What should I do if I am being sexually assaulted?
Sexual assault happens and it’s not the victim’s fault.
Sexual violence includes:
-
sexual harassment
-
exposure to pornography or private body parts
-
rape
-
child sexual assault
-
incest
-
ritual abuse
-
martial/partner rape
-
date/acquaintance rape
-
sexual contact without consent
If you are interested in receiving a presentation or awareness event from The Bridge to Hope, please call
715-235-9074 or email manager@thebridgetohope.org for more information.
-
Find a safe location away from the perpetrator. If possible, ask a trusted friend to be with you for moral support.
-
Preserve all evidence of the attack. Do not bathe, wash your hands, brush your teeth, eat, or smoke.
-
If you are still in the location at which the crime occurred, do not clean or straighten up or remove anything.
-
Write down all the details you can recall about the attack and the perpetrator.
-
Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. Women may also be at risk for pregnancy.
-
Ask the authorities to contact your local crisis center, which can provide information on the nearest medical facility, and in some instances, send an advocate to accompany you through the evidence collection process.
-
If you suspect you have been drugged, request that a urine sample be collected to preserve evidence.
-
Know that what happened was not your fault. Recognize that healing from an attack takes time. Give yourself the time you need and know that it is never too late to get help.
Did you know we have a UW-Stout Advocate?
Kat Brogan is the campus advocate located in
74J Harvey Hall (Lower Level). Services are free and confidential.
Available to help:
-
Define and explain the dynamics of abusive relationships, sexual violence, and human trafficking, and the impact of trauma.
-
Coordinate, prepare for, and accompany you to meetings with the Title IX Coordinator, law enforcement, forensic medical (SANE) exams, court hearings, and more.
-
Understand your legal options, victim rights, and judicial processes.*
-
Offer support, options, and resources while exploring your feelings, wants and needs.
-
Develop a safety plan based on your situational needs.
-
Connect with other campus and local agencies and resources.
*Our advocates are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice.
Contact Info:
Angie
Director of Sexual Assault Victim Services
Email: angiem@thebridgetohope.org
Phone: (715) 235-9074
Kat
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate/Campus Advocate
Email: katb@thebridgetohope.org
74J Harvey Hall (Lower Level)
Monday - Thursday: 1:30 – 5:00 pm
Friday: 11:30 – 3:00 pm
(Available other times by appointment)
Phone:715-235-9074
*Information based on the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) website

Sexual violence is a crime and it includes any act (verbal or physical) which breaks a person’s trust and is sexual in nature.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.