MOVING FORWARD
A GUIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY SEXUAL ASSAULT IN HENRY, JOHNSON AND PETTIS COUNTIES
IN MISSOURI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
CHAPTER 1: SEXUAL ASSAULT
WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?
IS IT MY FAULT?
DRUG-FACILITATED SEXUAL ASSAULT
COMMON REACTIONS
HOW TO GET HELP
CHAPTER 2: WHERE TO GET HELP
24-HOUR HOTLINES
LOCAL OPTIONS
RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE IN THE LBGTIQ COMMUNITY
RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
RESOURCES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & IMMIGRANTS
CHAPTER 3: MEDICAL CARE
GENERAL MEDICAL CARE
OTHER OPTIONS FOR MEDICAL CARE
SEXUAL ASSAULT EVIDENCE COLLECTION
CHAPTER 4: MAKING A REPORT
REPORTING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
REPORTING TO UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS
CHAPTER 5: THE LEGAL SYSTEM – CRIMINAL LAW
CRIMINAL VERSUS CIVIL LAW
THE LEGAL PROCESS FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CRIMINAL LAW
MONETARY COMPENSATION
CRIME VICTIMS’ COMPENSATION
CHAPTER 6: THE LEGAL SYSTEM – CIVIL LAW
ORDERS OF PROTECTION
CIVIL LAWSUITS
SECTION 7: HOW TO HELP A LOVED ONE
WHAT YOU CAN DO
WHAT TO DO IF IT JUST HAPPENED
WHAT TO SAY
GETTING HELP FOR YOURSELF
CHAPTER 8: CRISIS RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI
WARRENSBURG
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE
CLINTON/HENRY COUNTY
SEDALIA
KANSAS CITY/MISSOURI
UNITED STATES
REFERENCES & SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING
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ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Experiencing sexual assault can devastate your physical, emotional and psychological well-being. It can
affect your academic studies, your job, your relationships with loved ones, and your sense of control
over your life. With all these issues to deal with, it is important to know where you can turn for help.
This manual will provide basic information and resources specific to sexual assault, including: definitions,
campus, local and national resources, information on seeking medical help or reporting the crime, and
explanations of legal actions.
If you have experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. Nationwide, one out of six women and one of
out of ten men have endured similar violence1. Individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities,
races, ages, levels of ability, marital statuses and religions can experience sexual assault – it can happen
to anyone. Everyone deals with the experience of sexual assault differently, and you have the power to
make choices that facilitate your healing process. This manual provides options that may help your
recovery – it is your choice which options you decide are best for you.
Most importantly, what happened to you is not your fault, no matter what the circumstances. No one
asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted. The first section of this manual makes this point very clear –
read and reread it, if you like, to help you maintain an accurate view of what happened – a crime that
was committed against you.
If you are a friend, partner or family member of someone that has experienced sexual assault, this
manual can also be helpful to you. It provides information that will help you understand what your loved
one is going through, and a section that gives specific advice on how to support this person and take
care of yourself in the process.
Whether you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault, simply the fact that you have begun reading
this manual is a step toward empowerment and healing. Take your time in considering other steps you
can take to move forward. And most of all, take the time to acknowledge how brave and courageous
you are for beginning this process.
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Tjaden & Thoennes, National Violence Against Women Survey, National Institute of Justice, 2000
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Chapter 1: Introduction
WHAT IS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT?
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OFFENSES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
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Sexual Harassment
Non-Consensual Sexual Contact or attempts to commit same (kissing, fondling, touching)
Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse or attempts to commit same
Sexual Exploitation2
Legal definitions may differ from the definition above. In the State of Missouri, sexual crimes include:
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Forcible Rape
Forcible Sodomy
Sexual Assault
Deviate Sexual Assault
Sexual Abuse
Sexual Misconduct
A list of laws and definitions relating to sexual assault can be found in CHAPTER 5.
IS IT MY FAULT?
If you have experienced sexual assault, you are a victim of a terrible crime. What happened to you is not
your fault, no matter what the circumstances. No one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted.
