Sexual Violence and Rape Prevention

This site provides information about what you can do and how you can find medical, legal, and psychological assistance if you are a victim of rape, attempted rape, or any other type of sexual violence. The information will also enable you to help a friend who has been victimized.

Against Your Will is Against the Law! Report Sexual Violence to the University Police

Sexual assault is a very serious concern on college campuses in this country, including California State University, Northridge.  The California State University, Northridge Department of Police Services wants you to report this crime.  We are your university police department and we care about your safety.  We pledge the following in exchange:

• We will meet with you privately, at a time and campus location of your choice, to take your report. We will treat you and your situation with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding and professionalism.  We will have a female officer available upon request whenever possible.

• Our police officers will not prejudge you, and you will not be blamed for what occurred.  If you are not sure if you wish for your case to go forward towards prosecution of your assailant, you may explore your options with us and decide at a later time.  You are not obligated for prosecution of your assailant simply because you have reported the crime to the CSUN police.  What you ultimately do is up to you!

• We will assist you in obtaining hospital treatment or other medical needs. We will assist you in contacting campus counseling services and arrange for emergency housing if need be.

• We will contact Paria Zandi, Campus Care Advocate, for confidential advocate support; after hours, weekends and holidays, we will contact Strength United, for sexual assault services, to provide you with a counselor if you wish. 

• We will fully investigate your case and will help you to achieve the best outcome.  This may involve the arrest and full prosecution of the suspect responsible.  You will be kept up-to-date on the progress of the investigation and/or prosecution.

• We will continue to be available to answer your questions, to explain the system and process involved (prosecutor, courts, etc.), and to be a listening ear if you wish.  We will also accompany you to court.

• We will consider your case seriously, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation; or the gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or status of the suspect.

• The University has designated the Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity as its campus Title IX Coordinator to monitor and oversee Title IX compliance relating to sexual harassment and sexual violence.  Your campus Title IX Coordinator can be reached at (818) 677-2077 and is available to explain and discuss your right to file a criminal complaint (sexual assault and violence); the University’s complaint and investigation process; how confidentiality is handled; available resources, both on and off campus; and other related matters. 

• If you prefer, you may contact Katie La Rue, Campus Care Advocate, for confidential advocate support at (818) 677-7492, or Strength United’s 24-hour hotline at (818) 886-0453 or (661) 253-0258 for anonymous and confidential discussion with a trained rape crisis advocate.  

What To Do if You Are a Victim of Sexual Violence

1. Get to a safe place and call 911. 
2. Preserve evidence of the incident-don't bathe, douche, or change your clothes if you have been raped or sodomized.
3. Contact someone for help and support. Remember, the University Counseling Services offers urgent care walk-in appointments. 
4. The CSUN Campus Care Advocate is a confidential resource that can provide support (Paria Zandi, (818) 677-7492). Strength United also provides rape crisis advocates to victims at no cost. 
5. Go to a hospital for medical care. You will be given a physical exam, baseline tests for sexually transmitted diseases and antibiotics to prevent bacterial STDs. You may also request Plan B to protect against pregnancy. Even if several days have gone by since the assault, it is still important to get medical care. Medical professionals are required to notify the police whenever they treat a rape victim, but the decision to make a formal police report is still yours. 
6. If you decide not to go to the police immediately, write down all the details of the assault and save them in case you wish to report the assault to police at a later time.
7. Contact CSUN’s Title IX Coordinator who manages the Rights and Options for Victims of Sexual Violence, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking to discuss available resources to you as a member of the university community. 
8. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline which is operated by RAINN 24-hours a day for free confidential counseling 800-656-HOPE (4673) . Seek counseling, information and legal assistance from a rape treatment center. 
9. Know that it is never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, you can still get help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later. Take advantage of the resources provided to you as a student.

Acquaintance Rape: The Silent Epidemic

Acquaintance rape is a problem of epidemic proportions nationwide, particularly among college students. Most studies indicate that anywhere between 60% and 80% of all reported rapes may be classified as acquaintance rape. As a result of these statistics, this booklet has been prepared in an effort to provide students with information as to what constitutes rape, what the male and female attitudes are on this subject, how this particular type of rape can be avoided through better communication between the sexes, and preventive safety measures. Sexual violence can happen to anyone, including same-sex acquaintances. READ Acquaintance Rape: The Silent Epidemic.

Sexual Violence Prevention Committee 

The Sexual Violence Prevention Committee is charged with responsibility of conducting annual review of the campus Sexual Assault Policy. The committee also coordinates campus prevention education programs designated to promote awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sexual crimes. For further information please contact the Office of Equity and Diversity at (818) 677-2077.

If you are a victim of acquaintance rape, get the help and support you need to cope with the effects of the assault and heal from the trauma you have suffered.