Sexual Assault and Survivor Support

Are you safe?

If you’re on campus, call UAPD at 479-575-2222. If you are off campus, call 9-1-1.  

Are you severely injured?

Call 9-1-1 or report to a local emergency department (see section after forensic exam information).  

Would you like a victim advocate?

Contact the campus Sexual & Relationship Violence Center (SRVC) at 479-575-4000 or the NWA Center for Sexual Assault at 800-794-4175 (see the section labeled “Support & Resources” for more information and locations). 

Would you like a forensic exam?

In the state of Arkansas, a victim/survivor has 96 hours from the time of the incident to have a forensic evidence examination. A forensic evidence exam will be paid for by the State, and a police report is also made, unless the evidence is collected as a “Jane/John Doe kit”. During the forensic evidence collection and exam, assessment for injury is documented and treated, if necessary. Contents of the forensic collection include various swabs that are used to collect potential evidence. Clothing and other materials that may contain forensic evidence are also gathered, if possible. The sooner forensic evidence collection is done after an assault, the greater the likelihood of finding potential evidence for collection. 

  • If you have a forensic exam, you are not obligated to prosecute, but the evidence will be available if you do decide to prosecute.  
  • You can decline any part of the exam.  
  • There will be no cost to you for the exam, testing and initial treatment to prevent possible STDs or pregnancy.  
  • If possible and to reduce loss of evidence, avoid showering, drinking, eating, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, and changing clothes if you choose to have a forensic exam. However, it is still possible to find some evidence even if you have done any of these self-care tasks. 
  • If possible, bring a change of clothes to a forensic exam because those worn during the sexual assault may be collected as evidence. 

If you do not want a forensic exam or it is past 96 hours, you can make an appointment to be seen at Pat Walker Health Center. Call 479-575-4451, option 1 for the Primary Care Clinic or 479-575-4478 for the GYN (Women’s) Clinic or book via the Patient Portal. We can provide STD testing and treatment, discuss emergency contraception, and help you get the support you need. 

Local Emergency Departments (for injuries):  

  • Washington Regional Medical Center- Fayetteville, P: 479-463-1000   
    • 3215 N. Northhills Blvd, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72703  
  • Northwest Medical Center- Springdale, P: 479-751-5711    
    • 609 W. Maple Avenue, Springdale, Arkansas, 72764  
  • Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas- Rogers, P: 479-338-8000   
    • 2710 Rife Medical Lane, Rogers, Arkansas, 72758 
  • Northwest Medical Center- Bentonville, P: 479-553-1000    
    • 3000 Medical Center Pkwy, Bentonville, AR 72712 

If you are younger than 18 years old: 

  • Arkansas Children’s Northwest- Springdale, P: 479-309-5391 
    • 2601 Gene George Blvd, Springdale, AR 72762 

Support & Resources

We encourage you to seek support.  

  • The Sexual & Relationship Violence Center (SRVC) on campus provides victim advocacy and education services related to sexual and relationship violence. The SRVC recognizes that sexual and relationship violence can happen to anyone and openly welcomes all victims/survivors for advocacy services. All services are at no cost, focused on students, and confidential. A victim advocate is available 24/7 at 479-575-4000. The SRVC is located at 640 N Garland, Suite 113 (Garland Garage Retail and Office Space). 
  • The NWA Center for Sexual Assault provides crisis intervention, referral information, forensic exams, treatment for STDs, emotional support and more to anyone dealing with the aftermath of rape and sexual assault. All services are at no cost and are confidential. You can call the 24/7 Hotline at 800-794-4175. During regular business hours you can call 479-347-2304 or email info@nwasexualassault.org with questions. The NWA Center for Sexual Assault is located at 1670 W. Sunset Ave., Suite B. Springdale, AR 72762. 

Documentation/Reporting

  • Write everything down that you remember happening. Documenting can assist in the recall of events if you choose to report. You may find that details become clearer as time goes on. This is normal as part of trauma response. 

Reporting On Campus

  • Report the incident to the U of A Title IX office. All students are encouraged to report any incidents to 479-575-7111 or report.uark.edu. The Title IX Coordinator is dedicated to ensuring campus safety by proactively addressing all reports. 

Victim's Reparations

  • In Arkansas, if a police report is filed within 72 hours since the time of the assault, a victim/survivor is eligible to apply for the Victims Reparations program. This program serves to reimburse victims/survivors for any personal out of pocket expenses that may have incurred because of the crime.  A victim advocate can assist you with completing the required forms. Remember to hold onto all receipts for expenses incurred because of the crime. Visit Crime Victims Reparations Board website to learn more and to access application forms. Students may reach out to the campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center (SRVC) if they need assistance with the forms or navigating the CVRB website.

RESOURCES FOR SUPPORTING VICTIMS/SURVIVORS

A variety of resources are available to support victims/survivors. The Sexual & Relationship Violence Center (SRVC) created this guide as a general overview of the campus resources available that address sexual/relationship violence. 

Victim advocates are specially trained professionals who provide trauma-informed support to individuals impacted by sexual and relationship violence. They offer information on rights, safety planning, resources, and reporting options, and may assist with paperwork, support groups, and navigating services. With the survivor’s permission, they can accompany them to medical exams, legal proceedings, or campus-related meetings, serving as a supportive presence and liaison between services. Victim advocates are available at the SRVC, as well as in emergent situations after hours, on-call victim advocates answer the phone 479-575-4000. 

Even if you're not a victim advocate, you can still play an important role in supporting a survivor. Start by listening without judgment and believing their experience. Let them take the lead in deciding what steps to take next and avoid pushing them to report or disclose more than they're comfortable with. Offer support by helping them access resources, like connecting them with a victim advocate, counseling services, or medical care. Most importantly, remind them that they're not alone and that you’re there for them in whatever way they need.