Consensual sexual behavior is mutually desired and freely chosen. If you have been forced or coerced
into sexual contact with someone without your consent, you have been sexually assaulted, even if you:
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Just met this person
Are in a committed relationship with this person
Were attracted to this person
Trusted this person
Chose to be alone with this person
Feel you may have led this person on
Feel you were naive, foolish, or not cautious enough
Feel like it was your fault
Feel like others won't believe you
Consented to other sexual contact with this person right before it happened
Had sex with this person before
Felt obligated to have sex
Have had multiple sexual partners
Were or still are a virgin
Don't have physical injuries from the assault
Didn't fight back
http://www.ucmo.edu/titleix/misconduct.cfm
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Didn't say no
Were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
Were sober
Dressed a certain way
Didn't tell anyone about it
Didn't report it to university officials or police
Told others and they didn't believe you
Sexual assault can occur in a variety of contexts by any person, even if s/he:
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Is your friend, girl/boyfriend, partner or spouse
Is your boss, supervisor, coworker
Is your classmate or professor
Says s/he cares about you
Has always been respectful and polite
Is popular or famous
Doesn't seem like the type of person to assault someone
Has never done anything like this before
Was or is a virgin
Was under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
Was sober
Did not physically force you into sexual activity
Seemed out of control of themselves sexually
Paid for your date
Spent a lot of money on you
Has been nice to you since then
Expected you to have sex with him/her
Is female
Is straight
Is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or transsexual
Is sorry for what s/he did
Apologized to you for what happened
DRUG-FACILITATED SEXUAL ASSAULT
Sexual assault can be facilitated by predatory drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol, Ecstasy, Ketamine and
alcohol to render an individual passive, unwilling or unable to resist unwanted sexual advances.
Predatory drugs increase your vulnerability to sexual assault and other crimes. These chemical
substances tend to make people feel like they have consumed a very large amount of alcohol – a person
may feel extremely intoxicated without realizing why. If you have experienced memory loss, drowsiness,
inability to keep track of time, disorientation and confusion, impaired judgment, nausea, vomiting,
black-outs or loss of consciousness, you may have been drugged by a predator.
When someone else deliberately gives a person these drugs in order to sexually violate them, or takes
advantage of a person sexually when they are in a vulnerable state, a sexual assault has occurred. Even if
a drug (such as alcohol) is willingly consumed by a person, that person may be too intoxicated to give
clear consent. In fact, alcohol is the most common predatory drug.
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If you wake up and cannot remember the events of the night before, or if you feel someone has had sex
with you but cannot remember any details, it may be because you were drugged. It is important not to
blame yourself for what happened. Nothing you did asked for someone to drug and sexually assault you.
You may want to seek medical attention if you think you have been drugged and/or sexually assaulted.
Some drugs stay in your system for several hours, and the hospital can check for these. For more
information on seeking medical help, refer to CHAPTER 3.
COMMON REACTIONS TO SEXUAL ASSAULT
As someone who has experienced sexual assault, you may react to what happened in a variety of ways.
This is completely normal. Although your experience is unique, the following reactions are common to
many survivors of sexual assault:
• Shock/denial
• Irritability/anger
• Self-blame
• Depression and anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Numbing/apathy (detachment, loss of caring)
• Reduced ability to express emotions
• Nightmares/flashbacks
• Difficulty concentrating
• Diminished interest in activities or sex
• Loss of self-esteem/self-confidence
• Loss of security/loss of trust in others
• Attempts to minimize the abuse/attack
• Embarrassment
• Guilt/shame
• Impaired memory
• Loss of appetite or increased appetite
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Substance abuse
• Hypervigilance (always being “on guard”)
• Insomnia
• Exaggerated startle reflex
• Eating problems/disorders
• Panic attacks
• Changes in sexual desire or activity
• Difficulty functioning regularly in everyday life
• Feeling of helplessness
• Fear of continued abuse from attacker
It can be extremely difficult to deal with these emotions alone. You may decide to talk to a trusted
friend, seek counseling services, or call a hotline. Telling someone what happened can be an important
step in your healing process.
