What To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted On Campus

A sexual assault is a terrifying and overwhelming experience. In addition to feeling physically violated and unsafe, you will also have to deal with the headache of prosecutors, school administrators and legal claims. You don’t have to face this alone. By hiring an experienced campus sexual assault lawyer, you can regain control over the situation. Your lawyer will help protect your legal rights throughout the difficult aftermath of a campus sexual assault.

But what should be done after an attack? There are a few important things you must remember to do in order to protect both your safety and your legal rights:

Call the police.

As difficult as it can be to report a sexual assault, the consequences of staying silent can be much worse. Sexual predators continue to assault more victims when they are not caught. You can also endanger your own health - both physical and mental - if you do not seek the treatment you need. Call the police as soon as possible. It is the first step toward regaining control of your life, and it also prevents other innocent victims from being assaulted.

Consult with an attorney.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of difficult things you will have to do after a sexual assault. You will have to tell your story to police, prosecutors, detectives and medical personnel. You will have to deal with school administrators and security officials when the assault is reported to the university.

These tasks are difficult, but with an attorney on your side, you can have support throughout the process. An attorney will also protect your legal rights. The things you say throughout this process can affect your legal rights later on. With a lawyer’s guidance, the process will not only be less overwhelming, but you can protect your legal rights while you are dealing with the police, prosecutors and your school.

Get all the medical and mental health treatment that is recommended.

You have the right to access all the medical and mental health that you need in the wake of a sexual assault. You may also have the right to be compensated for this treatment, if it is proven that your school negligently failed to protect you or respond to security threats. By getting the help you need, you are not only giving yourself the best possible chances of recovery, but you are also protecting your legal right to be compensated for the costs of your case.

Experienced Sexual Assault Attorneys For All Santa Barbara Cases

You don’t have to deal with a sexual assault on your own. The Santa Barbara sexual assault attorneys at The Law Offices of Bamieh & De Smeth can help you go through the difficult legal process that follows a campus sexual assault. With an experienced Santa Barbara lawyer on your side, you can have support throughout the process, and begin the process of regaining control over your life. Call (805) 643-5555 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.