Resources for survivors of interpersonal violence

Advocacy, Counseling, and Emotional Support:

Prevention, Advocacy, and Wellness Services (PAWS) provides advocacy and referrals for Fredonia students that are survivors of sexual assault and other forms of interpersonal violence. We can answer questions, offer emotional support, and provide referrals. You can make an appointment with the PAWS office by visiting our office in LoGrasso Hall, calling us at 716-673-3424, or emailing the PAWS coordinator at CARE@fredonia.edu. The PAWS office is open M-F, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

For additional assistance you can also contact The Anew Center of Jamestown (The Salvation Army). The Anew Center provides a 24/7 helpline for survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence (1-800-252-8748). The helpline can answer questions, provide referrals or send a victim advocate to meet with you.

All of these services are free and confidential. We highly encourage survivors to contact an advocate.

Medical Treatment and Evidence Collection:

Taking care of your physical and medical state can play an important role in healing. You may have internal and/or external injuries as a result of the assault requiring medical care. Additionally, you may want to explore options for preventing sexually transmitted infections/disease (STI/STD) and/or pregnancy.

Emergency contraception (EC) is available at the Health Center for $10.00. Area pharmacies such as Rite Aid Walmart carry EC for $40-$50. While it is ‘over the counter’ and does not require an Rx, you will have to ask the pharmacist to obtain EC.

Brooks Memorial Hospital can provide medical treatment to survivors of sexual assault. They can offer treatment for injuries, STD testing and treatment, the morning after pill, and basic evidence collection (also known as 'rape kits'). Advocates from The Anew Center can be contacted to provide advocacy services. Survivors who have a sexual assault kit completed do not have to file a police report or press criminal charges.

Contact Information:
529 Central Avenue - Dunkirk
716-366-1111
www.brookshospital.org

Things to know about the SANE exam:

• You will be asked questions about your general health and specific questions about the assault. It may be difficult to recall some of the details, and it may be emotionally painful to talk about what happened. Medical providers ask specific questions to find out what to look for when they examine you. The information you give helps them conduct a thorough physical evaluation.
• During the exam you can expect to be examined for internal or external injuries, foreign hair samples, and semen/other bodily fluids. You may be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Depending on the types of sexual contact that occurred, the search for physical evidence may include taking samples from the mouth, vagina, and/or rectum to test for sperm cells and semen. Other evidence may be obtained from fingernail scrapings, foreign matter on your body, and the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault.
• If you have visible injuries, you may be asked to have photographs taken. Photographing injuries is important because by the time your assailant is prosecuted, the injuries may have healed.
• Going to the hospital does not mean that you have to make a report to the police. That is your choice.
• Save the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault in a paper bag.
• Save sheets, blankets, or anything else that may have evidence in a paper bag. Do not throw anything away or try to clean up.
• Such an exam can be performed up to 96 hours after an assault, but it is most successful within the first 24 hours.
• If possible, bring an extra set of clothes (the police may want the clothes worn during the assault for evidence) and a friend or another supportive person.
• Do not shower, drink, eat, or change your clothes prior to an exam. These activities destroy important physical evidence that is useful should you decide to make a police report. Also, document everything you remember happening with as much detail as possible.
• While there is no charge for a rape kit, in some cases, insurance may be billed for services. You are encouraged to let hospital personnel know if you do not want your insurance policyholder to be notified about your access to these services. The New York State Office of Victim Services may be able to assist in compensating survivors for health care and counseling services, including emergency funds. More information may be found here: https://ovs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/06/rights-crime-victims-… or by calling 1-800-247-8035.

Health Center staff is specially trained to identify and respond to the medical needs of sexual assault survivors. The Health Center can provide treatment for injuries, emergency contraception, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and referrals to outside providers for additional services.

Contact Information:
LoGrasso Hall,
www.fredonia.edu/student-life/health-center
716-673-3131