Services for survivors of sexual assault can be costly
By Megan Krause, Campus Life writer
May 17, 2007 | 3 p.m.
Sexual assault is discussed in terms of prevention. There is safety in numbers; Keep your drink covered; Be aware. There is only one problem: these methods are not fool-proof. It is time to discuss the steps a survivor needs to take in order to recover physically and emotionally from sexual assault.
The Sooner the Better
When a person is sexually assaulted it is imperative that he or she receive medical attention as soon as possible. Evidence of sexual assault preferably should be gathered within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after the fact, according to the Ohio University's Protocol for Survivors of Sexual Assault that they provide for the Resident Life staff.
In Athens, survivors of sexual assault should be taken to O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, located on Hospital Drive, for emergency care. According to the Ohio University's Protocol for Survivors of Sexual Assault, specialized care is provided there by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). These nurses are trained to deal with assault survivors and to appear in court if evidence is needed to prosecute the offender.
According to Karen Robinson, director of Emergency Services and the Sexual Assault Program at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, the hospital has the only three SANE nurses on staff in the surrounding five counties.
Medicine Before Law
When it comes to medical care, the first concern for SANE nurses is to deal with any injuries the patient may have. "We would take care of the medical part first," Robinson said. "The first priority is making sure the patient doesn't have any lasting disability."
If the patient were to need surgery, then the nurses would try to gather evidence while the patients are being cared for. The SANE nurses are equipped with a "rape kit" that includes different means of collecting evidence. Beyond collecting evidence, the nurse also provides medication to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The morning after pill is also offered as a precaution against pregnancy, Robinson said.
The medicine for HIV is the only preventative measure that is not offered free of charge to sexual assault survivors. According to Robinson, this extra cost is not something to be too worried about because most cases in Athens can be classified as "acquaintance rape." This means that the offender can be tested for any sexually transmitted disease that he or she may have passed on to the victim.
Cost of Care
Robinson explained that the actual SANE exam is of no cost to the survivor. "It shouldn't cost the patient anything unless they have an injury," she said. "The attorney general pays for the gathering of evidence because that's the legal stuff."
According to "Picking up the Pieces: your rights and responsibilities as a crime victim," a handbook published by the attorney general, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Program (SAFE) will pay for exams that are conducted to gather evidence. This includes lab tests and antibiotics that are given to the patient. According to Amanda Childress, assistant director of Health Education and Wellness at Hudson Health Center, this program used to be offered at Hudson Health Center, but lost funding.
Hudson Health Center also offers Plan B emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted diseases, according to Childress. Unlike O'Bleness, patients are charged for each antibiotic separately; however, OU students do get some perks. "Being an OU student, you don't have to pay for a doctors' cost," said Childress. "Our doctors don't make a $5 profit or anything from the tests." The antibiotics provided at Hudson are sold to students at retail price.
In order to deal with the medical costs of injury, patients don't necessarily have to pull the money out of their pockets. According to the attorney general's crime victim handbook, "The Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program helps innocent victims of violent crime recover their economic losses suffered as a result of the crime." In order to apply for this aid you must meet certain requirements. More information can be found at the attorney general Web site.
In the case of an unconscious victim or a victim who does not think they want to prosecute the offender, SANE nurses routinely gather evidence. "We would gather evidence but we wouldn't do anything with it," Robinson said. "If you change your mind in two weeks, we still have it." This measure is taken because after a few days the evidence is gone. "Without that evidence it is very hard to prosecute someone," Childress said.
If a survivor decides that they do not want to prosecute the offender the hospital still has a legal duty to report the assault. "By law we have to report a crime," Robinson said. "So we will call the police and tell them there was an assault but it's a Jane Doe." They also inform the police of the date and time of the assault.
Emotional Support
Moral support during a SANE exam can be provided by members of the Sexual Assault Advocacy Program. "If you are going in for a SANE exam they will bring extra clothes for you because they take your clothes, they take your shoes, all for evidence," Childress said.
"If they're not here, we call them; we always call them, we always want them here with us," Robinson said. "It's a great program."
Survivors of sexual assault commonly need other forms of emotional support as well. According to Childress, Hudson offers counseling services for female survivors, but not male survivors. Men have to find counseling in the Athens community if they need emotional support. Outside counseling may be a financial strain, but Hudson can help relieve some of that strain for women. "All counseling services [that are offered at Hudson] are currently free for all students," Childress said.
Legal Action
In terms of legal charges against offenders, Childress explained that survivors can request that the offender be removed from campus through the office of judiciaries. They may also report the incident or press charges through the OUPD for no cost. However, a cost may arise when it comes to taking the case to court. Some students may be entitled to "free" services through a legal fee they pay yearly. "Here at OU we offer student legal services," Childress said. "Any student who pays a $7 fee has free services from a lawyer."
"All in all, the costs of aid for sexual assault survivors can add up quickly. It can be pretty expensive along the process with all the exams and legal services," said Childress. "Some people are in therapy for years."
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For more information or to get help call:
Sexual Assault Survivor Advocacy Program: 593-3344
Office of Victim Assistance: 593-3208