Contact Information
Campus Center
Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
419-448-2041
If you need to get out of an uncomfortable or scary situation here are some things that you can try:
In the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault, the most important thing is for the victim to get to a safe place. Whether it be the victim’s home, a friend’s home or with a family member, immediate safety is what matters most.
When a feeling of safety has been achieved, it is vital for the victim to receive medical attention, regardless of his or her decision to report the crime to the police. For the victim’s health and self-protection, it is important to be checked and treated for possible injuries, even if none are visible.
This includes testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as receiving preventative treatments that may be available, depending upon the local response and resources. For instance, medications to prevent STIs and pregnancy and protect against HIV transmission may be offered.
In addition to receiving medical attention, victims are encouraged to receive a forensic examination. This exam is important because preserving DNA evidence can be key to identifying the perpetrator in a sexual assault case, especially those in which the offender is a stranger. DNA evidence is an integral part of a law enforcement investigation that can build a strong case to show that a sexual assault occurred and to show that the defendant is the source of biological material left on the victim’s body. Victims have the right to accept or decline any or all parts of the exam, however, it is important to remember that critical evidence may be missed if not collected or analyzed.
Victims should make every effort to save anything that might contain the perpetrator’s DNA, therefore a victim should not:
Even if the victim has not yet decided to report the crime, receiving a forensic medical exam and keeping the evidence safe from damage will improve the chances that the police can access and test the stored evidence at a later date.
It is also important to note that having a friend or family member who is raped or assaulted can be a very upsetting experience. For this reason it is also important that you take care of yourself. Even if your friend and family member isn’t ready to talk to a hotline specialist, you can get support for yourself. You can also get ideas about ways to help your friend or family member through the recovery process.
Good self-care is a challenge for many people and it can be especially challenging for survivors of rape, sexual assault, incest and sexual abuse. It can also be an important part of the healing process.
Physical self-care is an area that people often overlook.
Emotional self-care will mean different things for different people. It might mean:
If there are people in your life who consistently make you feel bad about yourself, consider letting those friendships or relationships go. This can be a difficult decision. Remember that you deserve to have people around you who genuinely care about you and who support you.
Another challenge can be in finding time for fun leisure activities. Many survivors have full-time jobs, go to school, volunteer and have families. Finding time to do activities that you enjoy is an important aspect of self-care.
Dating violence is when one person purposely hurts or scares someone they are dating. Dating violence happens to people of all races, cultures, incomes and education levels. It can happen on a first date, or when you are deeply in love. It can happen whether you are young or old, and in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. Dating violence is always wrong, and you can get help.
Dating violence includes:
Dating violence often starts with emotional abuse. You may think that behaviors like calling you names or insisting on seeing you all the time are a "normal" part of relationships. But they can lead to more serious kinds of abuse, like hitting, stalking, or preventing you from using birth control.
Dating violence can cause serious harm to your body and your emotions. If you are in an abusive relationship, get help.
Answering “yes” to these questions is a definite sign of an unhealthy relationship. (Provided by Network for Battered Women.)
If you are thinking of ending your relationship, consider these safety tips:
If you are thinking of ending your relationship, consider these safety tips:
Remember that you are of importance and no one deserves to be abused or threatened. Turn to someone you can trust such as a professor, family member, friend, counselor or a nurse at Stoner Health services. These resources are here to specifically help you, so now it is your step to go there. If you decide to tell any of these members, they are legally required to report neglect or abuse to the police.
Or, contact the Support Network for Battered Women’s 24-hour hotline (800-572-2782).
If you know someone who might be in an abusive relationship:
Domestic Violence is legally defined as when spouses or intimate partners use physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, harassment or stalking to control the behavior of their partners. Domestic violence is a crime, a learned behavior and is a choice.
Think about the following questions to distinguish whether you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence:
There are many shelters dedicated to victims of domestic violence. Be sure to call the Network for Battered Women (800-572-2782) to find the closest location near you. If not choosing a shelter, do call the crisis hotline to assist you. They are here specifically to aid in your needs.
How to get away if there is an emergency
Who Can Help
Where to go
Important safety note: If the dangerous situation involves a partner, go to the police or a shelter first.
What to Bring
At Parties
Walking
Driving
Dorm Safety
If you have been sexually assaulted, there are some additional steps you can take to help feel safer:
Remember, no one deserves abuse, and there is no excuse for domestic violence!
Police | 911 |
Open Arms: Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services | 419-420-9261 |
Heidelberg University Campus Security | 419-448-2211 |
Heidelberg University Stoner Health Center | 419-448-2041 |
Open Arms | 419-422-4766 |
National Sexual Assault Hotline | 800-656-HOPE |
National Domestic Violence Hotline | 800-799-SAFE |
Campus Center
Monday-Friday 8am-4pm