REMEMBER THAT RAPE IS A VIOLENT CRIME
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- Your First Concern Is for Your Own Safety. Determine if the perpetrator has left the scene.
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- Call Public Safety (4444) for assistance immediately.
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- If the victim is found at the scene of the rape, be aware that it is now a crime scene. Touch only what is absolutely necessary.
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- When approaching the victim, identify yourself and state that help is on the way.
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- Do not burden the victim with questions about the crime. You should merely
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- provide emotional support and reassurance.
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- Be prepared for the victim to be very frightened, disoriented, outraged, and/or
hysterical.
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- Try to keep the victim quiet and in one place. Explain to the victim that this is
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- necessary to aid the criminal investigation. The victim should not wash or change clothes, use the bathroom, or ingest any foods or liquids before professional help (police or paramedics) arrives. Do not offer the victim any food or drink.
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- If the victim insists on leaving before Public Safety or professional help arrives, you have absolutely no authority to restrain them. You may quietly try to
persuade them to remain and seek help. If the victim decides to leave, it would
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- help the authorities if you can establish where the victim can be contacted.
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- If the victim remains in the Library awaiting professional help, notify the Circulation unit as to the action you have taken.
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- Keep everyone away from the crime scene until the Safety officer takes over that
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- responsibility.