Sexual Assault Services

DEPAUW UNIVERSITY STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

After a sexual assault, a student is usually referred to Student Health Services by the Public Safety Office, Counseling Services, a SASA or other Student Affairs offices. A student may also visit Student Health Services for other concerns and in the course of taking a history, it is discovered that s/he has been the survivor/victim of a sexual assault.

Unless in immediate medical danger, the survivor/victim will be allowed to make his/her own decisions about medical examination and treatment options. The staff at Student Health Services are trained to offer caring, confidential services and to consider the emotional and medical needs of the survivor/victim. Our medical staff includes specially trained sexual assault forensic examiners who provide comprehensive care to sexual assault patients.

Treatment Options:

1. If the student has suffered medical injury or is not able to consent to treatment, s/he should go to the Putnam County Hospital Emergency Department.

2. SANEs (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) are specially trained staff at Student Health Services who can assist any victim of a sexual assault from DePauw University. SANEs examine both males and females. A forensic medical exam can be done if reported within 72 hours after the sexual assault. This is done in the privacy, comfort and confidential setting of the Student Health Services. Services are FREE OF CHARGE to DePauw University students. Call DePauw Public Safety Office (658-4261) to page the SANE after office hours or on weekends. During regular office hours, call Student Health Services at 658-4555.

3. A victim/survivor may also have a forensic medical exam done at Putnam County Hospital. The victim is under no obligation to pursue legal action. However, unless the victim agrees to prosecute, there will be a charge for the hospital services. The rape kit evidence will be turned over to the police.

4. If the student chooses not to collect evidence with a rape kit, s/he should still seek a free, completely confidential medical examination at Student Health Services. The goals of the medical exam will be to address the patient’s medical needs. This includes:

  • treating injuries
  • evaluating for pregnancy and if indicated, offer free emergency contraception
  • testing for and providing free treatment for currently treatable sexually transmitted diseases
  • testing for and treating vaginal infections
  • providing follow-up medical care after the initial exam
  • reviewing handouts about his/her treatment and recommended follow-up care
  • providing resources and encouragement in seeking professional emotional support from the Counseling Services or a rape crisis center.

These services are offered only during regular hours at Student Health Services and do not require emergency contact after hours or weekends. SANE Brochure

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE:
Memorial Student Union Building, Room 200
(765) 658-4261
Open 24 hours

 HEALTH SERVICES:
Wellness Center, 800 S. Locust St.
(765) 658-4555
M, W, F 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (including lunch)
T, Th 9:00 AM - Noon; 1:00 PM - 5PM

COUNSELING SERVICES:
Wellness Center, 800 S. Locust St.
(765) 658-4268
M, W, F 9:00 - 5:00 PM
T, Th 9:00 AM - Noon; 1:00PM - 5PM

SASA (Sexual Assault Survivor’s Advocate):
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
658-4650