Sexual Assault:
Your Medical and Mental Health Options There are several decisions for a student to make after a sexual assault. This time is often confusing, frustrating, and filled with a wide range of reactions. Here are answers to the most commonly asked health questions. WITHIN 72 HOURS of the incident you may choose one of these options
at Mercy Hospital: | | Check for injuries | Check for injuries | Screen for STD's, HIV, pregnancy | Screen for STD's, HIV, pregnancy | Interviewed by a doctor or nurse | Interviewed by law enforcement, doctor and/or SAFE nurse examiner | | Gathers evidence for use in court | Usually seen within 4 hours of arrival | Usually seen within 2 hours of arrival | | Preserves legal chain of evidence | Does not require you to report to the police. | Requires you to report to the police (including a name, if known) | Can be used in a criminal suit, but less effective than SAFE exam | | May inquire about medical advice from Loyola Health Center, but will be referred to Mercy for medical attention | An advocate from Turn Around will remain with you during the exam and provide follow-up services | Paid by you through health insurance | Paid for by the state if you report incident to the police |
AFTER 72 HOURS of the incident you may choose: | | Check for injuries, even healed injuries, at Loyola Health Center or Mercy ER
| Not usually done because little evidence will remain for court use | Screen for STD's, HIV, pregnancy at Loyola Health Center or Mercy ER | | Even after 72 hours you should seek medical attention!!!!!
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Counseling Services: Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that often leaves those involved with many emotional reactions. These reactions may include shock, anxiety, irritability, confusion, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. It is important to be aware that everyone responds differently to a crisis situation. Some will have immediate, intense reactions and others will have delayed reactions. Remember that there are services available on campus to help you during this difficult time. - The Counseling Center is available to support you before, during, and after the decision making process. Counseling is free and confidential.
- A counselor from Loyola's Counseling Center will be available to accompany you to the hospital regardless of your decision to report this incident to the police.
- If the incident occurs after business hours or on the weekend please contact someone from the Office of Student Life (RA, GRC, or AD) and they will assist you in receiving campus support (e.g., Counseling Center) as you make these decisions.
Resources: Counseling Center
150 Humanities Center
(410) 617-5109 Loyola Health Center
Seton Hall 02A
(410) 617-5055 Office of Student Life
Seton Hall 08B
(410) 617-5081 Department of Public Safety
Emergency (410) 617-5010
Non-Emergency (410) 617-2245 Turn Around
24-hour Hotline
(410) 828-6390
The Loyola College Counseling Center offers free counseling and referral services to Loyola students. Just call 617-5109 for an appointment . |
