WCU is a University of North Carolina Campus
Survivor Resources and Support
Sexual violence leaves survivors feeling many feelings, sometimes all at once. Fatigue, fear, guilt, anger, anxiety, depression, numbing, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of isolation are often common. However, there is no one way that people who survive sexual assault and violence feel--each person responds and reacts differently. However you may be feeling, here are a few things you can do to help yourself in the days and months immediately following:
It can be hard to reach out after a rape or sexual assault, but is is harder to go through it alone. There are many people, both on and off campus, who can help. See our sexual assault brochure link below for additional resources.
Reporting sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence can be an empowering recovery step. Reporting sexual assault not only helps you gain control and power in a seemingly powerless situation, but it could prevent someone else from being assaulted too. Hold perpetrators accountable by speaking out.
This brochure includes contact information for both on and off campus resources for survivors.
- Keep yourself safe
- Surround yourself with people, friends and family, who will support and listen to you
- See a counselor, they can help you work through many feelings and emotions
- Attend a support group. Counseling and Psychological Services at WCU and REACH of Jackson County offer support groups for survivors of sexual violence
- Take care of yourself physically-get enough to eat and plenty of rest
- Give yourself time to heal
It can be hard to reach out after a rape or sexual assault, but is is harder to go through it alone. There are many people, both on and off campus, who can help. See our sexual assault brochure link below for additional resources.
On-campus, these people will listen and help:
- Campus Police 227-7301 (Campus Police Outreach Building)
- Counseling and Psychological Services: 227-7469 (Bird Building)
- Health Services 227-7640 (Bird Building)
- Women's Center: 227-7450 (University Center 3rd Floor)
- Judicial Affairs: 227-7184 (Scott Hall, East Wing)
Off-campus, these agencies can offer support and resources:
- REACH of Jackson County : (828) 631-4488
- Sylva Police: 586-2916 (911)
- Harris Regional Hospital: 586-7000
- Jackson County Sheriff: 586-1911 (911)
- 24-Hour Crisis Hotline/Counseling: Dial 911 or 828-586-1911 (ask for REACH counselor)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
- North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault
- Rape Abuse and Incest National Network
Others who can help:
- A trusted friend or family member who will listen and offer support
- Your RA or RD
- A trusted professor or instructor
- A trusted administrator
Reporting sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence can be an empowering recovery step. Reporting sexual assault not only helps you gain control and power in a seemingly powerless situation, but it could prevent someone else from being assaulted too. Hold perpetrators accountable by speaking out.
- Write down everything you can remember. Specifics about the crime are needed if you choose to take legal action.
- Collect evidence. Try not to change your clothes, but if you have to, place your clothes in a paper bag. Do not bathe or douche. As much physical evidence as possible is needed if you choose to prosecute.
- Harris Regional Hospital provides rape examination kits, a lengthy, but thorough process, of evidence collection.
This brochure includes contact information for both on and off campus resources for survivors.