Getting Help and Helping Others
Getting Help
In the case of a sexual assault or a situation you are unsure is a sexual assault, everyone's needs are unique to them and they have the right to choose the options that best fit their needs. Please click the tabs below to explore your options.
Why might I want medical care after an incident of sexual harm?
Everyone’s needs are unique to them and a person gets to choose the right care for themselves, including for their physical health. You may want to explore options for care which include medical assessment and emergency response, medication, treatment, testing, evidence collection, and more.
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What if I am having a medical emergency?
For immediate medical help:
On campus : 412-392-3960 or 2222 from a campus phone
Off campus : 911
UPMC Magee Womens Hospital
Address: 300 Halket St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 641-1000
UPMC Mercy Hospital
Address: 1400 Locust St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 232-8111
Student Health Center
3rd Floor Student Center
412-392-3800
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Is there a timeline I should know about?
There is no point at which you can’t access medical care, but some decisions can only be made within a certain time frame. These options are most effective and best for your care when taken as soon as possible.
Consultation is always available in the Health Center
| How long after the incident can I make this choice | What are my medical options? | Where can I get this care? |
| Up to 3 days (best within 6-12 hours) | Screening for drug-facilitated sexual assault | Hospital emergency room |
| Up to 3 days | HIV and STI treatment and prevention medications | Hospital emergency room or Urgent Care |
| Up to 4 days | Medical evidence collection kit |
Hospital Emergency Room |
| Up to 5 days | Emergency Contraceptive | Hospital emergency room or Health Services |
What if I am concerned about cost?
Cost should not have to be a barrier when seeking medical care after a concerning sexual encounter or instance of sexual harm. A Health Services provider or Pittsburgh Action Against Rape Advocate can provide information on funds that may be available to help survivors of harm get the medical care they need.
Why might I want safety resources after an incident of sexual harm?
Everyone’s needs are unique to them and a person gets to choose the right care for themselves, including for their safety. You may want to explore options that include immediate interventions for attaining physical or emotional safety, risk assessment, support with immediate and longer-term safety-planning, accessing orders of protection, pursuing reporting, investigation, and resolution process options, and meeting various other needs to be and feel safe.
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Who can I contact for immediate help?
For immediate safety help, there are different resources to call depending on where you are.
On campus : 412-392-3960 or 2222 from a campus phone
Off campus : 911
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How can these resources help me?
Everyone’s needs are unique to them and a person gets to choose the right response for themselves, including for their physical and emotional safety. You may want to explore options that include:
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Addressing immediate safety concerns
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Collecting evidence (within 96 hours) and initiate investigative processes
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Addressing longer-term safety concerns
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Assistance with safety-planning including accessing tools and services to help support safety
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Making a report or a statement to keep options open, whether or not you want to file a criminal complaint
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Help with the process to obtain an order of protection
- Help with the process to obtain a no-trespass order
- Receiving support from a law enforcement advocate who specializes in navigating law enforcement-based responses
Why might I want emotional and/or mental health support after an incident of sexual harm?
Everyone’s needs are unique to them and a person gets to choose the right care for themselves, including for their emotional and mental wellbeing. You may want to explore options for confidential support, information about the common reactions to trauma, strategies for grounding, self-care, accountability, and connection, referrals to appropriate resources, and support for short-term or longer-term healing.
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What are my options for immediate emotional support?
If you are in crisis and need urgent support, help is available. The resources below are for all Point Park students. You are not alone.
University Counseling Center
Phone: 412-392-3977
Email: counseling@pointpark.edu
Location: Lawrence Hall 5th Floor
Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR)
1-866-363-7273
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
1-800-656-HOPE
(800) 656-4673
What if I want to report what happened?
You have options and can choose what type of reporting feels best to you. You can report what happened to law enforcement or to the University and you can choose any or all of these options. There is no one right answer, just what is right for you.
What are my reporting options?
You have several reporting options available to you. This may include engaging in a resolution process overseen by the Title IX and Gender Equity Office or filing a criminal complaint with local law enforcement or both.
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Reporting to the University
Office of Compliance & Integrity
oci@pointpark.edu
104 Student Center
For Police Reports
On campus : 412-392-3960 or 2222 from a campus phone
Off campus : 911
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What will happen if I report to the University?
You will be given information about resolution process options and resources for your support, and information will be gathered to assess if further risk of harm exists for you or the campus community.
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What if I’m not sure if I want to report?
Crisis counselors and advocates can help you learn about your options and provide support so that you can choose the next step that is right for you.
Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR)
1-866-363-7273
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
1-800-656-HOPE
National Sexual Assault Hotline
(800) 656-4673
What if I’m not sure what kind of safety resources I need?
Crisis counselors and advocates can help you learn about your options and provide support so that you can choose the next step that is right for you. To access this type of support, you can contact:
University Counseling Center
Phone: 412-392-3977
Email: counseling@pointpark.edu
Location: Lawrence Hall 5th Floor
Student Health Center
Phone: 412-392-3800
Location: 3rd Floor Student Center
Email: studenthealth@pointpark.edu
Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR)
1-866-363-7273
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
1-800-656-HOPE
National Sexual Assault Hotline
(800) 656-4673
Helping a friend
When someone has been sexually assaulted, chances are that they will turn to a friend for help. You are an important person to the survivor; this is why the survivor shared this experience with you. Knowing how to respond will be very helpful in your friend's recovery.
Think of a SMART response:
- Safety: Determine if the victim is safe. Ask if he or she would like you to call 911 or contact University police.
- Medical Attention: Encourage the victim to obtain medical treatment.
- Ask: What you can do to help. Listen with empathy and support the individual's decisions. Assure the victim that rape is not his or her fault and that he/she is not alone.
- Report: Talk to the individual about options - reporting to the police or to the University. He or she may choose to report the incident now or days, weeks, months later.
- Talk: Encourage the victim to talk to trained counselors, either on- or off-campus.