Carnegie Mellon

Reporting an Assault

Whether or not a survivor reports a sexual assault can be a difficult decision and is up to the individual. There are options both on and off campus if the survivor chooses to report the incident. A Sexual Assault Advisor is always available to discuss these options at any point in the process. Talking with a Sexual Assault Advisor is confidential and does not constitute a report.

Reporting to the University Police
Regardless of where the assault occurs, if both parties involved in the incident are members of the Carnegie Mellon community, action can be taken within the campus disciplinary system. Sexual Assault Advisors are available to answer any questions or concerns about this process.

• To begin the process, the survivor would make a report to University Police. A Sexual Assault Advisor can accompany the survivor to make the report if the survivor chooses. Both female and male officers should be available to take the report if a survivor would feel more comfortable with one or the other. Filing a report does not mandate that the survivor pursue disciplinary charges.
• University Police will generate a report and begin an investigation. University Police reports involving sexual assault are classified as confidential and are not made available to the Tartan or any non-essential party.  Depending on the circumstances, University Police will create a campus crime and safety alert in consultation with the survivor and consistent with their wishes.
• The Director of Student Life and the Coordinator of Community Standards will review the investigation reports and contact the survivor. The survivor will direct the course of disciplinary action taken in the case. The survivor may chose not to pursue disciplinary action or to utilize the disciplinary process as outlined in THE WORD.
• Non-disciplinary options including a no contact agreement are available on campus through the Student Life Office. The survivor may also request that the Dean of Student Affairs meets with the alleged perpetrator. Sexual Assault Advisors are available to discuss details about any of these procedures.

In order to begin this process, a survivor may contact any of the following:

• A Sexual Assault Advisor
• Office of the Dean of Student Affairs: 412-268-2075
• University Police: 412-268-2323

Office of Community Standards: 412-268-2142

A complete outline of the university’s disciplinary procedures can be found in THE WORD ONLINE. This process is confidential, and may result in action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the university for the offender.

Reporting to the City of Pittsburgh Police
Survivors who want to pursue legal action should be medically examined as soon as possible after the assault. At the hospital, the City of Pittsburgh Police will be called to question the survivor. Initially, an investigation and filing of charges will take place. Based on the evidence collected, the process can include a preliminary hearing and, if determined by the court, a final hearing of the case. A Sexual Assault Advisor or a Legal Advocate from the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) can explain the legal process completely before a survivor needs to make decisions as to how to proceed. Survivors can pursue action both through the university and Pittsburgh Police.

In order to begin the legal process, as survivor may contact any of the following:

• A Sexual Assault Advisor
• Office of the Dean of Student Affairs: 412-268-2075
• University Police: 412-268-2323
• Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR):
• Pittsburgh Police Sexual Assault Investigative Branch: 412-323-7141