Sexual Assault
   Program
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What is sexual violence?

Sexual Violence can take many forms:

Date (Acquaintance) Sexual Assault…
•Is any non consensual sexual contact between 2 or more people who know each other
•More than 80% of all sexual assaults occur between people who know each other

DFSA (Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault)…
•Is any assault that is assisted by a controlled substance
•Rohypnol and GHB are two common drugs, and have the potential to cause blackout and amnesia
•Alcohol is still the number one drug used to facilitate rape

Marital Rape
•Even within marriage, forced sex is considered rape and is illegal and punishable by law
•1 in 7 woman are the victims of marital rape

Prostitution
•One of the oldest forms of sexual violence
•The average age of entry for prostitution is 14 years old

Child Sexual Abuse
•90% of children who experience sexual violence are abused by a family member, caretaker or someone close
•1 in 4 girls is sexually assaulted before the age of 18
•1 in 5 boys will have at least one experience of sexual assault before reaching age 18

If you or someone you know has experienced any form abuse or sexual violence, we encourage you to seek the proper help and resources from our office.


Remember…

This assault was not your fault.  No one causes an assailant to attack, no matter where you were, what you happened to be doing or wearing or who you are.  You are not a bad person; try to direct any feelings of anger towards the assailant, and not towards yourself.

Different people have different responses.  Your feelings may stay the same, or just when you think you’ve reached a point where you start to feel better, emotions may change suddenly.  This is perfectly normal.  Some common reactions are:
•Feelings of powerlessness
•Poor concentration
•Self-blame
•Shame or embarrassment
•Difficulties with intimate relationships
•Substance abuse
•Thoughts of or attempts at suicide
•Stress-related illnesses
•Emotional numbness
•Fear
•Confusion
•Anger
•Anxiety
•Chronic depression

If you are worried about your feelings we encourage you to talk to someone.  We can help to provide services and references, such as support groups and professional counseling.

Sometimes simply talking can help.  When comfortable, find someone you can trust to confide in to help life some of the weight off your shoulders.  Finding that person who is just willing to listen is very powerful during the healing process.

This is a crisis – a serious one – and you must take care of yourself.  Do what makes you feel safe and helps heal emotionally. 

There is nothing to be ashamed about.  Ask for help if you want it – you deserve all the support that’s available!


Victim’s Rights

Right to be Notified of:
•Plea agreements
•Changes in court schedules, date, time and place of sentencing
•Release of offender from prison/institution
•Victim rights

Right to Participate in Prosecution:
•Right to inform court of impact of crime at pre-trial and sentencing
•Right to have input in pre-trial diversion program
•Right to object to plea bargain
•Right to request a speedy trial
•Right to bring a supportive person to all hearings (i.e., an advocate)
•Right to attend sentencing
•Right to give written objections to sentence

Right to Protection from Harm:
•Tampering with a witness is against Minnesota law
•Witnesses do not have to give their addresses in court
•Victims have the right to a secure waiting area during court
•Employers may not discipline or dismiss victims or witnesses who are called to testify in court

Right to Apply for Financial Assistance:
•Victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the state or from the offender, if they have suffered economic loss


Health Care

Step 1:  The Initial Exam
An initial medical/evidentiary exam is done for the following three purposes:
•To begin a determination of your physical injuries,
•To provide you with physical and emotional care and,
•To collect evidence of the sexual assault should you choose to have the crime investigated.

For medical and legal reasons, it is very beneficial to have this exam done as soon as possible following a sexual assault.  The cost of this exam is covered by the state.  If you have not received any medical attention, considering contacting one of our advocates for information about an exam.

Step 2:  Follow-Up Care
After an initial medical exam, it is important to remember that follow-up visits to a physician are extremely important in determining any long-term health concerns.  Some places will help you schedule a follow-up immediate, while others may leave that task to you.  If you have any questions or need help scheduling a follow-up appointment, an advocate is available to help.

Step 3:  Learning More About Health Concerns
The risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) and HIV as a result of this assault may be one of the concerns that you are having.  If you did have the initial exam, some information should have been given to you about testing and follow-up.  While STI’s and HIV are scary, remember that the estimated risk of contraction is:
•6-12% for gonorrhea
•4-17% for Chlamydia
•0.5-3% for syphilis and
•Less than 1% for HIV
It is extremely important to schedule a follow-up exam as symptoms of STI’s will not always show themselves immediately.  Early detection and treatment can help prevent long-term health complications.

Pregnancy is often another health concern for victims of sexual assault.  Many local health facilities have options available, such as Plan B, for preventing pregnancy within a 5 day period after the assault.  An advocate is available to help connect you to those resources.

For many sexual assault victims, seeking medical attention may or may not be a priority, depending on their immediate concerns.  Both reactions are understandable.  As you consider your own health issues, keep in mind that early detection and treatment of any health problems can be an important step in regaining control in your life and reducing any long-term complications.

Medical Resources

Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center
Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Program
(608) 775-5950

24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Line
1-800-362-9567 ext. 5950

Franciscan Skemp Health Care
Safe Path
(608) 791-7804

24-Hour Crisis Line
1-800-362-5454 ext. 7804



Financial Assistance

As a victim of a crime, you have the right to request reimbursement for losses sustained as a result of the crime.  There are three avenues in which you can make this request.

Reparations
Reparations is financial compensation from the State of Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board for victims of violent crimes.  This program was enacted because of increased public concern for victims of violent crime, and recognition that the state bears some responsibility for the costs of the crime.  The purpose of the program is to restore victims’ economically to the extent possible.

To be eligible for compensation, a victim must meet certain requirements.  The five primary requirements are:
•Claims must be for an injury or death as a result of a crime
•Claims must be submitted within one year of the crime
•Victims must have reported the crime to law enforcement within 30 days
•Victims must cooperate fully with law enforcement
•Victims must not have contributed to the crime through their own misconduct or criminal activity

The Reparations Board covers the following types of expenses related to the crime (if they have not been paid for by other sources):
•Medical or dental care
•Prescription drugs
•Ambulance service
•Psychological counseling
•Loss if income
•Substitute child care
•Reasonable household services
•Funeral expenses up to $6,000
•Return of an abducted child
•Loss of support (Survivor’s Benefits)

Personal property losses are not eligible for reparations compensation.

Claim forms and assistance are available at HCWR or the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board 1-888-622-8799.

Restitution
Restitution is money that the judge orders the offender to pay to reimburse the victim of the crime.  Restitution may be ordered in addition to imprisonment and/or a fine.  Restitution must be based on the amount of loss sustained by the victim as a result of the crime and the offender’s income, resources and obligations.

Requesting Restitution:  The request for restitution should be made in writing prior to sentencing.  The judge does not have to order restitution; if so, the judge must explain the reasons.  The offender may not be ordered to pay restitution for offences of which he/she was found not guilty.

Victims of crime have the right to request restitution for all expenses which resulted from the crime.  This may include, but is not limited to:
•Medical bills
•Counseling expenses (current or possible future costs)
•Transportation
•Lost wages due to an injury
•Stolen or damaged property.

Remember that restitution cannot be ordered if the assailant disappeared or was found not be not guilty.  This is why reparations are important, because the State may help a victim, regardless of the status of the offender.

Civil Court
In addition to reparations and restitution, you may also obtain compensation by suing your offender in Civil Court.  If your total claim is less than $7,500 than you may file yourself in small claims court.  If the damages exceed $7,500 than a formal complaint must be filed in Civil Court and you will need an attorney to represent you.

Bluff Country
Family Resources
(Formerly Known as HCWR)