|
Prevention
While it is important to understand that
sexual assault is never the victim’s fault, it can be empowering
to take steps to attempt to reduce one’s vulnerability.
Programs
JWCC and Campus Police offer sexual assault awareness and prevention
programs to JWCC staff, faculty, and students.
Campus Police maintains a certified instructor in
Rape Aggression
Defense (RAD) and offers classes to students, employees, and
community members.
In conjunction with
Quanada and other local
service agencies, JWCC attempts to keep the campus community
up-to-date on safety issues, including, sexual assault, sexual
abuse, acquaintance rape, date rape, and date rape drugs.
Procedures
to Follow after a Sexual Assault Occurs.
MEDICAL CARE Emergency Room Exam
Seeking medical care is important, whether or not the
victim chooses to report the sexual assault to the police. A local
hospital emergency room can provide immediate medical attention.
After a sexual assault, the primary medical concerns are physical
injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. At the time
of the examination, testing will also be done in a systematic way to
collect evidence that can be used to prosecute the person accused of
committing the sexual assault.
It is important that the victim NOT bathe, douche, or change
clothing before the exam. These actions could destroy potential
evidence.
Quincy’s
Blessing Hospital
has a networking agreement with the Quanada Sexual Assault
Program whereby an on-call rape crisis counselor will respond at
anytime to support the victim through the emergency room medical
exam.
Evidence Collection
The medical exam is also designed for thorough and
complete evidence collection. Evidence may be collected, whether or
not the victim chooses to report the assault to the police, so that
it is available at a later date, if needed.
Cost
The
Sexual Assault Survivor’s Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA)
will cover the emergency room costs if the victim does not have
public or private medical insurance. SASETA will also provide a
six-week follow up exam at Blessing Hospital.
Under the
Illinois Crime Victim’s Compensation Act, victims of
violent crimes can be reimbursed for out-of-pocket medical expenses,
loss of earnings, psychological counseling, and loss of support
income due to the crime.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCEDURES
Police
Sexual assault and sexual abuse are violent crimes. Like all
other violent crimes, it is the responsibility of the State to
prosecute the accused offender on the victim's behalf. The
victim of a sexual assault should immediately report the incident to
the Campus Police Department. Campus Police Officers will initiate the investigation
and inform the appropriate authorities.
Seeking police assistance and court action
can reduce the chance that the same accused offender will assault
the victim, or someone else.
Prosecution by the Courts
Whenever sexual assault or sexual abuse is
committed, the State considers the crime an act against the people
of the State. Therefore, criminal cases are tried by the
State’s
Attorney’s Office. The victim is considered a witness to the crime
and does not have to pay fees for assistance from the State’s
Attorney’s Office.
The victim’s report of the crime, medical
report, and evidence will be used to help prosecute the case and the
victim may be called to testify in court.
Campus Disciplinary Action
The JWCC Office of the
Vice
President for Student Services will
entitle both the accuser and the accused to the same opportunities
to have others present during any campus disciplinary proceeding.
The JWCC Office of the Vice President for
Student Services will provide both the accuser and the accused with information
regarding the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought
alleging a sex offense.
Campus disciplinary sanctions for cases
involving alleged sex offenses may include, but are not limited to,
suspension, expulsion, and criminal prosecution.
EMOTIONAL RECOVERY
Sexual assault is a crisis and victims all
handle crisis in different ways. The emotional reaction to sexual
assault is complex and often confusing.
Talking with someone who understands can
help a victim sort out the emotional aftermath of a sexual assault.
A counselor who has knowledge of the trauma related to sexual
assault can help a victim gain perspective on the situation.
Campus Police will notify appropriate
counseling services and assist the victim in accessing these
services.
JWCC will assist the victim of a sexual
assault in making changes to their academic schedule, when these
changes are requested by the victim and are reasonably available.
Counseling Services
Quanada
Sexual Assault Program –
(217) 223-2030 or (800) 369-2287. Quanada provides free and
confidential medical and legal advocacy, as well as shelter,
counseling, and support information.
Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
(ICASA)
– (217) 753-4117.
HELP LINE Information and Referral Service – (217) 224-1223 or
(800) 747-4636.
Return to Jeanne Clery |
