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What to do if…
you witness someone who may be sexually assaulting an unconscious or impaired person

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Move to a safer position and call 911 now if the conduct is ongoing or the person is unresponsive or in immediate danger. Give the exact location, describe only what you can directly see, and follow the call-taker’s instructions.

Do not do these things

  • Do not put yourself in physical danger or start a confrontation that could escalate.
  • Do not delay emergency help while trying to determine exactly what happened.
  • Do not assume the situation is safe because the person appears asleep, intoxicated, silent, confused, or unable to resist.
  • Do not question the person aggressively or demand that they explain what happened.
  • Do not photograph, record, post, or share images of the person.
  • Do not give an unresponsive person food, drink, or medication.
  • Do not touch the person unnecessarily once they are safe.

What to do now

  1. Get to a position where you are not placing yourself in danger and call 911. Say that you may be witnessing a sexual assault involving an unconscious or impaired person, describe their condition, and give the precise location.
  2. Bring in other people immediately. Ask a specific trusted person to stay with you, contact security or venue staff, or guide emergency responders to the location.
  3. Create a safe interruption without physically confronting the other person. From a safe distance, turn on lights, call staff or other people into the area, knock, or state that emergency help is coming.
  4. When the person is separated from the possible assailant and it is safe to approach, check whether they respond and whether they are breathing normally. Follow the 911 call-taker’s instructions.
  5. If the person is not breathing normally or is only gasping, begin CPR and use an AED if available, following dispatcher guidance and your level of training.
  6. If the person becomes responsive, speak calmly and briefly. Tell them they are not alone and that emergency help is coming. Ask before touching them unless immediate lifesaving care is necessary.
  7. Remain nearby until responders arrive if it is safe. Let trained responders assess the immediate danger and medical needs, and do not pressure the person about later reporting or support decisions.

What can wait

You do not need to decide exactly what offense occurred, obtain a detailed account, contact the person’s family, post publicly, or make longer-term choices for them. Questions about advocacy, further reporting, and ongoing support can wait until immediate danger and urgent medical needs have been addressed.

Important reassurance

You do not need certainty before calling for emergency help when someone appears unconscious, severely impaired, or in immediate danger. Getting other people involved and creating a safe interruption can protect the person while trained responders reach the scene.

Scope note

This guide covers only the first steps during or immediately after the situation. Later medical, emotional, reporting, and support decisions may require help from emergency responders, a sexual assault advocate, or another qualified professional.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, or other professional advice. Laws and reporting duties can vary by state and circumstance. Follow 911 instructions and the directions of local emergency responders.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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