SOS talk attempts to debunk sexual assault myths
By KRISTEN FITZPATRICK
News Writer
Sex Offenser Services (SOS) representative Lynn Bradford attempted to demystify procedures surrounding the report of a sexual assault Wednesday in the hope that increasing awareness will lead to further discussion and reporting.
According to Bradford, one in three women and one in 10 men will be a victim of sexual assault in their lifetimes, with one in seven women being assaulted during college. She also said that the consumption of alcohol is a large factor in most sexual assaults and rapes, with 90 percent on-campus rapes involving alcohol.
"We handle about 30 cases a month," said Bradford. "Those are only the reported cases. It's vital that we get these issues out in the open so that women are not afraid to talk about [the assault] if it happens to them."
Bradford emphasized the importance about telling the truth about rape.
"It's important that we get a positive message out there," she said. "It's important that everyone knows that rape is a crime of violence, of power and control and not about sex. It's important that sexual assault victims know that it was not their fault and that they are not less of a person because of it."
Bradford brought in a rape kit and explained what would happen to a woman when she was brought to the hospital as a victim. The evidence collection starts with the woman placing a large cloth on the floor and undressing on it so that any debris from her clothing or herself can be collected.
The nurse will take her underwear and most likely the rest of her clothing for DNA collection, said Bradford, because "it is marked as evidence, she will never get it back."
The woman will have to comb and pluck hairs from her head and her pubic region for DNA collection. The nurse will take a swab of the mouth, vagina and rectum for DNA collection. Finally, blood will be taken and a shot will be given to protect against chlamydia and gonorrhea. The victim will also be given antibiotics to protect against other sexually transmitted diseases.
Bradford said that a good percentage of the advocates from SOS are Notre Dame or Saint Mary's students. The advocates present stressed the importance of getting help soon after being sexually assaulted, adding that one will not be punished for a parietals violation or alcohol violation if the assault occurs under one of these circumstances.
SOS is the rape crisis center for St. Joseph County. They provide confidential support for victims of sex crimes and their families, as well as a 24-hour hotline for support at any time.
All News Stories for Thursday, February 22, 2001
