Sexual Assault and Rape Resources

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or assault, please know that there are options. Please remember sexual violence is never the fault of the survivor, no matter the circumstances.

If you are in an emergency situation or believe that you are in immediate danger, call 911. Emergency situations include threats of violence, acts of physical or sexual violence or if someone’s health is in imminent danger.

Emergencies

As a victim of sexual violence, you are not obligated to make any kind of report. However, filing reports is an option available to you, and may help you get the support and justice you deserve. Here is an overview of the different kinds of reports available to you.anger.

Reporting Sexual Violence

“Any person may report an incident of sexual assault, interpersonal violence (including domestic and dating violence), stalking, sexual harassment, and sex discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator, via email at titleix@austin.utexas.edu, or by calling 512-471-0419, regardless of whether the person reporting is the person alleged to be subject to the complained-of behavior. Also, any person may report incidents anonymously via an online reporting form.” - UT Title IX Office

At UT Austin

“A report can be made without sharing your name.  You may pick this option if you'd like to make the university aware of incidents or general trends but you may not be seeking any further action. Depending on the information provided, the university’s ability to respond may be limited.​” - UT Title IX Office

Anonymous Report:

A formalized report will allow the university to conduct a more complete investigation into your circumstances, allowing them to better collect evidence and stop the inappropriate conduct. Your information will be included in the report, but it will not be made public in compliance with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations.

This report will result in an intake meeting, where the Complainant will meet with a staff member to discuss options. If there is a viable path for moving forward with the complaint, a Formal Complaint will be filed, and the Respondent will be notified. A Formal Complaint starts the grievance process, which will include an investigation and a live hearing.

University Report:

You can also report directly to the UTPD Office. To make a police report, please call (512) 471-4441 ext 9. or email at utpd-pio@austin.utexas.edu. You can also file an in-person report at 2201 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin, TX 78712-1561.

“Police reports can be made as an option to pursue criminal action, file a protective order, and access victim services, or you can file a police report without pursuing criminal action. Criminal action is separate from a Title IX university investigation process.” - UT Title IX Office

Police Report:

The Austin Police Department (APD) has a special department for investigating sex crimes, the APD Sex Crimes Unit. The most direct way to reach them is by calling 911, but you can also contact them directly at 512-974-5230, or by calling their sex crimes tip hotline at 512-974-5095. If you are a victim of sexual violence and report it to APD, an officer and a member of their victim services personnel will come to your location “to document important information and answer your questions. If the assault happened within 120 hours of making a report, you will be offered a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) in order to gather evidence as well as assuring your medical and emotional wellbeing. If you are unable to make a police report following the assault, we encourage you to talk to someone.” - APD Sex Crimes Unit

If you chose to make a police report, the responding officer will ensure your safety, document all important information, and then forward the case to a trained Sex Crimes Detective. “Your case will be assigned to an APD Victim Service Counselor who will be available to provide you with support during the entire investigative process. The Detectives will call you within a couple days of receiving the report. You are in control of your investigation and it will be conducted at whatever pace you are comfortable with. We ask that you make a report even if you haven’t decided if you want to participate with the investigation. The decision to move forward with the investigation is yours and you may stop the process at any time.” - APD Sex Crimes Unit

In Austin

Experiencing sexual violence can be deeply traumatic, but you are not alone. There are free and confidential resources in the Austin area, including hotlines, counseling services, and crisis support, to help you navigate healing and recovery. Whether you need immediate assistance or ongoing care, these organizations are here to support you.

Hotlines, Counseling & Crisis Support

Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE) provides an array of victim services. The SAFEline provides 24/7, confidential support for all victims. You can call at 512-267-SAFE [7233], text at 737-888-7233, or chat on their website here.

“SAFE provides free, confidential counseling for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and human trafficking during their healing process to help move beyond the violence and trauma. The Counseling Program is designed to meet survivors wherever they are in the process of healing, which could be immediately after an incident, months later, or years down the road. Through education on the dynamics of interpersonal violence and the development of goals, survivors are supported as they heal from trauma and reclaim their lives. If you are interested in counseling services at SAFE, please contact our counseling intake line at 512.356.1553 or counseling@safeaustin.org.” - SAFE Counseling

SAFE’s Sexual Assault Victim Advocates “can be an important first step in the healing process after an assault. Advocates respond 24/7 to all medical facilities in Travis County, including UT Urgent Care, and are not affiliated with law enforcement, hospital systems, or the criminal justice system. SAFE advocates are the only first responders with whom victims have confidentiality. The advocate is part of a coordinated response team and facilitates medical and legal services while providing trauma-informed, victim-centered care. Our advocates may:

  • Explain legal and medical options

  • Orient victims to systems they may have contact with as a result of the crime, serving as a liaison between the victim and these systems

  • Ensure victims are treated with respect by other service providers

  • Address safety concerns, immediate basic needs, and help make a safety plan

  • Accompany and support victims during the medical forensic exam (with victim’s consent)

  • Discuss the effects of trauma and provide adaptive coping strategies for the days ahead

  • Coordinate follow-up services

  • Educate family and friends on trauma and how to support the victim

Advocate support and crisis intervention is available at SAFE’s Eloise House on a walk-in basis 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. No appointment necessary. If you would like a forensic exam and/or medical care these services, please schedule your visit to our Eloise House clinic in advance by calling the SAFEline. Call 512.267.SAFE (7233) for more information” - SAFE Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy

Finally, SAFE also provides Survivor Peer Support, which “is comprised of survivors standing with other survivors of violence and abuse as we explore different healing modalities, share life experience, grow confidence, and learn about community resources while building supportive networks.

Our program is designed to invite survivors to better connect with themselves, others, and reclaim their personal power. Survivors on staff are individuals who have experienced violence and are reclaiming their personal power. We are living both with—and beyond—the effects of trauma. To learn more about SAFE’s Peer Support program, contact the SAFEline by phone at 512.267.7233, by text at 737.888.7233, or online chat at safeaustin.org.” - SAFE Survivor Peer Support

SAFE Austin

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the largest national anti-sexual violence organization. They offer 24/7 support through their hotline, which can be accessed through calling 800.656.HOPE [4673], or by chatting on their website here. They also “work closely with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers to offer confidential support services to survivors regardless of where they are in their recovery.” - RAINN Programs and Expertise

They also provide information about the Laws in Your State (Texas), including the legal definitions of sexual assault, rape, consent, and the statute of limitations for your case.

Finally, they provide their general advice and resources for what to do After a Sexual Assault, including information about recovering and reporting.

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA), is a “statewide coalition of survivors, advocates, rape crisis centers, and allied professionals, committed to fostering a culture that respects the fundamental rights and dignity of all.”

Through their Crisis Center Locator, you can find your local crisis center, which will provide 24 hour support through hotlines, counseling, and other services.

They also provide great answers to frequently asked questions, including your options for next steps after experiencing a sexual assault. All of their recommendations can be reviewed here.

TAASA

RAINN