Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted this is information about what you can do. If you need immediate help, first, get to a safe place. Your immediate safety is the most important thing. Gustavus has a trained Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), consisting of confidential Gustavus staff, available to respond to students who have experienced sexual assault. They are available to provide support, information and assist with resource referrals.
An advocate can be reached 24 hours by calling 507-933-6868.
- Always get to a safe place.
- If you think you want evidence collected, do not bathe, shower, brush your teeth or go to the bathroom. This is important for preserving evidence.
- If you want to have a pill to prevent pregnancy (Plan B is available in Health Service or at some pharmacies) you should take the medication within 72 hours.
- If you are concerned about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or would like STI testing, staff in Health Services or local clinics can assist with this as well.
- If you think you want to make an official report on-campus or police report, assistance will be provided by a SART member or someone from CADA.
- GET SUPPORT. No matter what decisions you make, you have done the best you can. You deserve to have all resources available.
Helpful responses if someone you know has been sexually assaulted and comes to you
- Believe your friend
- Maintain a calm manner
- Listen without interrupting—Encourage your friend to take whatever time is necessary
- Respect the language your friend uses to identify what has happened
- Understand that individuals from different backgrounds may express or experience reactions to an assault in different ways
- Validate your friend's experience or reactions
- Remind your friend that he or she is not at fault
- Help your friend identify other safe people in his or her existing support system
- Encourage, but do NOT force, your friend to seek medical attention and counseling—Provide resources
- Allow your friend to make his or her own decisions
Confidential Resources
The College recognizes that some individuals may wish to keep their concerns confidential. Confidential communications are those communications which cannot be disclosed to another person, without the reporter’s consent, except under very limited circumstances such as allegations involving the physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect of a child (under the age of 18) or vulnerable adult or an imminent threat to the life of any person. Individuals who desire the details of Sex Discrimination to be kept confidential should speak with a medical professional, professional counselor, minister or other pastoral counselor, or trained victims’ advocate. Individuals that desire the details of the incident be kept confidential should contact any of the following confidential employees and other external confidential resources.
Gustavus Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
SART advocates are available to provide support, information and assist with resource referrals. All SART members have been through 40 hours of advocacy training. A member of the team can be reached by calling 507-933-6868
Gustavus Counseling Center
The Gustavus Counseling Center provides a variety of confidential resources. Appointments can be made by calling 507-933-7027.
Gustavus Health Service
Appointments to be seen at the Gustavus Health Service can be made by calling 507-933-7630. To schedule enough time for your appointment, you will be asked the reason for your visit. If you are uncomfortable providing a reason for your visit, you may always ask to speak directly with a nurse about your health concern. All appointment information is treated with strict confidentiality.
Chaplains
Gustavus Chaplains are available to meet virtually with students and staff. They are good listeners who are skilled in guiding individuals through times of crisis, grief, vocational discernment, theological questions, relationship struggles, and more. Chaplains also enjoy sitting down over coffee or tea for open conversation.
CADA (Committee Against Domestic Abuse)
800-477-0466
CADA provides safety and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and shelter. CADA is a nonprofit victim advocacy and emergency shelter organization based in Mankato, Minnesota. CADA serves an eight county region including, Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide free and confidential services to all victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
thehotline.org
800-799-7233
National Sexual Assault Hotline
hotline.rainn.org
800-656-HOPE (4673)
Non-confidential Resources
Non-confidential communications are those communications with any College employee who is not a confidential employee as identified under confidential resources. Only confidential employees can promise confidentiality. All other College employees who become aware of information about conduct that reasonably may constitute Sex Discrimination are required to report the matter to the Title IX Coordinator. College employees who are not confidential employees will strive to remind an individual of their reporting obligations before the individual has disclosed a situation that requires reporting to the Title IX Coordinator. Below is a list of resources that may assist you, yet are not confidential.
Title IX Coordinator
507-933-6360
titleix [at] gustavus.edu (titleix[at]gustavus[dot]edu)
St Peter Police Department
507-931-1550 or 911
Campus Safety
507-933-8888
Dean of Students Office
507-933-7526
Human Resources
507-933-6315
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy
Nothing in this Policy is intended to create a contract between Gustavus Adolphus College and any student, employee, independent contractor, vendor, or other individual or entity.