Health & Counseling Services

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Health Center

Counseling Center

Office of Sexual Assault Prevention

Sexual and Domestic Violence Resources and Information

The Evergreen State College will not tolerate sexual violence, including rape, sexual harassment or sexual assault. Sexual violence can include any form of actual or attempted sexual activity perpetrated upon a person without that person's consent. This includes both sexual behavior coerced through physical or verbal threats, force or other forms of manipulation and sexual behavior when one person cannot give consent due to incapacitation. Such activities are against the law and are a direct violation of the College's Student Conduct Code, specifically the sections related to harassment/physical harm and/or the Sexual Harassment. When violations are believed to have occurred, disciplinary action can be pursued.

If you have experienced a sexual assault

The following information offers suggestions and options if you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted. Rape will be referred to as sexual assault throughout this document.  

  • If you are in danger, call 9-911 immediately.
  • Call the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention at 360-867-5221 to speak with an advocate:or
  • Call Safeplace 24 hr. crisis/advocacy line: 360-754-6300
  • Call the Coalition Against Sexual Violence student group at 360-867-6749

Immediately after an assault, it is most important that the victim find a safe place, such as a neighbor or friend’s housing, a police station, or hospital. If the assault occurred in the residence, the residence should be secured as soon as possible by locking all the doors and windows. If a survivor is hurt, it is imperative to either immediately dial 911 to request an ambulance or have a trusted friend or relative transport the survivor to the nearest medical facility for evaluation and treatment.

Medical Options

It is important to be checked for physical injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and pregnancy. In spite of a strong and natural desire to clean up, in the interest of evidence preservation, it is best that you do not do so.

If you proceed with medical attention, it is suggested that you do not do the following:

  • Shower, bathe, or use hygiene products;
  • Throw away any clothes that were worn at the time of the assault - if you wish to change clothes put all items worn during assault in a brown paper bag to preserve evidence, (Avoid using a plastic bag as it can destroy chemical composition needed for testing);
  • Brush or comb hair;
  • Use the restroom;
  • Brush teeth or gargle;
  • Clean or straighten up the crime scene;
  • Eat or drink anything.
  • For accurate testing results, it is important to get a rape exam within 72 hours; the sooner the better.
  • If you think you have been drugged with any date rape drug, you will need to tell the hospital this so that they can test for these drugs.

While College Health Services can provide STI, HIV and pregnancy testing, they do not offer Sexual Assault Exams.

Local hospitals providing legal rape exams

  • St. Peter (413 Lilly Road, 493-7289)
  • Group Health (700 Lilly Road, 456-1700 - members only)

If you would like the College's assistance in accessing a Sexual Assault Exam, Health Services will contact The Office of Sexual Assault Prevention to assist in providing transportation to St. Peter’s Hospital or you may contact the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention directly. St. Peter’s has trained Sexual Assault Exam Nurses on staff 24/7 to provide victim sensitive services. For more information about a Sexual Assault exam, please click here:

Upon arrival at St. Peter’s the emergency room staff will work with any survivor to ensure the best possible care during a hospital visit. An advocate from our local community Sexual Assault Service agency: Safeplace, will be called to support you.

State law requires the Crime Victims' Compensation program to pay the costs of sexual-assault examinations whether a crime is reported or not. A sexual-assault victim does not need to file a claim with the Crime Victims' Compensation program to be eligible for this benefit.

St. Peter’s Hospital maintains a Jane Doe reporting option which allows survivors to have a complete Rape Kit without informing law enforcement.

If you decide to file a police report later and have not had a rape exam to collect evidence, it may be very difficult to convict your assailant. If you are 18 or older, the results of your rape exam will not be released to the police without your written consent. If you are under 18, the hospital is required by law to report that a rape has occurred. It is your choice whether or not you answer the questions the police ask you. However, without your cooperation, it is highly unlikely that the case will be prosecuted.

Legal and Campus Reporting Options

The decision to report a sexual assault lies within the discretion of the survivor.

If a survivor wishes to access services, but is unsure of whether they would like to lodge a criminal report, they may contact the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention at 360-867-5221. O.S.A.P services are entirely confidential and O.S.A.P will not report the incident to law enforcement without the consent of the survivor.

Legal Reporting Options

If you would like to report a sexual assault, contact the police or sheriff’s department for the jurisdiction where the assault occurred.

