Published through the Commission on Personal Safety
Indiana University
Memorial Hall East 123
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: (812) 855-3849
Send comments to cps@indiana.edu
One day you may be asked to play a crucial role in providing intervention for a victim of sexual assault. It is our hope that this guide will provide the information you need to respond appropriately and confidently to the needs of sexual assault victims.
This guide is designed to inform you of the services currently available on campus andin the community for victims of sexual assault. The agencies listed are those most often used by IU sexual assault victims, although other services are available in the community. The guide also provides general information to assist the victim with making choices about services she needs. Individual agencies have provided the information presented. For more specific information, directly contact the agency. (For example, each agency defines confidentiality somewhat differently; ask them to be specific.)
Each listing within this guide includes information on the types of services provided, procedures followed in assisting victims, and what information the sexual assault victim will need to provide in order to ensure proper care and treatment. Most services are available to Indiana University faculty, staff, and students; the population(s) served are noted under each service. Finally, the text refers to the victim as "she" because, while men can be victims of sexual assault, the majority of victims are women.
During an intervention, be aware and remember the following:
Safety:
If the victim is not safe, assist her in finding a safe place, but don't put yourself in an unsafe position.
Listen and Validate:
A victim is often confused, disoriented, and emotionally upset. The most important thing you can do is to listen to what she is able to share. Do not try to evaluate her statements or make value judgments about what she is saying.
Assess Needs:
Ask the victim what her immediate needs are. For example, does she need immediate medical assistance? Does she need a safe place to stay for the night? Does she need to contact a friend, family member, or a professional counselor? Does she need a protective order to legally keep the rapist away from her?
Offer Options:
Provide information that will help her make decisions. She may need to know her options, such as: professional counselors are on call 24 hours a day to provide crisis counseling, information, and to escort a victim to the police station or hospital; the hospital provides physical exams to evaluate the victim's medical condition; or that the police department is one place where she can report the assault.
Support Choices:
During the sexual assault, the victim's choices have been ignored. It is vital that you not reinforce her sense of victimization by making choices for her or ignoring the choices she made, even if you do not agree with those choices. For example, if she decides not to report the assault to the police, that decision needs to be honored.
Take Care of Yourself:
Accept your limitations. If you are uncomfortable in dealing with a victim, ask for assistance. Refer to the index under Counseling and Information. There are professionals trained in sexual assault crisis counseling who can answer questions you may have or assist you in dealing with any confusing or upsetting emotions you may be experiencing as a result of assisting a victim. Find someone with whom you can talk and from whom you can receive support. This can be a stressful situation for you, too. Attend to your needs.
Medical Care After an Assault:
If you have not done so, it is important to consider medical care. You will benefit from being examined for physical injury and disease. You will also have the opportunity to discuss options for available counseling and for pregnancy prevention.
The kind of medical evidence that supports a legal case against an assailant should be collected no later than 72 hours after an assault.
If you seek medical care at a hospital, the hospital is required by law to notify the police, but you decide whether you will talk with the police. Also, it is your right to decide whether you want to go through the evidence collection exam, and you may ask the doctor, nurse, or clinician to stop at any time. You can request of the hospital staff the support of a hospital social worker, a sexual assault counselor or a rape victim advocate.
Reporting the Assault
The decision to report the crime is yours. You do have the option to simply report the incident for police or public records without pressing charges. Once an assault is reported to law enforcement agencies and if the victim wishes, the police will initiate an investigation. The police and the prosecutor decide whether there is enough evidence for an arrest. Only "founded" complaints are forwarded to the prosecutor, and the prosecutor will then determine whether there is enough evidence to prosecute. You can request the assistance of a sexual assault counselor or a rape victim advocate.
What is Your Role if Criminal Charges Are Filed?
Your job is to provide the police (and eventually the prosecutor) with the details of what happened and all relevant evidence. The prosecutor has an obligation to explain to you the relevance of his/her questions and how the information may be important to your case. If you are called to testify, you will have to face the accused. It is a constitutional right of defendants to be able to face their accusers.
Who Will Find Out?
University and law enforcement personnel will do their best to maintain your privacy. Once a case goes to the prosecutor, confidentiality cannot be assured.
Victim Assistance Compensation
The Indiana General Assembly has made financial assistance available to victims of violent crimes. Certain criteria must be met to be eligible for this compensation. Check with the hospital staff, the police, the prosecutor's office, or a sexual assault counselor.
Student Legal Services
This office offers free legal advice and litigation assistance to students. There are certain restrictions on the service SLS can provide, but call 855-7867 to find out how the office may assist you.
