The University of La Crosse has a registered nurse devoted to helping
students after a sexual assault. She is known as a sexual assault nurse
examiner.
SANEs can collect forensic evidence suitable in court, inform victims of
the importance of reporting the assault, provide medication to prevent sexually
transmitted infections and pregnancy, and provide the victim with additional
resources to receive help.
SANE nurses can be found on campus and off campus. Ingrid Peterson is a
sexual assault victim advocate and prevention specialist available on campus in
149 Graff Main Hall. She can also be reached at 608-785-8062.
At
UW-L sexual harassment is impermissible and subject to disciplinary action in
accordance with applicable due process requirements including but not limited
to reprimand, temporary suspension, expulsion, or discharge if a student is
found guilty.
For someone has been sexually assaulted, take the following precautions
•Preserve the evidence. Don't clean up, bathe, douche, or change
clothes.
•Go immediately to the emergency room of the
nearest hospital. Both Mayo Clinic Health
System (10th & Market) and Gundersen
(1836 South Ave) provide sexual assault services, including SANE nurses
and counselors. Both will help with reporting the assault to law enforcement if
desired. UW-L University Police or the La Crosse Police Department is available
for transportation to an emergency room.
•Write down details about the assailant (height,
weight, hair color, physical oddities, clothing and the name in the case of
date or acquaintance rape) and circumstances as soon as possible.
•Report the crime to UW-L University Police,
608-789-9999, or the La Crosse City Police, 911, or the UW-L Student Life
Office, 785-8062, as quickly as possible.
Reporting the crime does not mean asking for prosecution of the alleged
perpetrator, but it does help provide resources, as well as helping to ensure
the safety of other students.
•Get help for yourself no matter how long
ago or circumstances of assault.
Immediate and ongoing help is available from First Call for Help,
782-8010 (24 hours) and the UW-L Counseling & Testing Center, 785-8073
(8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday). The sexual assault services at the local
hospitals are also available for support, counseling, and information about the
different options are available -- Mayo Clinic Health System, 608-392-7804 or
(800) 362-5454, X7804, and Gundersen, 608-775-3845 or 1-800-362-9567, X53845.
Local off campus help includes Mayo Clinic Health System (608-392-7804) and
Gundersen (608-775-3845). Options Clinic can be reached at 608-775-8390.
Options Clinic does not require insurance. Always call La Crosse police about
an assault.
According
to city data, there are currently 19 registered sex offenders living in La
Crosse. La Crosse has higher crime rates than the neighboring cities of La
Crescent, Onalaska, Hokah, and West Salem.
The
legal definition of sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact. Sexual
assault is any forced or coerced sexual intercourse or contact. It is a crime
of violence in which assailants, whether known to the victim or not, are
motivated by a desire to humiliate and have power over the victim. Refer to Wisconsin State Statutes 940.225 and
948.012.
Students
can decrease their risk of sexual harassment and rape by staying responsible
and taking these precautions:
- Limit their alcohol
intake and not receive open drinks.
- Avoid engaging with
strangers.
- Students should not walk
alone. Students can start a buddy system or have somebody designated to
call if uncomfortable. The Safe Ride bus is also available Thursday
through Saturday nights through campus and off campus.
- Students must make their
own choices and stick by them.
- Students should not be
persuaded by others. Students can learn to defend themselves in case of an
attack. Various kickboxing classes are always offered the UW-L Rec.
- Students should always
trust their gut instincts. On campus, Blue Light Emergency Phones are
placed throughout campus and at the entrance to residence calls in order
for students to directly communicate with campus police in case of
emergency.
- Students can also learn
about rape and what drives those to rape. Educating will help students
learn situations to avoid.
UWL is always looking to make students feel safe on campus. If someone
feels unsafe or uncomfortable, call campus police at 608-785-9000
(nonemergency) or 608-785-9999 (emergency).
For UWL's 2007 statistics for sexual assault, visit http://www.uwlax.edu/studentlife/sexualassault.htm.
For
more city data, visit http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-La-Crosse-Wisconsin.html.
For
more information for students about sexual assault, visit http://www.uwlax.edu/studentlife/sexualassault.htm
To
learn the Safe Ride schedule, visit http://www.uwlax.edu/af/upass/saferide.htm.
To
find Blue Light Emergency Phones locations, visit http://www.uwlax.edu/police/appendix_2.htm