Contact information for local and campus departments

  • Campus Police Services - Seminar 2150, 867-6140 An officer taking a report will thoroughly investigate the allegations and depending on the outcome, will make an arrest and/or forward the information to the Thurston County Prosecutor. The officer will notify the Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator as soon as possible. The coordinator will ask if you wish to have a professional advocate present during evidentiary questioning and for on-going support. If the accused is identified, a report will be filed with the Thurston County Sheriff’s office. When a campus police report is filed, the Grievance Officer is notified and will meet with you to discuss your grievance options if you wish.
  • Thurston County Sheriff - Courthouse Complex, Building 3: Call 911 or 786-5500 if the assault happens off-campus within the county.
  • Lacey Police Department, 420 College SE: Call 911 or 459-4333
  • Olympia Police Department, 900 Plum Street SE: Call 911 or 753-8300 if the assault happens off-campus in the city.
  • Tumwater Police Department, 555 Israel Rd SE: Call 911 or 754-4200.
  • Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator - 867-5221 M-W between 9am and 5pm and Police Services (867-6140) after hours. Even if you decide that you don’t want to contact the police or are unsure what you want to do, call to discuss your options. The coordinator will provide support and assistance with making choices and seeking help. If for some reason you cannot reach the Office, call Safeplace's, 24/hour line to speak with a professional advocate in the community: 360-754-6300.

Campus Reporting Options and Process

Survivors of sexual assault are strongly encouraged to use both the campus grievance process, sexual harassment complaint process, and the criminal justice system in pursuing action against the alleged assailant.

The Evergreen State College is committed to providing students with an environment conducive to the pursuit of knowledge. Admission to the College carries with it the presumption that students will conduct themselves as responsible members of the community and refrain from actions that would endanger the health, welfare, or safety of others. Conduct constituting sexual violence, such as rape, sexual or physical assault, stalking or sexual harassment, will not be tolerated. Students who commit sexual offenses of any form can be prosecuted under Washington State Criminal Code (RCW Chapter 9A) and/or disciplined under the College’s Student Conduct Code (WAC174-120) and/or Sexual Harassment Policy.

If the alleged assailant is a student, the survivor is encouraged to meet with the Campus Grievance Officer and/or Civil Rights Officer to file a written complaint. A written complaint allows the Grievance Officer and/or Civil Rights Officer to initiate an investigation. The Grievance Officer and/or Civil Rights Officer will treat such a complaint with high priority and will conduct a fair and impartial investigation. Both parties will have the opportunity to tell their side of the event.

Who to contact

  • The Grievance Officer - Complaints regarding violation of rules of conduct by Evergreen students should be directed to the Campus Grievance Office (360) 867-6891. These complaints will be processed in accordance with the College Governance and Grievance procedures. For more complete information concerning the judicial process, rights of the student who is the subject of the complaint, rights of the student bringing forward the complaint, and possible sanctions, click here. In the case of an alleged sexual assault, the student bringing the complaint forward has the right to be notified about the outcome of the judicial hearing and any sanctions imposed. There is no established time frame for filing a complaint; however survivors are urged to file a complaint as soon as possible. Sexual Misconduct/Assault allegations are covered under Harm/Harassment in the Student Conduct Code.
  • College Civil Rights Officer - The campus Civil Rights Officer is responsible for enforcing the college's commitment to promote, maintain and encourage a learning and work environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment. Sexual assault is considered a form of sexual harassment. A person who believes that they have been harassed or subject to discriminatory treatment within the Evergreen Community because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, pregnancy or veteran status, or has been retaliated against for participating in such a complaint process, is urged to utilize the complaint procedures provided by the college through the Civil Rights Office. The current Civil Rights Officer is Nicole Ack, Library, Room 3238, (360) 867-5371, TTY (360) 867-6695, ackn@evergreen.edu.

Additional Campus Options

You are encouraged and welcome to contact or pursue any of the following:

  • Housing staff - (See Resource List for telephone #s): can provide support and work with you to develop a plan to assure your safety and support. Residential Advisors receive annual training from the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention regarding sexual violence disclosure. The Director of Housing is available to help with housing relocation requests as well.
  • Campus Temporary No Contact Order: The Campus Grievance Officer (867-5052) can impose a Temporary No Contact Order on any and all parties involved in a harassment/assault complaint during an investigation. This is not a legally binding order but a violation of this order will result in campus disciplinary action.
  • The Vice-President for Student Affairs - Library 3236, 867-6296: can impose an emergency suspension that results in an immediate eviction from housing and a temporary ban from campus. The Vice President for Student Affairs or his designee, will determine if an all-campus bulletin is appropriate and, whenever possible, consult with the survivor about content and composition of the bulletin.
  • Academic Needs: If you would like to discuss changes to your academic program or request accomodations, please contact Sara Martin, Director of Academic Advising at: 360-867-6312, or First People's Advising at: 360-867-6467.

Emotional Support Options

Emotional support is an essential part of the healing and response process. You are encouraged to seek support from a friend, faculty, family member, peer advocate, Safeplace advocate, Housing Resident Assistant (RA), Housing Resident Director (RD), advisor from First People’s Advising Services or anyone you trust for immediate and/or long term support.