Sexual Assault Crisis Service
Counseling and Psychological Services
Indiana University Health Center
600 N. Jordan
Bloomington, IN 47405
Contact Person/s:
Debbie Melloan-Ruiz
Suzanne Pauwels
Phone:
(812)855-8900 (24-hour crisis line)
(812)855-5711 (administrative line)
Service Days/Hours: 24 hours a day; everyday
- Services Provided:
Procedures Followed:
- 24 hour crisis intervention by phone or in person
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Advocacy
- Referrals
- Services are provided free of charge for IU students, faculty and staff. There are also support services for the family and friends of victims of sexual assault.
- Callers to the SACS crisis line will be asked to leave a name and telephone number. A SACS counselor will promptly return the call. The caller will be given information and offered the various services available.
Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
- Information is kept confidential.
Counseling and Information: Middle Way House
404 W. Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
Contact Person/s:
Darrell Ann Stone, Crisis Intervention Services Coordinator
Jennifer Rogers, Legal
Phone:
(812)336-0846 (24-hour crisis line)
(812)333-7404 (administrative line and voice mail)
Service Days/Hours: Everyday; 24 hours a day
- Services Provided:
- 24 hour crisis intervention by phone
- If requested, an advocate will meet the caller in person at the hospital, police department, or prosecutor's office
- Weekly peer support groups
- One-on-one private meetings with an advocate or call the rape crisis coordinator
- Resource and referral library with over 300 titles concerning violence against women
- Legal referral, information and advocacy
- Information on filing protective orders
- Victim Assistance compensation information
- Services are provided free of charge to all victims of sexual assault.
- Procedures Followed:
- For crisis intervention, call the 336-0846 crisis line. Please be aware that this number serves both the rape crisis center AND the domestic violence shelter. A victim calling the crisis line need only tell the advocate information she is comfortable sharing. Call 336-0846 to request an advocate's assistance at the hospital, police department, or prosecutor's office.
- To join the support group, call either 333-7404 ext. 203 or 336-0846 and ask to speak with the Crisis Intervention Services Coordinator. An appointment will be made for an assessment session.
- For a one-on-one meeting with an advocate or the Crisis Intervention Services Coordinator, call either of the above phone numbers to request a meeting.
Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
- Information is kept confidential.
Counseling and Information: Department of Residence Life
Indiana University
801 N. Jordan
Bloomington, IN 47405
Contact Person/s:
Resident Assistant
Residence Life Coordinator
Phone:
Check with your residence hall
Service Days/Hours: Everyday; 24 hours a day
- Services Provided:
- Provide support and information about appropriate resources
- Referrals
- Services are provided free of charge to IU students living in the residence halls only.
- Procedures Followed:
Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
- The victim will be expected to provide basic information to enable the staff person to assist her.She can expect information and assistance in sorting out the matter to enable her to seek additional help.
- The staff will adhere to confidentiality, unless the victim's safety warrants further intervention.
Counseling and Information: Center for Human Growth
Indiana University
Wright Education Building
201 N. Rose, Room 001
Bloomington, IN 47405
Contact Person/s:
Not specified
Phone:
(812) 856-8302
Service Days/Hours:
Office hours change each semester
- Services Provided:
- Individual counseling
- Couples counseling
- Family counseling
- Personal growth groups
- Services are provided to all IU and Bloomington residents, their families and friends. The intake is free; the first session is $10; all other sessions are $5.
- Procedures Followed:
- Call to schedule an intake appointment with the secretary. After the intake, a counselor will contact the individual to schedule the counseling sessions. The individual will be expected to give name, address, and phone number.
Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
- Information is kept confidential.
Law Enforcement Agencies
NOTE:
The investigative procedures used by the following police agencies are very similar; therefore, only a description of IUPD's procedures are provided (see below). When notifying the police, contact the agency in whose jurisdiction the incident occurred, or call 9-1-1.
If the incident occurred on the IU Campus, contact:
Indiana University Police Department
801 N Jordan
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone
9-1-1 (emergency calls)
(812)855-4111
E-mail:
iupd@indiana.edu
If the incident occurred within the City of Bloomington, contact:
Bloomington Police Department
301 N. College
Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone
9-1-1 (emergency calls)
(812)339-4477
E-mail:
police@city.bloomington.in.us
If the incident occurred in Monroe County, contact:
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
301 N. College
Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone
9-1-1 (emergency calls)
(812)349-2783
Law Enforcement and Legal Action
Indiana University Police Department
801 N Jordan
Bloomington, IN 47405
Contact Person/s:
Not specified
Phone:
9-1-1 (emergency calls)
(812)855-4111
E-mail: iupd@indiana.edu
Service Days/Hours: Everyday; 24 hours a day
- Services Provided:
- The victim will be assisted in obtaining medical attention.
