Sexual assault is an act of violence. Students who are victims of an assault may be in a state of shock and disbelief and may be feeling a variety of emotions such as fear, anger, and helplessness as well as shame and guilt. A victimized student may not know who to trust or turn to for help. This guide is designed to give students resources to help in recovery as well as to reduce the risk of an assault from happening again. Students are encouraged to seek help from the resource people in this guide. There are trained professionals available at Mars Hill College who can provide information and support. Students are encouraged to use these resources. The College will respect the wishes of the student and will not force them toward any action.
If a student is sexually assaulted, she or he is encouraged to:

1) Get to a safe place as soon as possible.

2) Understand that the assault was not your fault, nor did you do anything to cause it or deserve it. 100% of the responsibility lies with the person who assaulted you.

3) Try to preserve all physical evidence. Do not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing if it can be avoided. If changing clothes is a must, put all clothing worn at the time of the attack in a paper bag, not plastic (this is important for evidence collection).

4) Report the crime to the police. This is a personal decision that only the student who has been assaulted can make. Understand that making a report does not require the victim to press charges. Consider that the perpetrator may have had previous victims, and if attention is not brought on their behavior, it is likely that there will be more victims in the future. *** Mars Hill Police Department 689-2301 or 9-911 from the residential facilities.

5) Contact Campus Security by calling X1230. A call to Security does not mean that one has chosen to bring criminal charges. Security officers are trained to assist in securing medical attention and professional counseling while assuring that evidence of the incident is collected and preserved in the event of a later decision to prosecute.

6) Get medical attention as soon as possible to address physical health needs and to collect important evidence in the event of a later decision to take legal action. For the purpose of effective evidence collection, physical examination at a local emergency room must take place as soon as possible and no later than seventy-two (72) hours after the assault.

7) Talk with a counselor who can provide emotional support and give information about resources while clarifying confidentiality. For on-campus counseling services, call the Counseling Center, 689-1196 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.). For off-campus counseling and support services, call My Sister’s Place, Madison County’s sexual assault services agency, 649-2582 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) or 649-2446 (24 hour hotline).

8) Confide in someone who can be trusted, a close friend or resident assistant, to turn to for support through recovery. If preferred, a member of the College staff who is knowledgeable about recovery resources can be chosen as a support person.


*************************************************
Remember to call 9-911 for any emergency in the residential facilities
Mars Hill College Security 689-1230
Mars Hill Police 689-2301 or 9-911
My Sisters Place 649-2446