To talk to someone, contact:
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The Counseling Center (for UCM students)
University of Central Missouri, Humphreys Building, Suite 131
660-543-4060 (Available during business hours)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
800-656-HOPE (24-Hour National Sexual Assault Hotline)
rainn.org (24-Hour Online Instant Messaging Hotline)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (24-Hour Hotline)
1-800-799-4TTY (TTY)
HOW TO GET HELP
If you have just been sexually assaulted, here are some suggestions on what to do. You may choose any
or all of the following options.
• Find Safety. You may want to call or go to a family member's or friend’s house so that you are not
alone. If you are a UCM student and are unsure of where to go or who to talk to, call the Office of
Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support (MAPS): You can speak to an advocate for one-on-one support
and assistance. You can call their hotline 24 hours a day to speak to an advocate.
24 Hour Hotline: 660-441-4855
• Seek Medical Attention. We encourage you to visit the hospital to check for injuries, especially
because you may have internal injuries that you are not aware of. You may want to be tested for
sexually-transmitted diseases, predatory drugs and pregnancy. A sexual assault exam is also available to
you free of charge. You can request an advocate to meet you at the hospital by calling 660-441-4855
• Make a Report. Whether or not you plan on filing criminal charges, you may want to report the crime
to campus police or a local law enforcement agency. Reporting the crime can be beneficial for your
empowerment and have criminal or on-campus disciplinary consequences for the attacker. You can
request an advocate to meet you at UCM Public Safety or Warrensburg Police Department by calling the
Office of Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support (MAPS) Contact them at 660-441-4855 or visit MAPS in
Dockery 212.
• Get Help and Support. You may be feeling a variety of emotions and it is important you receive
support from someone you trust. We encourage you to call/log on to the National Sexual Assault Hotline
at 1-800-656-HOPE or rainn.org for support. You may also talk to a trained mental health professional.
Students may contact the university counseling center at 660-543-4060
• Learn More. To learn more about sexual assault and the campus environment you may visit:
www.ucmo.edu/titleix, contact the Office of Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support (MAPS) located in
Dockery 212 or at 660-441-4855, or by contacting the Office of Violence and Substance Abuse
Prevention located in Admin 102 or at 660-543-4044.
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CHAPTER 2: WHERE TO GET HELP
24-HOUR HOTLINES
If you feel you may be in immediate danger, you can call 911 for police response. If your situation is less
urgent or you do not feel not comfortable talking to police, you can contact one of the following hotlines
for 24-hour support:
MAPS Victim Advocacy Hotline
660-441-4855 (24 Hour hotline for the UCM Community)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
800-656-HOPE (24-Hour National Sexual Assault Hotline)
rainn.org (24-Hour Online Instant Messaging Hotline)
Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)
(816) 931-4527 (24-Hour Sexual Assault Hotline for Kansas City & Surrounding Area)
Whiteman AFB Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
660-687-7272 (24 hour Sexual Assault Hotline for Whiteman AFB and surrounding area)
Survival Adult Abuse Center
660-429-2847 or 1-800-846-7597 (24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline for Johnson County, Missouri)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (24-Hour Hotline)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (24-Hour Hotline)
1-800-799-4TTY (TTY)
LOCAL OPTIONS
Office of Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support (MAPS)
University of Central Missouri, Dockery 212
660-543-4156 24 hour hotline: 660-441-4855
http://www.ucmo.edu/maps
Advocates at the Office of Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support can assist victims of sexual assault by
providing:
• Advocates for victims
• One-on-one support and assistance
• Information on existing resources
• Help in understanding the university and civil response to violence
• Safety planning
• Support through the healing process
• Referrals to other resources in the surrounding area
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The Counseling Center
University of Central Missouri, Humphreys 131
660-543-4060
www.ucmo.edu/cc
Psychologists at the Counseling Center support UCM students who are survivors of sexual assault,
partner violence, stalking and related issues by providing these immediate services:
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Confidential listening, support and referrals in a private, safe environment
Explanation of options for reporting the crime and seeking disciplinary action on or off campus
Explanation of the process for obtaining orders of protection
Assistance with safety planning
Help with questions about sexual assault, partner violence or stalking
Assistance with helping a friend or loved one in crisis
Assistance with individual concerns
The Counseling Center offers counseling for UCM students. For more information contact 660-543-4060.
