Click here to access Temple University's Sexual Assault Policy

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities such as forced sexual intercourse, unwanted or coerced sexual acts, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape.

Continuum of Violence

Interpersonal violence occurs along a continuum of attitudes and behaviors. Sexual violence occurs as a range or succession of violent behaviors which may include norms, attitudes, or behaviors.
Click here to see a visual example of the continuum of violence.

What to do if you HAVE been sexually assaulted:

Click here to contact Campus Safety Services, or call at 215-204-1234
(1-1234 from any campus phone) to report the incident. Any Temple staff will help you to contact resources to report incidents and to get help. Reports may be made confidentially and/or anonymously. Counseling is available for free for any Temple student through Tuttleman Counseling Services. Temple staff will facilitate any necessary changes in academic and living situations whenever possible.

It is important to preserve evidence when reporting a sexual assault. If possible, do not shower or wash your clothing following a sexual assault, as that may aid in the investigation. Alert any Temple staff if you need assistance.

What to do if someone you know has been sexually assaulted:

  • Offer additional support. Support and assistance is available to all Temple students at Tuttleman Counseling. Also, Campus Safety Services, HEART, and Student Health Services can provide assistance.
  • Listen and be available. Let them open up at their own pace
  • Believe  without judgement
  • Recognize that dealing with sexual assault is a process, and will take some time.
  • Respect the decisions that your friend makes. Your friend may not have told anyone else or “taken action” after their experience but this is their choice.
  • Be gentle, sensitive, and respectful of your friends wishes for closeness or affection.
  • Understand the impact of the trauma on friends/family/individual

To Learn More:

Campus Safety Services

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards

The Student Conduct Code

Temple University's Sexual Assault Policy

Interpersonal Violence

How Men Can Prevent Sexual Violence

The Importance of Consent

Off Campus Resources:

WOAR – Rape Crisis Center

Coalition Against Rape

Domestic Violence Services by County

Crime Victims Support Services

Department of Justice - Office on Violence Against Women