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If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault on campus, support can start with medical care, a confidential advocate, counseling, school accommodations, safety help, or simply getting information. You do not have to report to police—or decide what to do next—before asking what help is available. Options and confidentiality rules vary by campus, so you can ask about them before sharing details.

Choose the kind of help you need right now

There is no single right path. Some survivors want medical care; others want to talk, understand their options, make a report, or take time before deciding. You can contact more than one resource, and seeking health care, counseling, or school support does not by itself require filing a police report.

If you need… Consider contacting… What to ask
Medical attention Student health center or a local sexual-assault service provider What care is available, how soon it can be provided, and whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
Someone to talk with privately A campus survivor advocate, if available, or a local sexual-assault service provider Whether the conversation is confidential and whether the advocate must share information with anyone.
Emotional or mental-health support Campus counseling or mental-health services What support is offered and what, if anything, the office is required to report.
Changes at school Campus Title IX coordinator or office What academic, housing, counseling, or safety measures may fit your circumstances.
Immediate safety concerns Campus safety, housing staff, or local emergency assistance if there is an immediate emergency What steps can help you feel safer now, and what information you need to provide.
Information without choosing a campus route RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline Ask about support, referrals, or information about state laws.

RAINN recommends identifying these campus and local routes in advance when feasible, so contact information is easier to find if you need it.

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How to find a campus contact and understand privacy

Look on your school’s official website for its Title IX coordinator or office, student health center, counseling services, campus safety, housing office, and any survivor advocacy program. Procedures and services differ between institutions.

#1 Best Overall
HOOTIE Personal Safety Alarm for Women, Men and Kids — 130dB Personal Alarm Keychain, Pull Pin Safety Alarm Keychain with Strobe Light, Self-Defense Alarm for Campus, Travel and Running — Navy
  • 130dB PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM — AS LOUD AS A POWER SAW: HOOTIE's 130dB siren and bright flashing strobe light are designed to attract attention instantly in an emergency. One of the loudest personal safety alarms available — compact enough to carry daily, powerful enough to be heard from a significant distance.
  • PULL-PIN PERSONAL ALARM FOR SELF-DEFENSE — WORKS IN SECONDS: Pull the pin and the alarm activates instantly. No buttons, no screen, no unlock sequence. A personal alarm for self-defense and personal security that activates single-handed — designed to work fast in a stressful moment when you cannot afford hesitation.
  • SAFETY ALARM KEYCHAIN — CLIP IT ON AND CARRY IT EVERYWHERE: Attach HOOTIE to your keys, bag, backpack, or belt loop and keep it within reach at all times. Lightweight enough for daily wear. Designed for commuting, night running, campus life, solo travel, and late-evening walks — a safety alarm keychain that is always there when you need it.
  • NO CHARGING EVER — NEVER FAILS BECAUSE YOU FORGOT TO PLUG IT IN: Unlike rechargeable personal alarms, HOOTIE runs on standard CR2032 batteries — available in any pharmacy or convenience store worldwide. No charging cable. No dead battery when you need it most. A personal security device that is always ready, whether it has been in your bag for three days or three months.
  • PERSONAL SAFETY DEVICE FOR WOMEN, SENIORS AND SOLO TRAVELERS: Designed for women, older adults, students, runners, commuters, and anyone who spends time alone. Simple enough for elderly users with no complicated controls. TSA-friendly for international travel. A reliable personal safety device that works the same way every time — just pull the pin.

Before describing what happened, you can ask an office what it keeps confidential, whether staff have reporting obligations, and what happens to information you share. A confidential advocate may be available, but not every campus has one. Do not assume that every school office has the same privacy rules.

How to contact RAINN for support

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 by phone, online chat, and text. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673), or use RAINN’s online support options. A trained specialist can offer support, healing resources, referrals for longer-term help in your area, and information about state laws. RAINN says a web session remains anonymous and confidential if you do not share your name and location.

