Serving Campus and the Community

319-335-6000 or 800-228-1625

Reporting Options

Report or Not Report:

You have experienced a sexual assault. This is likely a stressful and confusing time for you. Most victims are unsure of how to cope with the questions they have, the decisions they are faced with, and the reaction of others. One decision most victims face is whether or not to report the assault to the authorities.

Many victims:

• just want to try to put the assault behind them and go on with their life.
• worry about what will happen to themselves or the offender if a report is made.
• worry that they may be in trouble if the assault involved drugs or underage drinking.
• are confused or frightened by the legal process.
• are being pressured by family or friends to report.

We encourage you to contact an advocate from the Rape Victim Advocacy Program to assist you with all of your concerns.

Iowa law gives you the right to have an advocate/victim counselor throughout any medical, police and/or legal proceedings (Iowa Code §915.20) regarding the assault. The information shared with the RVAP advocate is confidential and protected by Iowa law (Iowa Code §915.20A).

University of Iowa Reporting Process

If you are part of the University of Iowa community (student, staff, or faculty) and experience a sexual assault, you have the option of reporting the assault to the University in addition to, or instead of, the police.

If you are unsure of the process or would like to discuss your options before making a report and maintain confidentiality contact:

The Rape Victim Advocacy Program (335-6000 or 800-228-1625)

University Counseling Service (335-7294)

Faculty and Staff Services (335-2085)

Office of the Ombudsperson (335-3608)

Limited confidentiality

Women's Resource and Action Center (335-1486)

Reporting to Law Enforcement:

• If you choose to report to law enforcement you can:
• Report the assault without filing a formal complaint
• Report the assault and make a formal complaint
• Have a third party report the assault
• Criminal investigations are greatly enhanced the sooner evidence is collected.
• Law enforcement has specialized trained personnel.
• Reports to law enforcement are made to the agency that has jurisdiction over the location where the assault occurred.
• The statue of limitations in Iowa to prosecute a sexual assault is 10 years.
• For more detailed information, see legal or reporting options.

The Rape Victim Advocacy Program is located at 332 S. Linn Street, Suite 100 (0279 LSB), Iowa City, IA 52240
Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm
Business Phone: 319-335-6001