Counseling ServicesDePauw University Wellness Center Hogate Hall, Suite 100
800 S. Locust St.
Greencastle, IN
46135-0037
(765) 658-4268 FAX:fax (765) 658-4554
Counseling Services
Sexual Assault
Contacting Counseling Services:
When someone sexually assaults a student, the sexual assault victim/survivor may choose to contact Counseling Services as one source of support. All counseling appointments are confidential. Daily emergency appointments are available at Counseling Services for those who feel they should be seen that day. Individuals may also call or visit Counseling Services in order to consult about a friend who has been assaulted.
The Initial Appointment:
During the initial appointment, counselors provide emotional support while conducting an assessment, give the student psycho-education, and provide relevant referrals. The student may then decide which actions to take next, including if s/he wants to receive further counseling.
Assessment:
Depending on the specific situation and the student's comfort level, counselors assess different areas. The student does not have to talk about anything s/he does not want to discuss. Typical areas of assessment are the student's current safety, the time and place someone assaulted the student, their current coping methods, the existence of a support system, relevant history, the extent to which symptoms are interfering with academics and other responsibilities, and common reactions to sexual assault.
Psycho-education:
Frequently, part of the initial session involves providing students with information to help them understand their experience. Survivors/victims of sexual assault are often confused about the experience and surprised by their intense reactions. Discussing the definition of sexual assault and common reactions to being assaulted can often be helpful.
Sexual Assault in any form is one of the most painful and upsetting things that can happen to a person. After the assault, an individual may:
- Be frightened, angry, depressed and anxious
- Experience restlessness and an inability to concentrate
- Feel a lack of confidence, guilty, embarrassed, and ashamed
- Experience disbelief or denial, and a mistrust of people
All of these feelings are normal reactions to being assaulted. Give yourself permission to take as long as you need to heal and recover.
Referrals:
Counselors may provide the student with referrals to other resources. The referrals provided depend on the student's needs. Possible referrals include on-campus referrals (e.g., Health Services, Public Safety, Dean of Students), and referrals to the community (e.g., Putnam Co. Hospital, and long-term counseling agencies).
