You are not alone. We’re here for you.
No matter your experience, you deserve support, understanding, and safety. Penn State is committed to walking with you—providing confidential resources, advocacy, accommodations, and connections to help you heal and move forward.
Confidential Support When You Need It
If you’ve experienced harm—or are worried about a friend—you can talk with a confidential advocate to get emotional support, explore options, and identify next steps that feel right for you. Advocates listen without judgment and help you regain a sense of safety and control.
Sexual Violence and Assault
Sexual violence and assault can take many forms and can impact a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and sense of safety. Support is available for students seeking care, information, or guidance—whether the experience is recent or occurred in the past, and whether or not they choose to report.
Taking Action at Your Own Pace
Everyone’s situation is different, and there is no single “right” way to respond when something doesn’t feel right. Taking action can mean setting a boundary, talking with someone you trust, seeking confidential support, or choosing not to act right away. What matters most is that you make choices based on your needs, your safety, and your comfort level—support is available whenever you’re ready.
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If you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs urgent support, getting help right away is important. Emergency services and crisis support options are available to help ensure safety and provide care in the moment—no matter the time of day.
- Get to a safe space.
- If you are in immediate danger do not hesitate and call 911.
- If you have been hurt, go to your nearest emergency department.
- At University Park that is Mount Nittany Medical Center or Penn Highlands State College.
- Connect with a support service for guidance.
- R-VOICE Center is available for all students during business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Complete an online intake form, call 814-863-2027, or email r-voice@psu.edu for guidance.
- Centre Safe has a 24/7 hotline with confidential counselor advocates.
- Call 1-877-234-5050 toll free. TTY service is available at 814-272-0660.
- R-VOICE Center is available for all students during business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
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If you have experienced sexual assault, evidence collection exams are available to help preserve options for the future. These exams are voluntary, trauma-informed, and centered on your comfort and choice—you may complete all, some, or none of the exam. You do not have to decide about reporting to receive an evidence collection exam.
University Health Services provides a variety of exams in a safe and supportive environment. If you are considering a forensic evidence exam to preserve evidence know that time may be factor. Evidence collection options may include:
- Forensic Evidence Collection Exam: Collects physical evidence that may be used if you choose to report now or later.
- Non-Forensic Evidence Collection Exam: Records physical injuries that may support future reporting or legal options and checks for sexually transmitted infections.
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University Health Services provides confidential, trauma-informed medical care for students following sexual assault. Students can choose which services they want and may receive care whether or not they decide to report.
Care available through University Health Services includes:
- Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment
- Pregnancy testing
- Emergency contraception
- Gynecological exams and follow-up care
Medical providers explain each option before care is provided and prioritize student comfort, consent, and choice throughout the visit.
University Health Services does not conduct forensic evidence collection exams. Students who wish to obtain a forensic evidence collection exam, sometimes called a Sexual Assault Response Team exam, can seek care at Mount Nittany Medical Center or Penn Highlands Healthcare. These options are outlined in the section below on understanding exam choices.
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The R-VOICE Center offers confidential support for students navigating any part of the survivor experience. Advocates provide a safe space to talk, help students understand options, and offer guidance across medical care, academic concerns, reporting choices, and personal safety—always centering the student’s needs, autonomy, and timeline.
Reproductive Health Resources
We believe in reducing barriers for students to access reproductive health resources and support. Staff in the R-VOICE Center and University Health Services are available to help you navigate options with compassion and judgement free.
Stalking and Harassment
Stalking and harassment involve repeated or unwanted behaviors that cause fear, distress, or disruption to daily life. These behaviors can happen in person or through digital spaces, and support is available to help students understand their options, improve safety, and access care and resources.
Dating and Domestic Violence
Domestic and dating violence can include patterns of control, intimidation, emotional abuse, or physical harm within a relationship. These experiences can affect safety, well-being, and daily life, and support is available to help students explore options, strengthen safety, and access care—on their own terms and timeline.
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Domestic Violence includes crimes of violence committed against a victim by:
- a current or former spouse
- a person with whom the victim shares a child
- a person who is or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse
- a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim
- any other person against whom the victim is protected under Pennsylvania’s domestic and family violence laws.
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Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship will be based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length and type of relationship and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
Creating a Supportive Space for Someone Impacted
If someone you know shares that they’ve experienced harm, your response can make a meaningful difference. Creating a supportive space means listening without judgment, believing their experience, and helping them feel safe and in control of their next steps. You do not need to have all the answers—simply being present, patient, and compassionate goes a long way. R-VOICE advocates can also help you learn how to offer support while caring for your own well-being.
