Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I wait before having a rape examination?
A rape examination must be done within the first 72 hours after an assault.
Can I file a police report without pressing charges?
Yes. You can file a report with the campus or city police and opt not to press charges. The report is kept on file in the respective police department and can be used if you decide to press charges at a later date.
If I file a police report, what happens to the report if I don't press charges?
The report is maintained on file in the police department.
Can I have a physical examination without having evidence collected?
Yes. A physical examination can be done at Student Health Service, a local hospital, or by a private practitioner of your choice. You can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), internal trauma, and pregnancy.
What do I need to do if I think I have been the victim of a "date rape" drug?
Go to Student Health Service, a local hospital, or a private medical clinic immediately to be tested for the presence of a drug.
What can happen to a person who has been the victim of a "date rape" drug?
The drugs Rohypnol, also known as "Roofies," and Liquid X, otherwise known as "GHB" (gamma hydroxybutyrate), are both slipped into the drinks of unsuspecting men and women. These drugs can leave the victims unconscious for up to ten hours with little or no later memory of what transpires.
Victims may experience any of the following symptoms: confusion, headache, drowsiness, nausea, reduced reflexes, impaired motor skills, poor coordination, amnesia, and coma.
What judicial options are available to me after a sexual assault?
If the assailant is a University of Pittsburgh student, you can file a complaint within the University through the University Student Judicial System located in Room 738 of the William Pitt Union. Criminal charges can be filed outside the University through the District Attorney's Office. The campus police department or the City of Pittsburgh police can assist you with filing charges through the District Attorney's Office.