  • The Office of Sexual Assault Prevention can provide brief, advocacy-based counseling for survivors. In order to access this counseling a survivor can make an appointment Monday-Wednesday, by calling 867-5221. O.S.A.P can also make referrals for free, ongoing therapy for survivors in the community.
  • Counseling Center - Seminar 4126, 867-6800 - Counseling services are provided by the Evergreen State College Counseling Services staff. They provide counseling for crisis and healing, as well as referral to agencies off campus, when applicable. Counseling Services are available (when the college is in session) Monday -Thursday, 8am- 5pm, and Fridays, 8am- 3pm. Walk-in hours for crisis are available Monday-Friday from 11 am- noon.
  • Safeplace Rape Relief/Women’s Shelter Services - 754-6300, TDD Safeplace Crisis Line workers and advocates are available 24 hours a day and are specially trained to help survivors through all phases of recovery, including medical treatment and the legal system. Safeplace can also provide you with confidential shelter for women and children. Male advocates are available upon request.
  • Crisis Clinic – 586-2800, TDD 754-2818. The Crisis Clinic is available to provide referrals to counseling, emergency housing, medical needs and legal support.

Resources: On and Off-Campus

Seeking help or confiding in someone about being sexually violated can be difficult, particularly if the perpetrator was someone you knew and trusted. There are many resources on campus and in the community who want to help you.

On-Campus Resources

  • Counseling Center 867-6800
  • Emergency Contact through Police Services 867-6140
  • Dean of Student and Academic Support Services 867-6034
  • First Peoples Advising 8
  • Access Services Students with Disabilities 867-6348
    TTY(for the hearing impaired) 867-6834
  • 67-6467
  • Grievance Officer 867-5052
  • Health Center 867-6200
  • Housing 867-6132
    TTY 867-6694
    *During non-business hours, contact Police Services to contact an on-duty Resident Director
  • Police Services -
    24 Hours 867-6140
    TTY 867-6696
  • Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator 867-5221
  • Civil Rights Officer (Sexual Harassment Complaints) 867-5371
  • Tacoma Campus 867-6602
    *Contact the Tacoma Police Department to report a sexual assault
  • Tribal Based Program 867-6020
  • Vice President for Student Affairs 867-6296

Student Groups

  • Evergreen Queer Alliance 867-6544
  • Coalition Against Sexual Violence 867-6749
  • Women of Color Coalition 867-6006
  • Women's Resource Center 867-6162
    *Additional student groups are listed here..

Off-Campus Resources


*Unless otherwise stated, the listed hospitals provide legal rape exams and advocacy.

Additional Legal Points

Regardless of whether or not the alleged assailant is a student, the survivor is encouraged to explore legal avenues for criminal action. Sexual violence, like other serious criminal offenses, is considered a crime against the State. Therefore, the prosecutor acts on behalf of the State and not directly on the survivor’s behalf. The survivor becomes a major witness for the prosecution. Usually the prosecutor will want to interview the survivor to verify the accuracy of the police report, obtain additional information, and explain the judicial process. There is a Crime Victim Witness Coordinator in the Prosecutor’s Office (360-786-5540) who can assist with paperwork, explain what could occur, offer emotional support while using the legal system, inform the survivor of available financial and emotional support options, and make referrals. If the State decides not to prosecute, the survivor has the right to a complete explanation of how and why this decision is made.

The Washington State Justice System is the only legal recourse students have if the assault happens off campus, unless the assault occurred during a college sponsored activity and/or ongoing, connected problems occur on campus or at college sponsored events off campus. The Office of Sexual Assault Prevention or Safeplace can provide you with advocates who are specially trained to help sexual assault survivors make informed decisions while going through the legal system.

There is a Crime Victim Witness Coordinator at the Thurston County Prosecutor’s office who can also provide you with assistance. This office will determine whether or not they will pursue your case based on the amount of evidence present and chances of conviction. The College’s counseling and medical support systems are always available to students.

Court orders

An "Order of Protection" (as it is called in Washington State) is a special legal order available to victims of harassment, sexual or domestic violence. It orders that the person who has been committing the acts of violence to be restrained from further acts of assault or threats.

In the legal documents that are used in the case, the people involved are called:

Petitioner – the person who is asking for the order for protection. The petitioner is usually the victim of domestic violence, but can be the victim’s parent or legal guardian.

Respondent – the abuser, the person you are filing the order against.

Who can get one?
  • Anyone who has been physically, emotionally or sexually abused.
  • Anyone who has been stalked-repeatedly or harassed to the point of being terrorized, intimidated or threatened.
What Protection Does The Order Provide?

An Order for Protection can:

  • Order that the Respondent is restrained from committing acts of domestic violence
  • Exclude Respondent from Petitioner’s residence or residence shared by the petitioner and respondent
  • Prohibit Respondent from harassment, stalking, and/or contacting the petitioner (on the street, by mail, email, text, by telephone, at school, at work)
  • Award temporary custody of minor children to one parent, establish temporary visitation
  • Order Respondent to participate in treatment or counseling
  • Prohibit Respondent from removing the children from the jurisdiction of the court
  • Order the Respondent to pay for the administrative court costs and service fees and to reimburse petitioner for costs incurred in bringing the action
  • Order the Respondent to surrender weapons and concealed weapons permit if a weapon was used in the incident

An order for Protection may be obtained at the Thurston County Courthouse:
2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Olympia, WA 98502.