Your safety is our primary concern. We urge you to do the following if you have been sexually assaulted -- get to a safe place and get medical attention as soon as possible.

You can go to Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center where a free medical exam will be conducted and evidence can be collected for use later if you so choose. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and other medical staff can detect injuries and offer help regarding concerns of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy as a result of the sexual assault. You can get this medical exam done confidentially, without reporting to law enforcement. If you choose to, you may follow the steps below to facilitate matters.

  • Do not shower, bathe, douche, or brush your teeth if you have not already.
  • Keep the clothing you were wearing. If you have already changed clothes but have not washed them, put each clothing item in a separate clean paper bag, plastic bags are discouraged.
  • Photograph any visible injuries you have.
  • Call and speak to a counselor at the Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center if you are unsure of what to do.

Physical evidence of the sexual assault, like clothing and sheets, can also be turned over to the medical staff at Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center (and it will be stored in the event you want to make a police report in the future). Sexual assault forensic kits and evidence collected from Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center will be stored for a period of 90 days if the crime is not going to be reported.

You may also receive post sexual assault medical treatment at no expense from the Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center for acute care (within 72 hours of the sexual assault) and non-acute care (beyond 72 hours of the sexual assault).

Sexual assault victims who are under 18 years old should make a report directly to the Miami-Dade Police Department instead of using the anonymous report form on this website.

What Should I Do If I Was Recently Sexually Assaulted on Campus?

  1. As soon as possible after the assault has occurred, CALL your Campus Public Safety Department. They will notify local police authorities upon your request. You may request anonymity to the extent practicable and permitted by law.
  2. Because physical evidence is of utmost importance to help establish proof of criminal assault:
    • Do not change your clothing.
    • Do not clean your body or clothing.
    • Do not disturb or alter the crime scene or area.
  3. You will be advised to go to the Rape Treatment Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital for a medical examination and treatment of physical injuries. Emotional counseling is available at the Rape Treatment Center or you may choose to see a private counselor.
  4. Upon request, all victims of sexual assault will be provided the opportunity to change their academic schedule.

How Can I Help If a Sexual Assault Occurs to Someone Else on Campus?

  • Call the Public Safety Department on your campus if you witness the assault.
  • Do not blame the survivor. Understand that it is not the person's fault.
  • Let the person talk about the incident without forcing a discussion.
  • Know that shame and guilt are normal reactions to sexual assault.
  • Be supportive and encourage friends to report abuse.

What is the College Silent Witness Report?

The MDC Silent Witness report provides an opportunity for a witness (or a victim) of assault or any other suspicious/dangerous behavior occurring on or off campus to complete an online anonymous report. The online form is received by the Miami Dade College Public Safety Department location as designated on the form. When the form is received, the identity of the sender is displayed as "anonymous" and cannot be traced. However, if the person sending the form wishes to provide contact information, it can be noted under the last question, "Optional Contact Information." All information will be kept confidential unless you indicate otherwise.

Who Will See the College Silent Witness Report?

Silent Witness reports filled out through this website are seen by the Miami Dade College Public Safety Departments and, as needed, Miami Dade College Leadership. No attempts will be made to identify or contact the Silent Witness who makes an anonymous report unless a clear identifiable pattern arises and the Silent Witness has left a contact number or email address, or the College has reason to believe the Silent Witness or others may be in danger.

Why Complete a College Silent Witness Report?

Many sexual assault victims are unwilling to report to the police for a variety of reasons. Often, the victim does not want to report right away because they are uncertain about the reactions of family, friends, and others they may speak to about it. A few days, weeks, or months later, when the picture becomes clearer to them, a victim may want to report to law enforcement. Submitting an anonymous, online report to Public Safety may help victims take a first step in the reporting process, making it easier to come forward later if they choose. It is never too late to report to law enforcement and/or appropriate College officials.

Anonymous reports have been able to reveal trends in sexual assault by identifying a common suspect, location of concern, or other common denominator. Some victims are ONLY interested in notifying authorities of a potential harm in the community or sharing the facts of a sexual assault and they have no plans to ever make a formal report to law enforcement. This report allows for that.

Additionally, victims of sexual violence should know that there are free medical and counseling resources available within the community, whether they report to law enforcement or not. You may want to take advantages of these resources as well.