- Information will be provided on pursuing legal or university sanctions, as well as on available counseling services.
- Procedures Followed:
- An officer will meet with the victim. The officer will ask the victim for a description of the assailant, where the assault occurred, approximate time of the assault, and last known location of the assailant. If the victim wishes, a counselor will be contacted to be with her. Following the interview, information will be provided to the victim on counseling services.
The victim can be transported to the hospital for a medical examination.- (For a description of the exam, see the Medical Social Services section, below.)
- The victim will be assisted with taking the appropriate course of action, that may include --legal sanctions, university sanctions, or an information report. The police department will work with the appropriate agency (such as the prosecutor) on behalf of the victim.
- The victim will be asked to detail what occurred, and appropriate individuals will be interviewed. Some questions asked may seem odd or impersonal, but the information is needed in order to investigate adequately. These details are also needed for an information report.
- The victim will be kept informed of the progress of the investigation.
- Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
- All information concerning the victim is confidential. A news release may be made informing the public that an assault occurred; however, no identifying information about the victim will be released. If the case goes to trial, there is a possibility that information about the victim will become public.
Law Enforcement and Legal Action
Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office
301 North College, Room 211
Bloomington, IN 47404
Contact Person/s:
Lindy Moscrip, Victim Assistance Advocate
Phone:
(812) 349-2670
Service Days/Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Services Provided:
- Victims' Assistance (VA) provides support and information to victims both prior to and after charges are filed, including information on the court process, notification of court dates, accompaniment to court hearings, advocacy, and referral to appropriate services.
- Services are provided free of charge to victims of crime.
- Procedures Followed:
- During an initial orientation interview, victims are provided information regarding the criminal process and victims' rights. At this time a brief assessment is made of the victim's immediate needs and appropriate referrals are made (including counseling, shelter, medical care, etc.). If requested by the victim, a rape advocate from Middle Way House is contacted to provide additional support.
- Victims are contacted throughout the process by VA and prosecutors to advise them of the current status of the ongoing prosecution, as well as to discuss possible dispositions. If requested, VA will accompany victims to depositions or court hearings to provide support; they will facilitate excused absence from school or employment.
- VA assists victims in filling out the Violent Crime Compensation Fund application to reimburse them for medical and counseling costs, and lost wages as a result of the incident. Additionally, VA will follow-up with the Violent Crime Fund to facilitate payment or reimbursement.
- Prosecutors and VA assist victims with preparing Victim Impact Statements for sentencing. In some instances, referrals are made to VA by local police or social service agencies. Victims are contacted and an initial appointment is scheduled.
- Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
Protective Order Project
- Confidentiality is determined by rules of evidence. Materials placed in the court file are public record.
Indiana University School of Law
Corner of Third and Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
Contact Person/s:
Jean Janisse
Lauren Robel
Phone:
Service Days/Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Services Provided:
- The Protective Order Project (POP) is a volunteer group of law students and attorneys who provide legal representation in obtaining protective orders for people who have suffered physical abuse or property damage at the hands of another. The POP does not charge for its services. A court filing fee can be excused for people without financial resources.
- Procedures Followed:
- Call the POP and tell the person who answers that you are calling about a protective order.
- In an emergency, call the police first, then POP.
- A volunteer will return the call no later than 24 hours after your call. You will be interviewed by a law student working with an attorney. If you qualify for this legal relief, POP will provide representation for you free of charge.
- Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
- Contacts between callers and the POP are treated as confidential client communications subject to the protection of the attorney-client privilege.
Campus Policy Enforcement
Office of Student Ethics and Anti-harassment Program
Campus Judicial System
Indiana University
705 East 7th Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
Contact Person/s:
Pamela Freeman
Bob Weith
Jerry Olson
Phone:
Service Days/Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Services Provided:
- Inform the victim of support systems on campus and in the community.
- Record an informal report (no action will be taken on this information without the victim's consent).
- Follow the IU Office of Student Ethics and Anti-harassment Programs judicial procedures in processing a sexual assault case (with the victim's consent to begin procedures).
- Services are provided free of charge to all IU students.
- The Office of Student Ethics and Anti-harassment Programs can provide the above services for sexual assaults that occur both on and off campus.
- Procedures Followed:
- Support Services: The victim may request an appointment for advice and consultation. Information on support systems and assistance with referrals will be provided. The victim will be apprised of her legal and institutional options including her right not to press charges. A short videotape outlining the role of victims and witnesses in disciplinary proceedings is available through the Office of Student Ethics and Anti-harassment Programs.