The Counseling Center is located on the UCM campus in Humphreys 131 and is open during regular
business hours. The Counseling Center is a member of the Johnson County Sexual Assault Response
Team. All services are confidential, free of charge and available to all students regardless of sex, gender,
race, religion, sexual orientation or marital status.
Office Hours
Fall & Spring Semesters: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Summer Semester: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Survival Adult Abuse Center
137 E. Culton Street, Warrensburg
660-429-1088 (Office)
660-429-2847 or 1-800-846-7597 (24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline)
https://www.facebook.com/survival.house
While Survival Adult Abuse Center is best equipped to assist victims of domestic violence, the center
offers several services that survivors of sexual assault may find helpful, such as:
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Assistance in obtaining an order of protection
Support through civil and criminal court proceedings
Free emergency housing (if you are in immediate danger because your abuser lives with you)
Referral to other resources in Warrensburg and the surrounding areas
Support groups for domestic violence
Information and assistance for domestic violence
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Whiteman Air Force Base
Knob Noster, Missouri
Sexual assault Response Coordinator
660-687-7272
• Provides single point of contact for confidential (restricted) reporting of sexual assault
for military members and their families.
• Provides 24-hour Whiteman sexual assault response advocacy system to provide ongoing victim care including support through reporting and court processes
Chaplain
1-866-395-4357 (Hotline), 660-687-3652 (Office)
• Offers counseling, information and referral options
• Offers spiritual guidance
Henry County
Families Assisted in Transitional Housing “FAITH”
1007 South Second st
Clinton, MO 64735
660-885-6067
• Provide temporary housing for women, children, and men affected by violence
• Provide support groups
• Provide court advocacy and assistance with ex-parte and order of protection
Pettis County
Citizen’s Against Spouse Abuse Inc.
P.O. Box 2575
108 E 5th Street, Sedalia, MO 65302
660-827-5555
Emergency: 660207-7504
• Provide advocates to sexual assault victims who have reported either to a hospital or
the police station
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RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE IN THE LGBTIQ COMMUNITY
If you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer, Kansas City offers a local
resource specifically dedicated to needs of people in this community.
Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP)
P.O. Box 41121 Kansas City, MO 64141-1211
816-561-0550 (Office)
kcavp.org
• Provides needs assessment, court advocacy and emergency assistance for lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender victims of violence
• Offers free counseling for LGBT victims of violence, as well as a support group for LGBT
survivors of domestic violence
You may also consider contacting these other organizations for information:
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
122 W. Franklin Ave., Suite 210 (Many Locations)
612-821-4397 (Office)
thetaskforce.org
• Works to build the grassroots political power of the LGBT community to win complete
equality
• Provides information and reports on a variety of issues including hate crimes, partner
recognition, health, HIV/AIDS, youth and legislative policy
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)
240 West 35th Street, Suite 200 New York, NY 10001
212-714-1184 (Office)
212-714-1134 (TTY)
avp.org/ncavp
• Addresses the pervasive problem of violence committed within the lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender and HIV-affected communities
• Documents national cases and advocates for victims of anti-LGBT and anti-HIV/AIDS
violence/harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, police misconduct and other forms of
victimization
The Network/La Red
PO Box 6011 Boston, MA 02114
617-742-4911 (Bilingual Hotline)
617-227-791 (TTY)
617-695-0877 (Office)
thenetworklared.org
• Devoted to ending abuse in lesbian, bisexual women’s and transgender communities
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Provides informational website and links to information regarding healthy s/m relationships
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RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a disability, you may benefit from information or services available through the following
agencies and organizations:
Office of Accessibility Services
University of Central Missouri, Elliott Union 222
660-543-4421
ucmo.edu/access
• Provides reasonable appropriate accommodations for equal access to education for students
with verified disabilities
• Advocate for students' interests and referral to and cooperation with other agencies.
