Sexual Assault
Available to victims, family, friends, community members, and service providers in Goodhue and Wabasha Counties. For elsewhere in MN, please check for your nearest service provider at http://rapehelpmn.com/. For other states, go to http://centers.rainn.org/.
If you have been harmed by sexual violence or harassment, know that it was not your fault. No one ever deserves to be sexually assaulted.
We’re here to help you and your family or friends every step of the way, whether:
● The assault or harassment has just happened.
● You’re in an abusive situation and want it to stop.
● The assault happened in the past.
If you have been sexually assaulted:
● Get to a safe place. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you can, contact a friend or family member that you trust.
● Contact an Advocate at 1-800-369-5214 for support and guidance. Advocates are available 24 hours a day. Advocates can let you know about your options and rights regarding medical care/forensic exams, reporting your assault to law enforcement, and other needs you may have.
● Do your best to preserve all evidence: don’t shower, brush your teeth, bathe, douche, or straighten up the area until medical and legal evidence has been collected. If you have already changed clothes, place the clothes you were wearing in a paper bag and bring it with you to the hospital.
● Please try and seek medical attention as soon as possible. You will be provided with medications to prevent certain sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy–even after 120 hours. If you think you may have been drugged, try not to urinate before seeking medical attention. If you can’t wait, collect it in a clean glass container and bring it with you. (Some “date rape” drugs leave the system within 8 hours.)
You will not be financially responsible for the costs of the forensic exam or medications.
We offer both crisis and ongoing support services to all survivors of sexual assault. Sexual violence can happen to anyone, of any gender, age, or sexual orientation. You do not have to go through this alone.
Volunteer Sexual Assault Advocates needed!
Support survivors of sexual assault and serve your community in a powerful way. Become a volunteer advocate! We offer the state-mandated 40-hour training and certification course free of charge to volunteers. On completion, you’ll be able to provide support at medical exams, law enforcement interviews, court hearings, and other appointments.
Interested in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable women? Please contact us at 651-388-9360 for more information.
Volunteer Advocate description:
Volunteer-SA-Advocate-description.pdf
Resources for service providers:
Goodhue County SMART
SMART stands for Sexual Assault Multi-Disciplinary Action Response Team. One of 12 in Minnesota, the Goodhue County SMART works hard to ensure that the people and agencies responding to a sexual assault survivor are “victim-centered” and “culturally-competent.” The local team includes representatives from Mayo Clinic Health System, Red Wing; several local law enforcement agencies; the Goodhue County Attorney’s Office and Health & Human Services Department; Minnesota Department of Corrections; Covered Bridge Family Resources, and HOPE Coalition. For more information, contact Katherine Cross, Goodhue County SMART Coordinator at 651-380-9614 or .
