Hendrix Health Center

 Sexual Assault

• Crisis intervention
• One to one counseling
• Support groups
• Legal and medical advocacy
• Assistance with maintaining educational and career goals
• Rape exams by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
     

Sexual Assault Facts

• Sexual assault can happen to anyone, female or male, all races, ethnicities and socioeconomic classes
• 85% of rapes on campus are acquaintance rape
• Physical force does not necessarily accompany the assault
• 1 in 4 college women have been raped or suffered attempted rape
• 1 in 6 males have been sexually abused by age 18
• The average age of a rape victim is 18.5 years old
• 90% of all campus rapes occur when alcohol has been used by either the victim or the assailant

Effects of Sexual Assault

Victims of sexual assault can experience a wide range of reactions. It is important to note there is no one pattern of response.

• Victims report feelings of shock, embarrassment, shame, anxiety, confusion, and lack of trust in others
• Strong memories of the event may continue to occur long after the assault
• Nightmares are not uncommon
• Difficulty sleeping, concentrating and feeling on edge or jumpy
• Disruption in daily lives
• Decline in grades
• Isolation and/or withdrawal from people and activities

What To Do If You or Someone You Know Has Been Raped

• Go to a safe place, anywhere away from the assailant
• Get medical attention as you may have injuries you are not aware of.
• Get to Hendrix Health Center or emergency room as soon as possible.
• If it is after hours contact MSUM security who will contact the Sexual Assault Response Team. Contacting campus security and reporting the assault does not commit you to filing charges.
• Preserve the evidence. Do not wash, brush your teeth or clean any part of your body or clothing
• Consider reporting the assault to law enforcement authorities
• Get support from the sexual assault counselor located at Hendrix Health Center. You have been through a trauma and may need assistance in dealing with feelings and the assault.
• Do not blame yourself. Some people blame victims in an effort to distance themselves from what happened. You need to be reassured it is not your fault. Even if you think you had poor judgment, had been using alcohol or other drugs, were not cautious or were naïve you are not to blame. Your behavior did not cause the rape the rapist caused the rape.

Response Team

    1) SANE-Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

• Exam
• Evidence Collection
• Treatment of injuries, STI's. pregnancy prevention.
• Medical Follow-up

     2) Sexual Assault Counselor

• Emotional Support
• Medical/Legal Advocacy
• Counseling Follow-up

     3) Campus Security

• Secure Enviroment
• Contact appropriate team members
• Contact appropriate law enforcement

How To Help A Friend Who Has Been Raped

• Listen. Don't be judgmental or argue. Concentrate on their feelings not your own.
• Believe your friend. It takes courage to talk about what happened. Many people are afraid of the reactions of friends or family and do not seek the help they need.
• Try not to "fix" your friend. You can give your friend options and suggestions but allow them the time to make their own decision.
• Be patient. People need time to heal. There is no magic time frame for this process. Don't attempt to rush your friends healing to make yourself more comfortable.
• Encourage your friend to get professional help. Services are available free of charge at Hendrix Health Center on Campus.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Hendrix Health Center (Daytime):On Campus dial 2211.Off Campus dial 477-2211

MSUM Security (After hours): On Campus dial 2449. Off Campus dial 477-2449