Victim Support Services

Victim Support Services

It can be traumatic to be the victim of a crime.  Feeling violated and vulnerable because someone has forcefully entered your private space and ransacked your personal belongings is an understandable reaction.  Fear that other types of crime will happen, anxiety, irritability, lack of sleep, and appetite problems are also common reactions.

If you have been the victim of a personal or property crime, support is available at any of the following locations:

On-Campus Support

Off-Campus Support

Sexual Assault Support Services

Newberry College is committed to creating a campus environment that will neither tolerate nor condone sexual violence. 

What to do if you are a victim of sexual violence:

• Find a friend for support.
• Get medical attention. A physical examination will help to assure that any injuries will be identified and treated and that sexually transmitted disease testing will be provided and followed up.
• Evidence may be obtained and kept in case the victim decides to pursue criminal charges. Do not bathe, shower, douche or change clothes before the exam.
• Report the crime. The decision to report is the victims. There are several ways to take action, criminal prosecution or through the college’s disciplinary system or both. Contact Campus Security or the Dean of Students.
• Seek counseling. Support through a trained counselor can help the victim understand and work through the trauma.
• The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for college disciplinary procedures following a report of rape or sexual assault between students. Both accuser and accused are entitled to have an advisor present at all hearings and proceedings. Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary hearing. Possible sanctions for being found guilty include but are not limited to, expulsion, probation, counseling and other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the hearing body. The victim's academic and living situation will be changed upon request if reasonably available.

If you are a victim of an off-campus assault, you should report this to the local police authority having jurisdiction. If you want assistance from the Campus Security Department with this process, a Newberry College Security Officer will accompany you upon request to the Newberry College Counselor.