Get to a safe location:
First, are you safe? If you do not feel safe please call 911 or Campus Security: 828-689-1230.

Seek medical attention:
Do you need medical attention? There are options on campus and off campus to help. You may feel reluctant to pursue medical attention immediately after an assault. This is normal; many survivors feel this way. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is in your best physical and emotional interest. However, there are benefits to receiving a medical exam. Professionals can treat injuries to help ensure your health, which includes injuries you may be unaware of such as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or the risk of pregnancy. Trained staff can speak with you about your options.

Community Support:

• Mission Hospital
• Mercy Urgent Care
• Mars Hill Medical Center

On Campus Support:

• Student Health Center

Preserve all evidence:
When seeking medical attention, trained medical staff can provide a rape kit—a sexual assault forensic exam that is used to collect DNA, blood samples, and other evidence. If you choose to get an exam, do not shower, wash your hands, brush your teeth, comb your hair, use the bathroom, or change your clothes before completing the exam, if at all possible. It is important to keep as much physical evidence as possible if you choose to pursue a police report. However, if you have already done these things since the assault, evidence can still be collected. Do not clean or remove anything from the location of the assault. Write down everything you can remember about the assault and the perpetrator(s).

Seek emotional support:
Do you need someone to talk with right now? If you are in crisis please call 911 or 988 (the National Suicide Lifeline) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673.

You can also chat online to trained counselors: 988  and RAINN.

Would you like to talk with someone on campus who is a Confidential Resource? You can talk with someone from our Counseling Center  or the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.

Make a report:
Would you like to make a Title IX Report?

Would you like to make a police report? Please contact Campus Security  or Mars Hill Police Department.

Title IX Information:
Would you like to learn more about how Title IX works to prevent sex- and gender-based misconduct on campus? View our policy here or check out some of our FAQ.

Would you like to meet with someone from the Title IX Office?

Jennie Matthews
Director of Human Resources / Title IX Coordinator
Nash Education Building Room 209
(828) 689-1197
jmatthews@mhu.edu

Get involved:
You are not alone; your voice matters and we are glad you have taken this step!

Learn more about local and national resources:

• OurVoice
• My Sisters Place
• RAINN

Join a community on campus that is working to end sexual harassment. Check-out some of our campus events.

Are you a student who is interested in creating positive change as an MHU Title IX Student Leader?

What should I say?
First, it is best to just listen. Often as friends, partners, or family members we want to help and we are quick to try and solve or attempt to remove pain from a loved one’s life. This is a gentle reminder to pause and be present as someone shares their story. Actively listen; do not think about your response or solutions as they are talking. Do not jump in and offer advice; wait until they are done sharing before you respond. When you do respond, first thank them for sharing. Validate what they have expressed to you and let them know you are there to support them. Learn additional, helpful ways to respond.

How can I help?
Again, listening, non-judgmentally, is a powerful way to help. You may be the first person someone is sharing their story with. Let them know you are there for them, that you believe them, ask how you can help, and tell them they are not alone. Give them your undivided attention, and acknowledge their feelings. Support their decisions about seeking treatment or emotional support, even if that means they do not want to. Never force someone to take steps they are not ready for. Remind them you are available to assist them, in whatever capacity that may be for you. Perhaps you can ride with them to a medical appointment, go with them to the police station or Title IX office, walk with them to a counselor’s office on campus, check-in regularly to see how they are doing, and/or continue including them in events.

What support can I share with them?
*If you believe someone you know is in immediate danger or at risk of harming themselves or others please call 911 or Campus Security (828-689-1230).
When sharing support be sure to remind them you support whatever decision they make about seeking treatment or making reports. If they are ready to seek treatment below are resources on- and off-campus:

Emotional Support:

• Counseling Center
• Center for Religious and Spiritual Life
• OurVoice
• My Sisters Place
• RAINN

Medical Treatment:

• Student Health Center
• Mission Hospital
• Mercy Urgent Care

Make A Report:

• Title IX Report
• Campus Security
• Mars Hill Police Department