Sexual Assault
Any kind of coercive sexual contact, either by a stranger or someone you know, is sexual assault. (Please also refer to Article VI of the Luther Code.) If you are sexually assaulted, tell someone who can help. Don't try to handle it alone. Please refer to the Student Handbook (http://www.luther.edu/student-life/index.html).
1. A trained sexual assault advocate is available to talk with you by phone or meet with you and can provide needed support and information about medical, legal, and counseling resources.
2. Secure immediate medical attention at Winneshiek Medical Center Emergency Room (563) 382-2911, 901 Montgomery St., Decorah. Do not remove any clothing, shower, douche or do anything that might destroy physical evidence of the assault. This evidence may be highly valuable if you later decide to take action against your assailant.
A Luther staff member or Domestic and Sexual Abuse Resource Center sexual assault advocate can accompany you to the emergency room. Your evaluation and treatment at the hospital can be paid for by the Iowa Sexual Abuse Examination Payment Program (www.state.ia.us/government/ag/helping_victims/services/sexual_assultexam.html). Hospital staff or a Domestic and Sexual Abuse Resource Center advocate can tell you about this program. You do NOT need to make a report to the police to receive this benefit.
3. Make a prompt report to the Decorah Police Department: (563) 382-3667. A Luther staff member or Domestic and Sexual Abuse Resource Center sexual assault advocate can assist you. Making a report does not obligate you to press formal charges.
Weekday Resources (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday)
The following resources are directly available to you for support and information about medical, legal, campus judicial, and counseling options and resources:
- Counseling Service (ext. 1375; Larsen Hall)
- Health Service (x1045; Larsen Hall)
- Office of College Ministries (ext. 1040; CFL 107)
- Sexual and Domestic Abuse Resource Center (382-2989); Crisis Line (24 hours; 1-800-383-2988)
- Student Life Office (ext. 1020; second floor Union)
- Residence Life Office (ext. 1330; first floor Union)
- Your RA or Hall Director
- Winneshiek Medical Center Emergency Room (382-2911; 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah)
- Contact the Dean or Associate Dean for Student Life (ext. 1020; second floor Union) to make an official report and if you would like to explore campus judicial proceedings against your assailant.
Note: Students are encouraged to report sexual assault to civil authorities and may seek assistance from Student Life staff in doing so. Students may also elect to pursue campus judicial action via the processes outlined in Article VII of the Luther Code. Reporting and specific questions should be directed to the Student Life Office. Victims of sexual assault may request changes in academic or living arrangements if such are reasonably available.
Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline: 1-800-284-7821 (www.rvap.org/pages/home/)
The Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline is a resource for anyone who is coping with or concerned about the effects of sexual violence. All services are free of charge, confidential, and are available to women, children, and men.
The 24-hour line is staffed by trained sexual assault advocates and the toll-free number is available to callers throughout the state of Iowa. Advocates can provide a safe space to talk, supportive listening, and information about services across the state for sexual abuse survivors and their significant others.
The Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline can refer callers to their local sexual assault center and is also available to assist callers in accessing other local resources such as domestic violence centers, shelters, law enforcement, hospitals, county attorney offices, or other counseling services.