- Informal Report: An informal report is made for informational and records purposes only. A staff member will be available by appointment to discuss the victim's case. If requested by the victim, no further action will be taken on this information.
- Office of Student Ethics and Anti-harassment Programs Procedure: If the victim decides to file a formal complaint, the following procedures for handling the case will be used:
- In the initial meeting with staff, the victim will be advised of the judicial process.
- A judicial officer will investigate the case if needed; the victim will provide information to the investigating officer; the victim will be asked to provide a written statement of the sexual assault (this statement will be shared with the accused); if a report has been filed with the police department, this report may be used in place of that written document; the victim will be questioned by the judicial officer. The accused also has the right to ask questions.
- The judicial officer will notify the accused and request his attendance at a hearing with the judicial officer; the written statement will be shared with the accused.
- At the hearing each witness is brought into the room individually to give his/her statement. The accused has the right to be in the room at all times. The accused and the judicial officer may call in witnesses. Both the victim and the accused have the right to bring an advisor or a lawyer into the proceedings. The accused also has the right to face the victim and has a right to question all the witnesses, including the victim. The victim does not have the right to question the accused. Additionally, the victim does not have the right to hear the testimony of other witnesses.
- The final decision will be made by the judicial officer. Both the victim and the accused will be notified about the final decision of the hearing.
- If found responsible for violating the Code of Student Ethics, the accused has the right to appeal the final decision. The first stage of appeal is a Hearing Commission. This commission will rehear the case. The second stage of appeal is a Review Board. This board will examine the audio tape made during the Hearing Commission's hearing. This board can also ask questions of the individuals involved, if appropriate.
- At anytime during the process the victim can drop the charges and the process is stopped.
- Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
- The hearing is confidential, unless the accused requests in advance that it be opened to the public.
The report of the incident is available to the accused. Records may be subpoenaed by the courts.Medical Assistance
Medical Social Services, Bloomington Hospital
601 West 2nd Street
Bloomington, IN 47403
Contact Person/s:
Becky Hrisomalos
Phone:
(812) 336-9515 (24-hour line)
Service Days/Hours:
Everyday; 24 hours a day (check in at Bloomington Hospital Emergency Room)
Services Provided:
- The social worker is called to be the victim's advocate and provides immediate emotional support and counseling to the victim. Referral information is provided on community resources; e.g., follow-up counseling, support groups, and temporary housing.
- A medical exam is completed.
- The police are notified.
- Services are provided free of charge to all victims when they agree to cooperate by giving information to the police. (This does not mean they have to prosecute.)
- Procedures Followed:
- When a sexual assault victim comes to the emergency department, a social worker is immediately called. The social worker provides information about the medical procedures used in order to collect necessary evidence. The victim is not compelled to answer questions about the assault or to submit to an examination; however, the victim is encouraged to have an examination to be sure that no injuries were sustained. The victim may also be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
- An exam to collect samples for the police rape kit may be done. This kit is used as evidence if the case goes to court. The sample collection is much like a pap test. Fluid samples are taken for analysis and comparison with samples from the suspect. Pubic hair samples are gathered for comparison. They are gathered by combing the pubic area and by plucking the hairs. Head hairs are gathered from the victim in the same manner. A blood test sample will also be drawn. Samples gathered will be sealed as evidence for later analysis.
- The hospital contacts the police department, which will be responsible for the investigation.
- Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
Indiana University Health Center
- No medical information can be released without written consent of the victim.
600 North Jordan
Bloomington, IN 47405
Contact Person/s:
Susan Lovell
Phone
(812)855-6203
Service Days/Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Services Provided:
- The victim will be offered medical assessment and treatment, as needed.
- Counseling services will be made available.
- Services are provided to all IU students.
- Procedures Followed:
- The victim is not compelled to answer questions or to submit to an examination; the victim is encouraged to have an examination to be sure that injuries were not sustained. A brief medical history will be taken and questions about the assault will be asked. An exam to collect samples for the police rape kit may be done. (For a description of this exam see Medical Social Services, Bloomington Hospital, above.)
- The victim will be given information about counseling services available.
The Health Center will contact the police if the victim so requests.
- Confidentiality Standards as Stated by Provider:
- No medical information can be released without written consent of the victim.
This document was compiled and edited by the Commission on Personal Safety, Diane Ledger (Office for Women's Affairs), Debbie Melloan-Ruiz (Sexual Assault Crisis Service), Linda Stewart (Indiana University Police Department), with assistance from Sheryl Rader, Office for Women's Affairs.
Last Updated: August 2002
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