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Sexual Assault Resources
Contents
If you are assaulted
- Get to a safe place as soon as possible.
- Contact the police: call 911
- Try to preserve all physical evidence including bed sheets, towels, and the clothing you were wearing. Do not bathe, douche, or use the toilet.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Contact a close friend who can be with you during this time. Your friend can accompany you to the medical exam and/or police department.
Emotional Support Services
On Campus
Counseling Services is available to provide emotional and logistical support for crisis situations such as sexual assault. 948-6025.
Off Campus
The Rape Crisis Center is a community service with a 24-hour hotline. Trained individuals are available to help you deal with the emotional, legal and medical issues of sexual assaults. A representative can accompany you to the hospital and court proceedings. 238-7273 or 1-800-654-1211
Medical Treatment
In order to determine the presence of physical injury, sexually transmissible infections, or pregnancy, and to obtain evidence to assist in criminal prosecution, it is important to seek medical attention. Ideally, physical evidence should be collected immediately. It can be collected up to 72 hours following a rape/assault.
What to do when a sexual assault victim contacts you
- Remain calm.
- Arrange a private place for the individual to talk. Listen compassionately. Comfort the victim.
- If a sexual assault has been reported to you, gently encourage the victim to allow you to contact one of the Victim/Witness Advocates who will give you further instructions, and/or University Police.
- If a Victim/Witness Advocate is not available, contact the 24-hour Rape Crisis Center Hotline (238-7273 or 1-800-654-1211) and follow their instructions.
Victim/Witness Advocates
-
Linda Meashey, Counseling Services
Office: 948-6025
Home: 838-6958 -
Steve Backels, Ph.D., Counseling Services
Office: 948-6025
Home: 871-9736 -
Marylou Martz, RN, BSN, M Ed., Student Health Services
Office: 948-6015
Home: 657-0820

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