Rank #2
She’s Birdie 3.0 New Version – The Original Personal Safety Alarm for Women by Women–Loud Siren, Flash Light and Rechargeable Battery in a Variety of Colors (Charcoal Black)
  • NEW AND IMPROVED – When faced with danger, activate Birdie’s piercing 130dB siren and high-intensity flashing strobe light to draw attention and deter potential threats. Simply pull the top ring to unleash an immediate and powerful alert designed to startle and disorient an attacker. Whether you’re on a walk, commuting, or traveling, Birdie provides an added layer of security and peace of mind when you need it most.
  • SLEEK, SIMPLE, & RELIABLE – Birdie’s modern design makes it effortless to use in any situation. Just pull the top ring to activate the alarm, and push it to deactivate. This personal safety device is reusable, ensuring you always have protection on hand. With an easily RECHARGEABLE battery that provides 120 minutes of continuous sound and light, Birdie is a long-lasting safety companion that’s always ready when you are.
  • PROTECTION ANYTIME, ANYWHERE – Whether you’re heading out for a morning jog, walking your dog at night, navigating a busy campus, or traveling solo, Birdie is the perfect safety accessory. Compact and lightweight, it easily attaches to your keychain or bag, ensuring you feel confident and secure wherever life takes you—day or night, near or far.
  • EMPOWERING & THOUGHTFUL GIFT – Birdie is more than just a safety alarm—it’s a symbol of empowerment. Give the gift of confidence and security to the women in your life, from daughters and mothers to friends, colleagues, and students. Thoughtfully designed for everyday safety, Birdie makes a meaningful and practical gift for any occasion.
  • BUILT TO LAST, GIVING BACK – Every Birdie alarm is rigorously hand-tested to ensure durability and reliability when you need it most. We’re committed to making a difference—a percentage of She’s Birdie’s profits support partner organizations dedicated to women’s safety, shelter, and health. When you choose Birdie, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re helping create a safer world for women everywhere.

What school support or accommodations might be available?

A Title IX office may be able to discuss education-related supportive measures. Examples RAINN lists include homework extensions, schedule or dorm changes, mental-health counseling, GPA adjustments, student-loan counseling, and no-contact orders. These are possibilities to ask about, not guaranteed outcomes for every student. Ask the school what its current policy provides and which options may apply to your situation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What happens if you report to the police?

Law-enforcement reporting is one option, not a requirement for seeking support. People’s experiences differ: some survivors find pursuing justice helpful, while others describe retraumatizing interactions with the criminal justice system. If you are considering a report, a hotline specialist or advocate may help you understand available support and referrals; you can also ask what information an office will share before you speak with it.

Rank #3
Fauxomor 140dB Personal Safety Alarm for Women 3pack Self Defense Keychain
  • Safety First: Unlike traditional pepper sprays or tasers, the Fauxomor safety keychain alarm set for women provides a non-violent yet highly effective way to ensure your safety. When threatened, its 140-decibel loud siren birdie sound and high-intensity strobe LED light can distract and scare off attackers while quickly drawing attention from other people to help you.
  • Effortless Use with Low Battery Alerts: No training or special skills are required. Just pull out the top pin to activate the safe alarm and strobe light, and reinsert it to turn them off. A smart low-battery warning will emit three “Di Di Di” beeps when the battery drops below 10%, reminding you to replace the batteries or device in time to ensure it's always ready for use.
  • Peace of Mind: We take women's self-defense very seriously. This personal SOS protection device for women is made of high-quality and durable materials. Batteries are replaceable. It provides up to 60 minutes of continuous use and has an impressive battery life of up to 3 years, ensuring reliable protection whenever needed. One of the essential personal safety equipment for women.
  • Compact and Stylish: The police-approved rape alarm combines practicality and elegance. Weighing only 0.95 oz and as small as a key, it's easy to carry and even TSA-compliant for air travel. The included lanyard lets you easily attach it to wallets, backpacks, keys, belt loops, or suitcases. With multiple fashionable color options, it can be easily matched with different styles. It is a perfect choice for safety-conscious women who value fashion.
  • A Priceless Perfect Gift: Our protection keychain alarm for women provides safety for your loved ones, carry Fauxomor with you from day to night. Ideal for students, joggers, seniors, women, night shift workers, and people of all ages, it makes a thoughtful gift for occasions like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, birthdays, and more.
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How common is sexual assault on campus?

