To the editor:
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. AMHC Sexual Assault Services is dedicated to making an effort to raise awareness about and prevent sexual violence. This year’s awareness activities are focused on promoting healthy sexuality for young people. Education is the key to preventing sexual violence.
Sexual assault, or rape, is a concern worldwide and Aroostook County is no exception. Sexual Assault Services comes into contact with victims and survivors daily through our support line, during face-to-face appointments and presentations we offer to the community at large, and in interactions with other health and social service providers.
Sexual Assault Services offer trained advocates to provide support to victims/survivors and their loved ones. Advocates seek information on behalf of a victim and help support them in their interactions with the hospital staff, law enforcement officials and with the working through the legal proceedings. Our support doesn’t stop when the legal intervention comes to an end, it only stops if and when a victim makes the decision that they can cope without our support services.
Advocates work with anybody who is a victim of sexual assault, no matter how recent it has occurred. Sexual Assault Services is a valuable resource throughout the community to provide prevention education services in all settings, All of AMHC’s Sexual Assault advocacy services are free and confidential.
If someone has been recently affected by sexual assault, we strongly encourage them to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially for injury and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. AMHC Sexual Assault Services works closely with all every hospital emergency department and their nurses and doctors. Our advocates go with a victim to the emergency department (ED), providing a calm, supportive presence, which helps to alleviate some of the stress and fear.
By going to the ED, a victim will have a forensic examination where important evidence is collected to help with reporting to law enforcement, if the victim chooses to pursue prosecution. At the ED, an internal exam is conducted and all evidence is collected from the victim’s clothing, including hair, fingernail clippings and blood. Victims do have the option of reporting to law enforcement and advocates are able to advise them of their rights and will support their ultimate decision confidentially.
If a victim does decide to report their assault to law enforcement, the hospital ED staff will make the call and an interview can be done after the medical examination or scheduled for the following day. Law enforcement’s role is to get information and investigate the case. The victim can choose to have the advocate present during the interview. Advocates also have a very collaborative working relationship with all law enforcement agencies in Aroostook County.
Please join us at AMHC, along with sexual assault services and advocates all over the world, to increase awareness of this horrific crime and fight the stigma and hurt it causes victims, survivors, loved ones and community members. If you or someone you know is a victim and needs support and guidance, help is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-871-7741.
Wendy Page
Community Educator
AMHC Sexual Assault Services
