may be able to access free or low-cost mental health services through your school. Many colleges and universities offer confidential counseling through student health centers, trauma response teams, or LGBTQ+ resource centers. Services may include therapy, group support, academic accommodations, or referrals to outside providers.However, not all school services are trauma-informed, and some students experience barriers—especially if they are marginalized, neurodivergent, or disabled. For K-12 students and minors, remember that school counselors, social workers, and psychologists are usually mandated reporters, meaning a disclosure of active harm may trigger mandatory reporting to parents or child protective services. If you need confidential support without triggering school reporting, local community clinics or youth-specific crisis lines (like the National Child Abuse Hotline or National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline) can provide a safer starting point. If you are having trouble getting help through your school, you can ask for a referral to a community provider, and your school is responsible for assisting you with this request under Title IX.If you need help navigating your school’s system, you can also contact an advocacy center or hotline. You do not need to go through this alone.✨ If You are WorkingSome workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide short-term, confidential counseling at no cost. EAPs may be helpful if you need immediate support or referrals to trauma-informed professionals. You can ask HR about this resource without disclosing what happened.If your mental health symptoms are affecting your ability to work, you also have the right to request reasonable accommodations. These could include a modified schedule, quiet workspace, communication alternatives, or additional breaks.✨ Accessing Care in Your CommunityIf school or work services are not available or not the right fit, you can find support in your local area. You can:Visit the National Sexual Assault Hotline's Website to connect with a nearby advocacy center or crisis counselorSearch Psychology Today for trauma-informed therapists in your state (filters available for insurance, location, LGBTQ+ affirming, cultural background, and more)Look for community mental health centers, sliding-scale clinics, or survivor-specific organizationsAsk a trusted friend, support person, or advocate to help you research optionsIf phone calls feel overwhelming, try emailing, using live chat, or having someone reach out for you. Some survivors also benefit from asynchronous care—such as self-paced therapy apps, text-based platforms, or video reflections. These options may work better for neurodivergent individuals or those with communication differences.You are allowed to ask for accommodations in your mental health care. That may mean:Requesting written communication instead of verbal intakeBringing a support person or communication aideAsking for sensory-friendly spaces, visual schedules, or slower-paced sessionsUsing AAC or alternative communication formatsSetting clear boundaries around touch, topics, or language usedYou do not have to justify what you need. Support should meet you where you are—not force you to conform to someone else’s model of care.✨ Exploring Expressive and Community-Based SupportMusic can be used in many different ways, and there is no single right path. Some survivors choose music therapy, which is a clinical service provided by board-certified music therapists in settings such as hospitals, mental health programs, schools, and treatment centers. Music therapy is designed to support therapeutic goals and may include songwriting, guided listening, improvisation, or instrument-based work, depending on the provider and your needs.Others are looking for something non-clinical. At Once Upon a Voice, we offer programs and services that can uplift survivors of sexual assault or harassment. If you want to tell your story through song, or have a creative outlet as you heal, we would love to work with you! However, none of our offerings are therapy. If you want to heal through music-making, whether or not you work with us, we recommend finding a board-certified music therapist and a licensed mental health professional who is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and accessible for your needs.

Each school and workplace has its own conduct process for responding to reports of sexual assault or sexual harassment. These processes are separate from the legal system and focus on whether a policy or code of conduct was violated—not whether a crime occurred.✨ What to Expect From Institutional SystemsAt school, the process may involve a formal hearing, investigation, or resolution meeting. At work, it may include meetings with human resources, written statements, or a review by an internal investigator. These processes vary widely. Some are trauma-informed and survivor-centered. Others are rigid, emotionally difficult, or confusing—especially for neurodivergent survivors or those with prior negative experiences in institutional settings.These systems apply whether the harm involved physical contact, verbal harassment, digital coercion, or other boundary violations.✨ Your Rights and Choices During the ProcessYou are not required to participate in any conduct process. Deciding whether to engage is entirely your choice. If you choose to move forward, you are allowed to:Ask for a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the process before committingBring a trusted support person, advisor, or advocate to meetings and hearingsRequest written communication or sensory, communication, and trauma-related accommodationsPause or withdraw from the process at any time without having to justify your decision These systems are not always designed with survivors in mind. If the process feels unsafe, hostile, or overwhelming, you can ask for changes—or decide not to proceed at all. You can also ask an advocate or legal aid organization to help you understand the process before deciding what to do.✨ School-Based Conduct Processes: Minors vs. AdultsHow a school conduct process unfolds depends significantly on your age and educational environment:For K-12 Students & Minors: School conduct meetings and disciplinary hearings will typically involve parents, guardians, and school administrators. Because minors have different legal protections and rights within K-12 settings, disciplinary actions (such as schedule changes, class reassignments, or disciplinary measures for the respondent) are generally managed by the school district. If you want to understand how a K-12 Title IX or disciplinary process works before talking to school staff, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline can help you talk through your options confidentially.For College & University Students: Post-secondary institutions follow specific Title IX or campus grievance procedures. You generally have greater autonomy over whether a formal complaint is investigated, though the school has obligations to maintain a safe campus environment.To learn more about school-based processes, visit the Equal Rights Advocates’ Student Survivor Toolkit or Know Your IX. ✨ Workplace Conduct ProcessesIf you choose to report through your job, HR or an internal investigator will review the incident under company policy. Workplace sexual harm falls under employment laws and civil rights protections.For workplace-specific guidance, the National Women’s Law Center’s Legal Network for Gender Equity and Workplaces Respond can help you understand your options, rights, and how to navigate employer responses.Whether you move forward with a conduct process or decide to walk away, your experience is valid. You deserve safety, clarity, and care—on your terms.