RAINN’s campus guidance attributes a figure to the 2019 Campus Climate Survey: 13% of undergraduate students experienced rape or sexual assault after enrolling in college. This is a survey finding for that stated population and year, not a current annual rate.

Best Value
POM Pepper Spray & Personal Alarm Safety Kit – OC Self Defense Keychain Spray & Loud Emergency Alarm for Campus Safety, Women & Students (Keychain Model, Black X Black)
  • COMPLETE PERSONAL SAFETY KIT: Be prepared wherever life takes you. This self defense bundle includes a POM flip-top pepper spray and a powerful personal safety alarm, giving you both active defense and attention-grabbing deterrence in one compact keychain setup.
  • ENGINEERED FOR REAL-WORLD RELIABILITY: Unlike outdated twist-top designs, POM’s flip-top actuator helps prevent accidental discharge while allowing fast, intuitive deployment under stress. Compact, discreet, and built for everyday carry.
  • MAXIMUM STOPPING POWER + UV DYE: Formulated with Major Capsaicinoids (MC%) for real-world effectiveness — not inflated SHU numbers. Includes UV marking dye to help identify an attacker after deployment.
  • 130dB PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM: Instantly activate a piercing 130dB alarm to draw attention, deter threats, and signal for help. Ideal for walking alone, campus life, rideshare travel, parking garages, and running.
  • DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY CARRY Lightweight, pocket-sized, and keychain-ready. Perfect for students, professionals, runners, travelers, and anyone who values personal safety preparedness without bulk.
Rank #4
HOOTIE Personal Safety Alarm for Women, Men and Kids — 130dB Personal Alarm Keychain, Pull Pin Safety Alarm Keychain with Strobe Light, Self-Defense Alarm for Campus, Travel and Running — Mint
  • 130dB PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM — AS LOUD AS A POWER SAW: HOOTIE's 130dB siren and bright flashing strobe light are designed to attract attention instantly in an emergency. One of the loudest personal safety alarms available — compact enough to carry daily, powerful enough to be heard from a significant distance.
  • PULL-PIN PERSONAL ALARM FOR SELF-DEFENSE — WORKS IN SECONDS: Pull the pin and the alarm activates instantly. No buttons, no screen, no unlock sequence. A personal alarm for self-defense and personal security that activates single-handed — designed to work fast in a stressful moment when you cannot afford hesitation.
  • SAFETY ALARM KEYCHAIN — CLIP IT ON AND CARRY IT EVERYWHERE: Attach HOOTIE to your keys, bag, backpack, or belt loop and keep it within reach at all times. Lightweight enough for daily wear. Designed for commuting, night running, campus life, solo travel, and late-evening walks — a safety alarm keychain that is always there when you need it.
  • NO CHARGING EVER — NEVER FAILS BECAUSE YOU FORGOT TO PLUG IT IN: Unlike rechargeable personal alarms, HOOTIE runs on standard CR2032 batteries — available in any pharmacy or convenience store worldwide. No charging cable. No dead battery when you need it most. A personal security device that is always ready, whether it has been in your bag for three days or three months.
  • PERSONAL SAFETY DEVICE FOR WOMEN, SENIORS AND SOLO TRAVELERS: Designed for women, older adults, students, runners, commuters, and anyone who spends time alone. Simple enough for elderly users with no complicated controls. TSA-friendly for international travel. A reliable personal safety device that works the same way every time — just pull the pin.

If you are helping a friend

  • Listen without pressing them to report, seek treatment, or make a decision.
  • Offer to help locate a campus advocate, health service, counselor, or hotline, or to accompany them if they want that.
  • Ask what would feel useful now; let them choose whether to talk, get information, or wait.
  • If there is an immediate emergency, contact local emergency assistance.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.