• Provide sign language interpreters and maintain TTY/TDD devices for campus use.
Missouri Department of Public Health Crisis Services
1-888-279-8188 (24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line)
dmh.missouri.gov/crisis.htm
• Provides mental health professionals for confidential crisis assistance
• Offers support, information, referrals and resources
Accessing Safety Initiative
accessingsafety.org
• Provides information to promote the understanding of disabilities, deaf culture and addressing
disability
• Provides information and resources to respond to violence and abuse in the lives of people with
disabilities
RESOURCES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & IMMIGRANTS
If you are an international student, you may already be familiar with the International Center on campus.
International Center
University of Central Missouri, Ward Edwards 1200
660-543-4195
ucmo.edu/international
• Provides assistance with academic life
• Counsels students about immigration issues
For more information on legal services and immigration rights, contact:
Legal Momentum
212-925-6635 (Office)
legalmomentum.org
• Exists as a legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls
• Serves as the nation’s expert on the rights and services available to immigrant victims of
domestic violence, sexual assault and other violence through the Immigrant Women Program
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National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women
immigrantwomennetwork.org
• Seeks to challenge and eliminate oppression and discrimination against immigrant women
through a coalition of survivors, immigrant women, advocates, activists, attorneys, educators
and other professionals
• Provides training and technical assistance to service providers, promotes law and public policy
to benefit immigrant women, and increases public awareness of violence against immigrant
women
If you need assistance with immigration issues, you can speak to someone anonymously by contacting:
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
800-656-HOPE (24-Hour National Sexual Assault Hotline)
rainn.org (24-Hour Online Instant Messaging Hotline)
Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)
816-931-4527 (24-Hour Sexual Assault Hotline for Kansas City & Surrounding Area)
If you are a victim of human trafficking (this can include, but is not limited to: labor exploitation,
sweatshop factory work, migrant agricultural work, prostitution, pornography or exotic dancing), help is
available through:
The Human Trafficking Rescue Project Taskforce – Western District of Missouri
acf.hhs.gov/trafficking
816-461-HOPE (Hope House Domestic Violence Services)
816-474-TIPS (Anonymously report crimes of human trafficking)
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Provides assistance in Missouri for reporting cases of adult or child human trafficking
1-888-3737-888 (Trafficking Information & Referral Hotline)
• Provides information and access to supportive services to help victims safely and securely
rebuild their lives by connecting them to basic services for housing, health care, immigration
assistance, food, income, employment and legal assistance
• Provides assistance to those who suspect someone is a victim of trafficking
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CHAPTER 3: MEDICAL CARE
GENERAL MEDICAL CARE
If your situation is an emergency call 911.
Seeking medical treatment immediately after a sexual assault is very important, even if you choose not
to report the crime. Ensuring your physical health and well-being can be the first step to regaining a
sense of control. In Johnson County, Missouri, you can receive general medical treatment at the
following locations:
Western Missouri Medical Center
403 Burkarth Road, Warrensburg
660-747-2500 (ext. 4150 for Emergency Room)
http://www.wmmc.com/
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Provides full medical evaluations and checks for injuries
Provides testing for sexually transmitted diseases
Provides pregnancy testing
Provides sexual assault evidence collection*
*More information on sexual assault collection, see the next section of this chapter.
University Health Center
University of Central Missouri, 600 S. College Ave.
