There is no single “right” response to experiencing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Below you will find guidance on options and WSU and community resources available to you. You may choose one option, several, or none at all. You can change your mind at any time. You control what steps, if any, you take next.
Find an advocate
Victim advocates can help you explore your options and decide what is best for you. Find an advocate in your area or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE to be connected to an advocate.
WSU and Community Resources
Seek Then Speak
WSU Police Department offers reporting options through End Violence Against Women International’s Seek Then Speak self-guided tool.
Seek Then Speak provides survivors a way to explore options and get answers to questions they may have regarding sexual assault, crime victims’ rights, victim advocacy, medical care, and reporting to police. It also offers survivors a confidential way to document and gather critical information about their assault and begin the reporting process.
In person
In Pullman, come to the WSU Police Department and speak with one of our three trained sexual assault investigators in person about reporting. For other locations across the state, connect with your local law enforcement agency – visit Campus Resources and select your campus to find local police and other reporting options.
Phone call
Call 911 or use the WSU Police Department business line (509) 335-8548 and arrange to speak with one of our Sexual Assault Investigators on the phone to answer your questions and begin the reporting process. For other locations across the state, connect with your local law enforcement agency – visit Campus Resources and select your campus to find local police and other reporting options.
With an Advocate’s Support
Victim advocates are trained to support victims of crimes by providing emotional support and help navigating resources and the criminal justice system. Find an advocate agency near you.
You can email police@wsu.edu and indicate that you would like to speak with a sexual assault investigator about reporting. Provide your preferred contact method, and an officer will contact you the next business day to let you know your email was received and arrange for you to speak with one of our sexual assault investigators.
You can choose to include the Seek Then Speak PDF as an attachment or wait until you are contacted by one of our investigators and arrange to give it to them directly.
Survivors can report to WSU, to law enforcement, or to both. Compliance & Civil Rights (CCR) is WSU’s central resource for reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. CCR is here to help you understand your options and support you through the process. Information about university reporting and complaint options are available at CCR – File a Report or Complaint.
CCR can schedule a low-pressure intake consultation to help you understand resource, safety, and reporting options. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing. CCR also facilitates supportive measures, with or without filing a formal complaint.
Getting Medical Care
If you go to a hospital after a sexual assault, you may be offered care from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). A SANE is a specially trained nurse who can:
- Check your health and treat injuries
- Give a medical‑legal exam
- Collect forensic evidence (if you choose)
- Test for date‑rape drugs and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
About the SANE Exam
A SANE exam can help collect evidence that may be useful if you choose to report the assault to law enforcement. The decision to have a SANE exam is completely up to you.
Please know:
- A SANE exam is not required to report an assault to WSU.
- You can still get help and support even if you choose not to have the exam.
Timing and Important Tips
If you want a SANE exam, it is usually best to go to a hospital emergency room, as soon as possible, within 5 days of the assault.
Before the exam, if possible:
- Do not shower, bathe, or change your clothes
- Keep any items (like clothing) that could be evidence
These steps can help preserve evidence, but you can still get care even if you have already done these things.
What to Expect During a SANE Exam
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will explain your options and support you during the exam. You are always in control and can choose what steps you agree to. This may include collecting samples, taking photos of injuries, or other evidence. Nothing is done without your consent.
You may be asked if you want to report to the police. You do not have to report to receive a SANE exam. Evidence can still be collected and safely stored if you choose not to report right away.
A victim advocate may be available to help explain your options and connect you with resources.
The SANE exam is free. Treatment for other injuries may be billed to insurance. A victim advocate can help with payment options.
If you think you were drugged, tell the SANE nurse as soon as possible. Some drugs leave the body quickly. Testing may include urine or blood samples and is also free. Alcohol is the most common substance used in these situations. You do not need drug testing to report to WSU.
After evidence is collected, you can choose whether it is shared with law enforcement with your name or anonymously.
After the exam, you may be offered emergency contraception, medication to prevent STDs, and, in some cases, HIV prevention medication.
Concerned About Stalking? Take SHARP
The SHARP (Stalking and Harassment Assessment & Risk Profile) is a free, confidential online tool that helps you understand your situation. Answer a short set of questions to:
- Learn about common stalking risk factors.
- Get personalized safety suggestions.
- Validate what you’re experiencing.
SHARP does not predict the future, but it can help you make informed decisions and connect with support resources.
A protection order or a restraining order can be obtained that would order another person to remain a certain distance away from you at all times and prohibit any contact or communication. If the recipient of a protection order or restraining order breaks those rules, he/she would be subject to disciplinary actions. Please note, restraining orders are useful in some situations, but they rely on the recipient to follow the order (typically, out of fear of further disciplinary actions), some risk of contact still remains. Information on obtaining a protection order or restraining order can be found at the links below.
Washington Law Help describes the step-by-step process to File for a Protection Order in Washington State.
- Before you begin, it may be helpful to talk to an advocate regarding the process and any safety concerns. Find an advocate near you.
- Start gathering documentation to prove your story and file with the petition. This could include police reports, texts, emails, pictures, medical records, etc. Be aware these documents will be shown to the other person and will be made public.
- Fill out the Washington Petition for Protection Order online or print a copy from Washington Courts to complete by hand. Find help for filing in Latah County, Idaho at the link.
- Once completed, the Petition for Protections Orders can be filed in person or electronically at your District or Superior court. Contact your county clerk for more infromation on filing electronically.
If you need help navigating the process to obtain a restraining order, a legal or victim advocate can assist you.
Sexual Violence Law Center, provides statewide legal assistance and representation for survivors.
Domestic violence victims and their children can temporarily access safe and secure shelters in their region.
Pullman
Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse (ATVP): 509-332-4357
Spokane
YWCA Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program: 509-326-2255
Tri-Cities
Domestic Violence Services of Benton/Franklin Counties: 509-582-9841
Vancouver
Clark County YWCA: 360-695-0501
Everett
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County: 425-25-ABUSE
Spokane
- Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
- Deaconess Hospital
- Providence Holy Family Hospital
- Valley Hospital
- Information about free and low-cost health care options
- Student Counseling Services
- Employee Assistance Program
- YWCA Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program
- Sexual Assault and Family Trauma Response Center
Vancouver
Nationwide
- Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
- Love is Respect: 1-866-331-9474
- LGBT National Help Center: 1-888-843-4564
Below are resource lists with additional information on university offices, legal advocacy, medical services, mental health services, and law enforcement, specific to your location in the WSU system.
CCR-led Training
CCR offers live and on-demand training opportunities for employees and students. Topics include policies and processes related to discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, ADA, Title IX, and other civil rights requirements.
Cougar Health Services Health Education Workshops
Health Education offers a variety of workshops and on-demand online modules to support student health, happiness, safety, and success. Our health education staff and student peer educators can facilitate workshops for all types of campus groups, such as residence halls, Greek organizations, student groups, or classes.
Empowering Prevention & Inclusive Communities (EPIC) Training
EPIC is a peer-led training program offered through a partnership between WSU and UAW Local 4591 to empower Academic Student Employees (ASEs) and departments to prevent sexual harassment, strengthen inclusion, and respond effectively when harm occurs. EPIC trainings are offered at the start of each academic semester and throughout the year by request.
CCR Support and Resources Video
Watch the below video to learn about confidential support and reporting options available for individuals who have experienced sex-based concerns, such as sexual assault, stalking, or intimate partner violence.