Where to Go for Help

On Campus

Connect with support in our FGCU community.

Confidential Support

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 24 hour hotline: 239-745-EARS (3277)
Victim Advocate: 239-590-1243, kcascio@fgcu.edu

Additional Support

University Police Department: For emergency assistance call 911, to request an officer to talk to, call 239-590-9100
Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance: To report the incident, call 239-745-4366 or complete the following form.
Dean of Students Office: To report the incident, call 239-590-7900 or complete the following form.

Off Campus

Connect with support in the local Southwest Florida area. Choose an option that feels safest and most accessible.

Local Rape Crisis Center

Lee County: ACT (Abuse Counseling and Treatment) 24 hour hotline : 239-939- 3112. ACT performs evidentiary/forensic exams (within 72 hours is best), free STI testing, pregnancy prevention, and counseling. It is not necessary to report the assault to receive care. (Confidential)
Collier County: Project HELP 24 hr. Hotline: 239-262-7227. Project HELP will arrange for the free evidentiary exam (within 72 hours is best), STI testing, pregnancy prevention, and counseling. It is not necessary to report the assault to receive care. (Confidential)

911: Dial 911 for emergency response (police, EMS). They can help you get to an Emergency Room or to ACT (or the closest rape crisis center).

Campus Police: 239-590-1911
Collier County: 239-774-4434
Lee County: 239-477-1000
Charlotte County: 941-258-3900

Hospitals: Keep in mind that hospitals cannot provide forensic exams and to obtain a forensic exam you should contact one of the Rape Crisis Centers listed above.

Fort Myers (close to campus):

Gulf Coast Medical Center: (closest to campus) 13681 Doctors Way, Fort Myers (Directions from campus:Take 75 North to Daniels Parkway (Exit 131) toward Cape Coral/SW Florida International Airport. Keep left and make a left on Daniels Parkway. Turn left on Doctor's Way)
Lee Memorial: 2776 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers (Directions from campus: Turn right onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Turn left onto Alico Road. Turn right onto US 41. Hospital will be on left.)
Healthpark: 9981 S. Healthpark Dr., Fort Myers (Directions from campus: Turn right onto Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Turn left onto Alico Road. Turn right onto US 41. Turn left onto Gladiolus Dr. Take ramp to CR 869 and merge onto Summerline Rd. Turn right on Bass rd. Take the 1st left onto S. Healthpark Dr. Hospital will be on right.)

Cape Coral:

Cape Coral: 636 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral

Naples:

Physician’s Regional Hospital: 8300 Collier Blvd or 6101 Pine Ridge Rd.
NCH-North: 11190 Healthpark Blvd. or Downtown: 350 7th St. North
Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda: Fawcett Memorial Hospital- 21298 Olean Blvd., Port Charlotte OR Charlotte Regional Medical- 2500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte

How to Report a Rape

Am I required to report the rape?
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No, it is your decision if you want to report the rape.
Depending on your situation, you may have the option to report it twice: once through the Civil/Criminal process facilitated through the Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office and once through the FGCU Office of Student Conduct (if the alleged attacker is also a student).

Rapes allegedly committed by a Florida Gulf Coast University student can be reported and adjudicated by the Office of Student conduct. However, in cases of concurrent criminal prosecution, the University will likely wait for the criminal case to be concluded.

Keep in mind that if you want to report a rape, you have the choice to report it to the police, the Office of Student Conduct (if the incident involved another FGCU student), or both. File a report with the Office of Student Conduct or call (239) 590-7900.

Additionally, check out the Student Code of Conduct and the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.
Is there a time limit on reporting to the police?
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Florida state has a statute of limitations ranging from 3-4 years depending on the felony degree. However, to maximize the chances of an arrest and successful prosecution, it's important that you report as soon as possible after the rape to gather and preserve evidence. If you aren't sure what to do, it's better to report now and decide later. That way, the evidence is preserved should you decide to pursue prosecution.
What if I need time to think about whether I want to pursue prosecution?
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Understandably, many people aren't ready to make the decision about prosecution immediately after an attack. It's normal to want time to think about the decision and talk it over with friends and family.

If you think you might want to pursue prosecution, but haven't decided for sure, it is recommended that you make the police report right away; while the evidence is still present and your memory is still detailed. The district attorney will decide whether or not to pursue prosecution; however it is unusual for cases to proceed without the cooperation of the survivor. And if prosecution is pursued, the chance of success will be much higher if you reported, and had evidence collected, immediately after the attack.
Can I file a report even if I have no physical injuries?
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Yes. In fact, most rapes do not result in physical injuries. Therefore, the lack of such injuries should not deter you from reporting.

It's also important to get medical care and to be tested for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, even if you think you aren't injured. Keep in mind that rape can cause injuries, often internal, that aren't visible. Many hospitals have special equipment that can detect such hidden injuries.
The rapist got scared away before finishing the attack. Can I still report it?
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I knew the person who raped me and invited him/her in. Can I still report it?
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Do I have to go through the police interview alone?
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In most areas, a trained volunteer from your local rape crisis center can accompany you to the police interview. The volunteer can also answer your questions about the process and explain how it will work. There are two centers in the area, Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT) 239-939-3112 (Lee County) and Project Help 239-649-1404 (Collier County).
What's the interview process?
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In most cases, the police will come to you and take a statement about what occurred. It helps to write down every detail you can remember, as soon as possible, so you can communicate the details to the police.

In addition to taking a statement, police will collect physical evidence. Also, the rape crisis center may conduct an exam to collect hair, fluids, fibers and other evidence.

The police interview may take as long as several hours, depending on the circumstances of your case. Some questions will probably feel intrusive, and the officer will probably go over the details of your attack several times. The extensive questioning isn't because the police don't believe you; it is the officer's job to get every detail down precisely and to make the strongest possible case against your rapist.

Most local crisis centers have staff trained to help you through the reporting process. They can answer your questions and, if necessary, advocate on your behalf. There are two centers in the area, Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT) 239-939-3112 (Lee County) and Project Help 239-649-1404 (Collier County).
I'm afraid that if I report, I will regret it.
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I'm afraid that my actions will be scrutinized and I'll have to testify about intimate details of my personal life.
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Many successful prosecutions end in a plea agreement, without trial, which means that the survivor will not have to testify. However if your case does go to trial, you will generally have to testify. Although there are no guarantees, prosecutors have legal tools they can use to protect you in court. One tool is called a rape shield law, which limits what the defense can ask you about your prior sexual history. The prosecutor can also file legal motions to try to protect you from having to disclose personal information
If you are worried about having to testify about intimate matters such as your own sexual history, let the police or prosecutor know about your concerns. They can explain the laws in your state and help you understand what might happen if you do go to trial.
I'm afraid of getting in trouble.
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Sometimes survivors, particularly youth, are afraid of getting in trouble for doing something they weren't supposed to be doing when the assault took place, such as drinking or sneaking out.

While there’s a possibility that you can get in trouble, most authorities (and parents) will be understanding, particularly about minor infractions.
What if I decide not to report?
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