If You are Sexually Assaulted…

Sexual assault is an act of aggression and a profoundly serious violation of person and community. It is dominance-oriented and hostile. Legally it is a crime; morally it is a sin. Sexual assault – and specifically date and acquaintance rape – will be dealt with as a serious violation of campus standards.

If you are sexually assaulted, or experience date or acquaintance rape, an advocate is available 24 hours a day. This is what you should do:

  1. Get Help As Soon As Possible
    1. Goshen College Resources:
      1. Call Security 574-535-7599
      2. On-Call Resident Director 574-535-6273
      3. Char Hochstetler, Campus Counselor Day Contact:  574-535-7474; Evening and Weekends:  Through On-Call RD, 574-535-6273
      4. Any faculty you trust
    2. Off Campus Resources:
      1. Police 911
      2. Indiana University Health Goshen Hospital 574-533-2141
      3. Rape Counseling Hotline 574-289-4357 (through Rape Crisis Center in South Bend
    3. Get Medical Care As Soon As Possible
      It is important NOT to bathe, shower or change clothing after a sexual assault.       

      1. Go to Indiana University Health Goshen Hospital Emergency Department. Ask an advocate or trusted friend to go with you. Financial assistance is available either from the State of Indiana or Goshen College. To receive the financial assistance from the state, you must have the rape examination (done in the Emergency Department), report the rape within 48 hours, and give the name of the offender to the police.
      2. Be sure to obtain the appropriate follow up care at the Wellness & Health Center as directed by the Emergency Department.
    4. Self-Care In Difficult Times
      • Sexual assault – and specifically date and acquaintance rape – will be dealt with as a serious violation of campus standards. Trained advocates are always available to you, and counseling staff or staff from the Wellness & Health Center will discuss legal and campus options available to survivors of sexual assault, preferably as soon as possible, but always when you are comfortable doing so.

    These conversations will be held in strict confidence.

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