Get Help

Goodhue and Wabasha County Sexual Assault Support

Something has happened to you that shook your world. What happened was out of your control.  What happened was not your fault.  What happened might not make any sense.  You did nothing to deserve it.

If you have been sexually assaulted:

• Get to a safe place
• Call SARA at 1.800.519.6690, or a trusted friend or family member
• Go to the nearest medical facility (an advocate can meet you there)
• To preserve evidence it is important to not bathe or shower, brush hair, teeth, etc.
• Collect the clothing that was worn at the time of the assault and place it in a paper bag
• If you feel you must urinate, collect the urine in a clean container that can be brought to the medical facility in order to check for date rape drugs

It’s Not Your Fault

Even if you do not want to make a report to law enforcement, you can still get an exam! Remember, this is not your fault!

After an assault you may feel like you are “going crazy,” like your emotions are out of control, or you may be feeling nothing at all.  It is very common for victims to have the following reactions:

• Anger
• Denial
• Self-Blame
• Shame
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Social Withdrawal
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Mood Swings
• Fear
• Rationalization
• Difficulty with Intimacy

These are normal reactions; sexual assault is a traumatic experience.  If you are experiencing any or none of these emotions, it is normal and it is okay to talk about it.

What would you want your best friend to do if this happened to them?  You would want them to take care of themselves: get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, stop blaming themselves and talk to someone. We are here to help.

Begin Healing

We know it is hard, but whatever you decide to do, SARA is here to help you move forward in your life. We can help you understand the options that are available to you.  We can help you move forward in your own healing process and we can help you understand your options, should you decide to report the incident.

SARA understands that you will go through your healing process on your timeline, on your own terms.  SARA lets you take the lead.  No lectures, no pressure.  We are here whenever you are ready.

Has Someone You Know Been Hurt?

Are you prepared if a friend comes to you for help?

24 hour support line: 1.800.519.6690

SARA will show you how to really be there for someone you care for, by teaching you how to help them stay safe, happy, and healthy, and by teaching you how to help them in a crisis:

• Believe him or her
• Listen without interruption and do not blame or judge
• Accept all responses and feelings (or lack of) as normal
• Reassure her/him that it was not their fault
• Contact SARA for information and support
• Encourage them to report the assault and seek professional health care
• Allow them to choose and control what happens
• Support their decisions
• Be patient
• Respect their privacy and confidentiality