This information was designed with you in mind.  It outlines ways we might serve as an apporpriate referral source to students and others.  It provides useful information about other support services where trained professionals are prepared to respond to the unique needs of every victim.

We appreciate your careful consideration of this information and are grateful for your support and assistance in sharing it with those in need.

Sincerely,
Randy E. Hyman
Associate Dean of Student Affairs

Working with Victims of Sexual Assault

• All reporting will respect and accommodate the needs and preferences of the victim with respect to confidentiality.
• Encourage the victim to seek counseling from the Counseling Center, LU 320, 285-1736.
• Encourage the victim to contact residence hall staff regarding the variety of resources available within the residence hall community.
• Encourage the victim to seek assistance from the Office of the Dean of Students with academic concerns regarding class attendance.
• Encourage the victim to seek assistance from the Office of the Dean of Students regarding the disciplinary process for the accused student.
• The Office of the Dean of Students will meet with parents to answer questions and to outline university procedures.

Suggestions for Responding to Sexual Assault Victims

A.  If there is need for medical care for injuries call 911, or assist the victim to the emergency room at Ball Memorial Hospital, 747-3241.  Encourage the victim to get a pregnancy test and/or tests for sexually transmitted diseases. If the incident was not recent, encourage the victim to talk to a counselor or other trusted individual about the incident.

B.  Talk to the victim about contacting either University Police , 285-1111, or Muncie Police Department, 747-4838.  Encourage the victim to report the assault.  This is not the same as prosecuting, but delaying a report may affect legal options one may wish to pursue.  Recommend the following:

• Do not touch any possible evidence.
• Do not wash, shower, or douche.
• If still wearing the clothes worn during the assault, leave them on. Take a change of clothing to the hospital.
• If clothes have already been removed, suggest they be placed in a paper bag and given to the police.
• Recommend that the victim utilize an advocate/support person during the reporting and exam process.  This advocate could be you, a professional psychological counselor, a counselor from Victim's Advocacy, a roommate, a friend, or a combination of individuals.

C.   If there is no need for immediate medical care, show the victim to a safe, quiet place where you can provide support and discuss alternatives.  Focus on the victim's emotional needs.

• Ask how you can be most helpful. Try not to take control, since the victim may feel great loss of control of life at this time.
• Listen sensitively.
• Discourage self-blame.
• Ask if the victim would like to have a professional counselor provide support or other services.  Assure the victim that information revealed in counseling is kept confidential.  Contact the Counseling Center.
• Encourage medical follow-up at the Health Center.
• Explain the availability and service of each of the following resources:

Office of Victim Services, HC 210, 285-7844:  Assists in understanding and utilizing the legal system.  Can support the victim during the reporting and medical examination processes.

Counseling Center, LU 320, 285-1736: Provides psychological and supportive counseling to the victim.

Office of Student Rights and Community Standards, SC 224, 285-5036: Provides guidance with all aspects of the disciplinary process within the university system as well as referral information.  Staff will assist the victim with all aspects of academic consideration.

Health Education, 285-1002: Provides information, programs, resources, and referrals related to issues of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.

Personal Safety of Victims of Sexual Assault

Victims of sexual assault may need to continue to consider their personal safety.  If there is another contact made or attempted by the perpetrator or by another person associated with the perpetrator, the victim should contact either the University Police or the Office of Student Rights and Community Standards.  For students living in university residence halls or apartments, it is beneficial for staff in Housing and Residence Life to be informed of incidents of assault for the well-being of the victim and other residents of the community.  For emergency shelter, individuals who live off campus who are recent victims of domestic violence may be referred to A Better Way, 747-9107.

The University Police Department does not release the names of sexual assault victims.  However, to keep the community informed and to help prevent future offenses, the University Police must release sexual assault reports to appropriate university offices and to the news media.

Help is Near You

To report a crime in progress or to request emergency medical assistance, call 911.

- - - -

If you need non-emergency medical assistance:
Health Center, 285-8431
Women's Center, 285-8035
Ball Memorial Hospital, 747-3241

- - - -

If you need non-emergency police or legal services:
University Police, 285-1111
Muncie Police, 747-4838
Student Legal Services, 285-1888

- - - -

If you need someone to talk to:
Counseling Center
Lucina Hall 320
285-1736
After hours/weekends 747-7330

Health Education, Health Center
285-1002/285-8431

Women's Center
(located at BSU Health Center)
285-8035

Student Rights and Community Standards
Student Center 224
285-5036
1-800-382-8540, selection 6