If the person who harmed you is arrested—whether for sexual assault, sexual harassment involving physical contact, or another form of sexual violence—the case is forwarded to a prosecutor. That prosecutor may speak with you and seem supportive, but it is important to know they are not your attorney. They represent the government—specifically, your state.If you want someone who is truly on your side throughout the legal process, you have the right to seek your own legal advice. Some lawyers and nonprofit organizations provide free legal services to survivors of sexual assault and harassment. You do not need to face the system alone, and you deserve guidance that is clear, compassionate, and rooted in your interests. To find a lawyer or legal resource in your state, visit WomensLaw.org.If a prosecutor asks to speak with you, try to approach it the way you did with law enforcement. You are allowed to ask questions, take your time, and use any communication tools that help you feel grounded. If spoken communication feels difficult, consider writing down what you want to say or bringing a support person. You do not have to sound a certain way to be believed.✨ Navigating Criminal Charges and Court StagesAfter reviewing the case, the prosecutor will decide whether to move forward with charges. Sometimes they will choose not to pursue the case—even if you want them to. Other times, they may move forward even if you are unsure. In most states, they will not force you to participate in court against your will, but they are not required to follow your wishes either.If they do pursue the case, they will determine what charges to file and begin the next steps of the criminal legal process. That process may include:InvestigationChargingArraignmentDiscoveryPlea BargainingPreliminary HearingPre-Trial MotionsTrialPost-Trial MotionsSentencingAppealYou can read more about each of these stages on the United States Department of Justice website.Most sexual assault cases end in plea bargaining, which means the case is resolved without a trial. This often means you will not have to testify. But in some situations, a trial does occur—and you may be asked to speak in court.✨ Testifying and Courtroom AccommodationsIf you do testify, remember that you are allowed to feel what you feel. You can cry, pause, ask for a break, or bring a comfort item like a water bottle or something to hold. If your voice shakes or your memory falters, it does not mean you are not credible. Trauma can affect speech, memory, and clarity. Focus on the questions, not the people in the room. Your perpetrator and their supporters may be present, and their attorney will try to challenge you. This can be painful—but it does not erase the truth of what you lived through. You can ask for trauma-informed courtroom accommodations, such as testifying behind a screen or through video, depending on your state.For more information about what it’s like to testify, visit the National Institute of Justice.✨ Legal Rights and Protections for Minors and AdultsJust like you have rights as a student or employee, you also have rights as a survivor in the criminal justice system. For example, most states have rape shield laws, which limit what a defense attorney can ask about your sexual history. Your prosecutor can also file pre-trial motions to protect your privacy and limit retraumatizing questions or unnecessary disclosures.Your age and life stage shape how you navigate these legal rights:For Minors and K-12 Students: You cannot independently file civil lawsuits, hire private attorneys, or initiate court proceedings alone; parents, legal guardians, or a guardian ad litem must act on your behalf. If criminal or juvenile court proceedings occur, victim witness advocates can help explain how minor testimony is protected and how parents are integrated into the process. Organizations like the National Child Abuse Hotline and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline can help minors talk through legal options confidentially.For Adults and College Students: You have the authority to decide if you participate in legal proceedings, retain private counsel, or pursue civil options on your own behalf.Across jurisdictions, you may also have the right to:Receive case updates and notificationsAccess trauma-informed victim servicesBring a support person or advocate to hearingsRequest accommodations for disability, sensory needs, or communication differencesMake a victim impact statement if the case results in sentencingTo learn more about your rights as a survivor, contact the VictimConnect Resource Center's Referral Helpline. You can also visit VINELink to stay updated on the status of the case and receive notifications about hearings, transfers, or release dates.✨ Alternative Legal Pathways: Civil Lawsuits and Harassment OptionsIf the prosecutor declines to file charges, the case is dismissed, or your rights are violated along the way, you may still have legal options. One option is to file a civil lawsuit, which allows you to pursue financial compensation from the person who harmed you. Civil cases do not require a criminal conviction and are held in a different court. The burden of proof is lower, and you may be able to seek justice in a way that feels more centered on your needs.To learn more about filing a civil case, visit WomensLaw.org.If the person who harmed you was not arrested, or if the conduct is not considered a criminal offense in your state, you may still be able to file a civil complaint:For workplace sexual harassment, you can review options or submit a charge through the EEOC Public Portal.For school or university-based sexual harassment or Title IX violations, you can file a formal discrimination complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights via the OCR Electronic Complaint Form. ✨ Deciding Not to Pursue Legal ActionBut most importantly:It is okay if you choose not to pursue the criminal or civil legal process.Not every survivor wants to go to court. Not every case is pursued, even if you want it to be. You are still a survivor. You are still worthy of care, protection, and respect.Whatever path you choose, your healing and safety matter. There is no one “right” way to seek justice. There is only the way that is right for you.