Have you (or has someone you know) been sexually assaulted?

Here are a few facts you need to know:

• Sexual violence is the use of words and/or actions of a sexual nature that are unwanted by or and/or harmful to another person.

• Some of the above actions are defined as crimes by Minnesota statute and some are not. However, with sexual violence, the experience is hurtful to the victim.

• Sexual abuse and sexual assault can be used interchangeably with the term sexual violence.

• Sexual harassment/abuse
  • Unwanted touching
  • Sexual name calling
  • Using violence with sex
  • Unfaithfulness
  • Forcing sex

• Date/acquaintance rape
• Pornography
• Child sexual abuse
• Incest
• Drug related sexual abuse
• Commercial sexual exploitation
• Sexual exploitation by trusted professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.)
• Prostitution
• Clergy sexual misconduct
• Ritual sexual abuse

Sexual violence can happen to anyone:

• Children
• Women
• Men
• Elderly

• Sexual violence can happen anywhere
• About 50% of all sexual assaults take place in the victim's home in a private residence.
• Many victims are assaulted in a car, in the woods, or at a school function.

• Call 911
• Get to a safe place immediately.
• Call one of these crisis line numbers

If you live in the West Central Minnesota Area:

• 320-235-0962
• 800-792-4210 (toll free)

 

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Do not change clothes, douche, bathe or shower.
• Save your first urine specimen. It will be used by authorities to collect evidence to convict the abuser.

Services for Victims in Kandiyohi, McLeod, Renville, and Swift Counties

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, we can help.

First, you need to know it was not your fault. No one asks to be sexually assaulted.

The Shelter House provides trained advocates who are available 24 hours a day to take your calls, listen to you and help you.

Here are some of the ways they will help:

• Advocates offer support in reporting the assault to the police if you report the assault.
• Advocates can assist victims in the emergency room at the hospital if medical attention is needed. It is important to get medical attention to treat injuries, or check for potential sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, pregnancy, or any other concerns one may have.
• Provide legal advocacy.
• Help victims obtain rights and reparations available to them.
• Provide education on sexual violence issues.
• Convene weekly support group meetings for adult survivors of sexual assault.
• Provide referrals to other agencies who can provide other services.

 

The Shelter House Commitment to Victims: Whether the assault  took place a year ago or yesterday, Shelter House advocates can provide sexual violence victims with the assistance they need to become victorious survivors. Services are confidential, nonjudgmental, and free of charge.