Reporting a sexual assault

Deciding to report sexual assault can be a difficult and personal decision. Georgetown Law students have several options for reporting sexual assault on-campus and off-campus. Talking with the Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Liaison,Laura Cutway, is completely confidential and does not obligate you to pursue any other reporting mechanisms.

Common Emotions resulting from Sexual Assault

You may be experiencing:

• Shock
• Disbelief
• Anger
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Denial
• Disturbances in eating & sleeping habits
• Fear
• Helplessness
• Embarrassment
• Depression
• Inability to concentrate or relax
• Resurfacing memories of past abuse

Many survivors find it helpful to talk to a counselor trained to understand and assist survivors of sexual assault. Each person decides how she or he wants to use the counseling experience. For example, some want help recovering their sense of control over their lives, thinking through the pros and cons of reporting and adjudication, getting back on track academically, deciding who will be the best support during recovery, coping with not being believed, or dealing with self blame and loss of confidence.