RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Support and referrals for people affected by sexual violence and those supporting them. Online support is also available.
800-656-HOPESupport, on your terms
Support for
Survivors
You deserve care, safety, and someone who will listen. You do not need to have the right words, be certain what to call an experience, or make every decision today.
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Start where you are
Someone can help you through the next step.
These services can help with distress, sexual violence, safety planning, and finding support. Ask each service about confidentiality and any limits before sharing identifying information.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 in the United States for support with emotional distress or a mental health crisis. You do not need to be suicidal to reach out.
Call 988StopHazing
Information about recognizing hazing, its impact, and prevention. For immediate safety concerns, contact emergency services or a support provider.
Explore hazing resources ↗Local support
Madison & Wisconsin resources.
You can ask about support even if you are unsure about reporting to police or the university. Service availability and eligibility vary.
Sexual Violence Resource Center
Formerly the Rape Crisis Center, this local organization offers advocacy and support for people affected by sexual violence. Visit its site for current service and helpline information.
Find local advocacyUniversity Health Services
UW students can find Survivor Services, mental health care, and medical care through UHS. Ask about confidential services, eligibility, and appointments.
Visit UHS Survivor ServicesWisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Find a Wisconsin sexual assault service provider and learn about advocacy and support options across the state.
Find Wisconsin supportYour health matters
Medical care can protect your health and your options.
Seek urgent care for injuries, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, suspected poisoning, or other immediate concerns. Call 911 when you need emergency help.
After sexual assault, a clinician or advocate can explain medical treatment, forensic examination options, and any time-sensitive care. Ask about injury treatment, infection prevention, and emergency contraception when relevant to your situation. You can ask what can be done even if you have already washed, changed clothes, or some time has passed.
If you think you may want to preserve evidence, keep original messages and records. A medical provider or advocate can explain how to preserve clothing or other physical items without delaying needed care.
You do not need to use this website or share your story publicly to ask for help.
Find UW survivor care and referrals ↗Choose what comes next
Support does not require one particular path.
Advocacy & support
An advocate can explain options, help with safety planning, and accompany you through services. Ask about confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and what information is recorded.
Find an advocateUniversity resources
A campus provider can explain support, academic or housing concerns, and reporting routes. Confidential care and a university conduct report are different services.
Explore campus supportOfficial reporting routes
If you choose to report hazing or share information about this investigation, the action page links to official university and police routes.
Find reporting options
This archive is not a crisis service. It does not
receive confidential reports or provide clinical or legal advice.
Contact a service provider directly for support. If you are outside
the United States, use your local emergency number and local support
services.
Different experiences deserve support
More places to turn.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
Support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives affected by domestic, dating, or sexual violence. Call 844-762-8483 or visit the service website.
Visit StrongHeartsThe Trevor Project
Crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people. Use the provider’s website for current phone, text, and chat options.
Find supportDoD Safe Helpline
Sexual assault support for members of the Department of Defense community. Call 877-995-5247 or visit online.
Visit Safe HelplineIf someone tells you
Listen. Believe their need for care. Let them choose.
Thank them for trusting you. Ask what would help right now. You can offer to stay with them, find an advocate, or help arrange care without demanding details or deciding their next steps for them.
Avoid asking why they joined, stayed, drank, or did not leave. Do not publish their identity, contact the accused on their behalf, or share their story without permission.
When there is an immediate safety emergency, seek urgent help. Otherwise, support the person’s choices about care, reporting, and public disclosure.