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Title IX: Get Help Now

Get Help Now

If you believe you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or Public Safety at 717-245-1111.

Confidential 24-hour Dickinson College Sexual Violence Hotline: 717-609-4244.


Next Steps

Steps to take after an incident of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking

1. Talk to someone you trust. 

  • Ask a trusted friend, family member or counselor to be with you for support. You may call the Confidential 27/7 Hr. Dickinson College Sexual Violence Hotline at 717-609-4244, and you will be connected with a confidential counselor from the YWCA who can support you in thinking about support services and reporting options. You can requst the Counselor accompany you if you choose to go to the hospital.   

2. Preserve any physical evidence of the incident, if possible.

  • If possible, avoid changing your clothing, bathing, showering, washing your hands or face or combing your hair.  Avoid using a douche, using the bathroom, brushing your teeth, drinking or eating. If possible, do not disturb the location where the incident occurred, and do not clean the room or remove anything.  
  • If you change clothes, evidence is best preserved in a paper (not plastic) bag.   
  • If you have any texts or phone call logs that you believe may be useful, keep them. 
  • You can call Dickinson College's Department of Public Safety and report the incident, and they can collect any evidence appropriately.  DPS can be reached 24/7 Hr. at 717-245-1111. (Note: this does not mean you need to sign a formal complaint, you can decide at a later time if you wish to pursue a process through the College).

3. Seek medical attention.

  • You may seek medical attention any time following a sexual assault or sexual violence, but we strongly recommend that you do so within three days (72 hours). A medical professional will examine you, provide appropriate medical treatment and, if applicable, talk with you about the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
  • Dickinson College Public Safety can transport you to and from the hospital.  Calling DPS does not mean that you must press charges. You can decide, at a later time, whether you wish to press charges or request a formal process from the College.  Call DPS at 717-245-1111 to request transportaton to and from the hospital. 

Medical Care

If you’ve been sexually assaulted or experienced sexual violence, medical care may treat or prevent illness or injury. It is also an important way to preserve evidence, if you decide to press charges or to obtain assistance in applying for a protection order.


UPMC Pinnacle Carlisle

UPMC's SAFE Program

UPMC Carlisle

361 Alexander Spring Rd., Carlisle, PA 17015

717-249-1212  

UPMC West Shore

1995 Technology Parkway, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

717-791-2600

UPMC's SAFE Program in Central Pa. addresses one of the most serious and underreported crimes, giving survivors of sexual assault one on one care that you deserve. A specially trained forensic registered nurse, called a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), will provide you with a compassionate, comprehensive medical legal examination. She will collect forensic evidence that will assist law enforcement and district attorneys to investigate and prosecute the person(s) who assaulted you. She will also test and treat for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.  A representative from the YWCA will be notified, so you will immediately have the option of using the services of an advocate.  For more information and additional UPMC locations, please visit: https://www.upmc.com/services/south-central-pa/women/services/safe-program.


Please note that the collection of evidence for use in a criminal prosecution related to unwanted sexual activity can only be performed by trained personnel at a hospital emergency room. Physical exams by other health care providers are likely to impede future legal remedies.


What Is A Forensic Exam?

A forensic exam is the care and evidence process performed at the hospital. Forensic exams are free of charge and may reveal injuries that may not be seen easily. Swabs and envelopes are used to collect possible evidence from the body. The exam also includes treatment for possible sexually transmitted infections, medication to prevent pregnancy and information about follow-up medical care, community resources and support. If you think you may have been drugged, a urine sample may be collected for evidence as well.  

Remember, if you go to the hospital and have a forensic exam, you are NOT obligated to talk to the police or pursue legal action.

Reporting the incident and having a medical examination performed within three days (72 hours) are important steps in preserving evidence and allowing the college and/or law enforcement to respond effectively. Keep in mind that even if three days (72 hours) have passed since the incident, you may report the matter at any time and still seek medical care.


Ongoing Support

Dickinson College provides a variety of resources to support those who have been affected by sexual or gender-based misconduct. Assistance may include counseling and emotional support, as well as assistance in accommodations to academic, housing or working situations.

Confidential resources will typically not share information with the college, nor will speaking with a confidential resource person trigger action by the college under most circumstances. Confidential resources are medical providers, mental health providers, ordained clergy and rape crisis counselors who are functioning within the scope of that certification or license.  


For Students

On-Campus Wellness Center
(Health Services, Counseling and Psychiatric Services)
717-245-1663

For Employees

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
717-243-1896


For Students and Employees

24/7 Dickinson Sexual Violence Hotline (an advocate from the YWCA can meet you on campus)
717-609-4244.

YWCA Carlisle’s Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services of Cumberland County
1-888-831-8850

Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties (DVS)
717-258-4806
24/7 Hotline: 1-800-852-2102

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