The recent sexual assault of woman on campus has reiterated the need for police and campus sexual assault services for the ongoing problem of rape.

On Oct. 9, at about midnight, an unidentified woman said a man she knew sexually assaulted her in Thomas Hall, a police report said.

Though the report was filed, no charges will be filed, said Adam Due, chief public safety officer. He said the woman wanted to make police aware of the situation, but did not want to take the case any further.

Due said the victim knew the offender, did not seek medical attention and police were not aware of any alcohol use.

Tom Edwards, president of the board for Sexual Assault Crisis and Information Center, said going to police is one option sexual assault victims have, but victims who feel they need help should call professional help lines in their area after an assault.

Students who are victims of a sexual assault can call the SACIS crisis hotline 24-hours a day, 365 days a week, he said. The hotline has trained volunteers that can offer professional advice, information and counseling that roommates or friends may not be able to provide.

“Everything is completely confidential,” Edwards said. “We are required by law to not give any information to anybody.”

Victims of a sexual assault have several options, including going to the hospital, getting counseling and going to police. However, he said hotline volunteers will never force a person to take any certain action.

“When they call, the victims call the shots,” he said. “The victims are in charge of everything.

“We’re here to help you make the best decision possible.”

In the recent campus assault, the victim knew her offender, which Edwards said happens in 80 percent of sexual assault cases.

Though assault is never the victims’ fault, regardless of the situation or circumstances, Edwards said women can take steps to prevent assaults from strangers or acquaintances.

Edwards encourages women to take self defense classes, educate themselves, carry noisemakers or pepper spray, walk with confidence when out late at night and trust their gut instincts.

“Education is the best thing you can do,” he said.

“Educate yourself about your risk and sexual assault period … girls have no idea how at risk they are. No one wants to be paranoid, but you should be educated.”

Also, he said drinking responsibly can be a great defense against assault. No one should ever leave drinks unattended, even nonalcoholic drinks, he said.

“The most common sexual assault drug is still alcohol and always will be,” he said.

The SACIS volunteer number is 1-888-345-2846 and the office number is 345-2846. Both numbers provide 24-hour assistance to victims crisis and ongoing counseling is free.