 |
Where can I go for help? |
|||
|
Where is
|
Hospital Services Medical attention after a sexual assault can be very important. Even though you may think you have no serious injuries, a medical examination may still be necessary. Some injuries are not visible, and it is important to discuss the possibility, and prevention, of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Another option that you should consider is whether or not you want the medical exam to include rape evidence collection, called a rape kit. A rape kit is very important if the survivor is considering reporting the assault to the police. This evidence should be collected immediately, or at least within 72 hours. Much of the evidence is lost if you shower, wash, or change clothes- so the sooner, the better. If evidence is collected, it will be stored at the state crime lab for one month. You can decide to prosecute at any time during that month- after a month, the physical evidence begins to deteriorate. A student who is sexually assaulted can seek medical care at either the Colgate Student health Center or the Community Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. Both locations have people on staff prepared to deal with the concerns of a sexual assault survivor. The health care providers will be sensitive and able to answer any questions. Sometimes it is helpful to bring a friend to the health care center. It is recommended that the survivor, or her friend, call the Health Center (or 228-7333 if after hours, and ask for health care assistance) as the first step in getting medical attention. If going to the hospital or health center, be sure to bring spare clothes, a toothbrush, and a comb (if you have already changed, you should bring those clothes in a paper bag). You can bring a friend, request an SCRC volunteer or a counselor from Counseling & Psychological Services. There are no charges for visits to the Health Center, but your health insurance company will be responsible for bills related to Emergency Room visits, laboratory tests, and certain medications. An anonymous loan fund is available for these costs if needed.
Counseling & Psychological Services Seeking professional counseling following an assault is strongly recommended. You will be dealing with thoughts and feelings that can seem overwhelming, and having someone to talk to can help a lot. The counselors at C&PS are available 24 hours a day. If it’s after 5:30pm and you want to speak with a counselor, call Campus Safety at x7333 and ask for the counselor on call- that person will call you back shortly. You can talk with the counselor on the phone only, meet in person, or set up a time to meet within the following couple of days- it’s up to you. The counselor is there for you- if you just want to talk that night, that’s fine; if you want to continue counseling for several weeks, your counselor will welcome the opportunity to do that as well. The most important thing is to get support- sometimes a friend or family member can do that. You may not want to tell anyone about the assault or you may need more than those people can offer, and that’s when it’s time to call someone at C&PS. A trained counselor can help you deal with your response to the event, and can assist you in deciding how you can begin to heal. SCRC The Sexual Crisis Resource Center (SCRC) consists of trained student volunteers from the Colgate University community who perform advocacy, hotline services, support, education, and outreach to victims of sexual assault and all Colgate students. SCRC volunteers are organized to provide on-call service via their hotline on Sunday afternoons. These students have the ability to consult with and refer to the Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS) counseling staff. The intervention and follow-up services provided are determined by the needs and desires of the student, the judgement of the SCRC volunteer, and possibly the input of a C&PS counselor. SCRC advocates provide support, choices, and information. This type of assistance allows the student with concerns to feel comfortable and in control of their situation. |
|||