660-543-4770
ucmo.edu/uhc
• Provides confidential, low-cost medical services to UCM students during business hours
• Provides general health care and gynecological exams
• Provides pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection treatment and protection
• Assesses psychological needs and makes referrals
Office Hours
Fall & Spring Semesters: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Summer Semester: 7:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday
Semester Breaks: Limited Service Only
OTHER OPTIONS FOR MEDICAL CARE
If your situation is not an emergency or you have specific needs, you can seek low-cost services at the
following local agencies:
Planned Parenthood
607 Burkharth Road, Warrensburg
660-747-6186 (Office), 800-908-9906 (After-Hours Emergency)
plannedparenthood.org
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Offers low-cost emergency contraception, prenatal care and OB/GYN services
Provides a confidential setting for clients to talk with physicians, nurse practioners and other
staff
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SEXUAL ASSAULT EVIDENCE COLLECTION
If you have been sexually assaulted, having a forensic may be beneficial should you choose to report the
crime to police. Even if you are not sure whether or not you want to report the crime, having this exam
will preserve evidence that can be used in court to prosecute your attacker. It is always your choice
whether or not to have a forensic exam.
What is a Forensic Exam?
A forensic exam is a medical examination specifically for individuals that have experienced sexual assault.
In addition to the general care you receive at the emergency room (physical exam, treatment for injuries
and testing for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy), you can opt to receive a forensic exam
that will check your body for evidence relating to the sexual assault. Physical evidence, such as hair,
semen or photographs of injuries, will be collected during this exam and stored for possible future use in
court to prosecute the person(s) who committed the sexual assault. You can receive the forensic exam
at no charge.
Where can I receive a Forensic Exam?
The following hospitals provide specially-trained nurses who administer forensic exams.
Western Missouri Medical Center
403 Burkarth Road, Warrensburg
660-747-2500 (ext. 4150 for Emergency Room)
http://www.wmmc.com/
St. Luke’s East Hospital
100 N.E. Saint Luke’s Boulevard, Lee’s Summit
816-347-5000
saintlukeshealthsystem.org
Bothwell Regional Health Center
601 E. 14th Sedalia, MO 65301
660-827-9470
How much does a Forensic Exam cost?
Legally, you cannot be charged for the cost of a forensic exam. You can, however, be charged for other
medical care you receive at the hospital other than the forensic exam.* This might include a physical
exam by a doctor, pregnancy testing, prescriptions, or other services. If you report the crime to police,
you may be eligible for Crime Victims’ Compensation, which would reimburse you for any related
expenses to the sexual assault.
*If you choose to travel to St. Luke’s East Hospital for medical care and the forensic exam, you can
receive ALL services (forensic exam and any other related services) at no charge.
For more information on Crime Victims’ Compensation, contact:
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Survival Adult Abuse Center
137 E. Culton Street, Warrensburg
660-429-1088 (Court Advocate)
If there anything I should (or shouldn’t do) before a forensic exam?
If you have just been sexually assaulted, it is helpful for you to take measures to ensure that evidence of
the crime is preserved. This way, evidence can be collected correctly during the sexual assault exam in
case you decide to report the assault. You may also want to bring extra clothes to change into after the
exam.
Before the exam, try NOT to:
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Shower
Drink
Eat
Change clothes
Use the bathroom
Brush your teeth
Who conducts a Forensic Exam?
The forensic exam is completed by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who has received specialized
training in collecting sexual assault forensic evidence. In most cases*, SANES are available on an on-call
basis, so you may have to wait a short while for one to arrive at the hospital. In the event that a SANE is
not available, you have two options:
1. You can opt to have a doctor or nurse (who has not received specialized training for this exam) to
complete the evidence collection. By law, these individuals can perform the exam.
2. You can decide to seek services at another hospital that has an available SANE. For example, if a SANE
is not available at Western Missouri Medical Center, you could travel to St. Luke’s East Hospital to
receive the exam.
*SANES are only guaranteed to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at St. Luke’s East Hospital
in Lee’s Summit.
What can I expect during the Forensic Exam?
The exam takes about three hours to complete. Here’s what you can expect during the exam:
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A SANE will obtain your consent before proceeding with the examination.
If at any time you wish to stop or take a break, just ask. You may also refuse any portion of the
exam.
You have the right to ask people (other than medical personnel) to leave the room at any time.
You will be asked a variety of questions about your medical history and current health, similar to
those you would be asked as if you were there for any type of medical visit.
You will be asked a variety of questions about the assault. You will be asked what fluids were
exchanged and what parts of your body were touched. Although it may be difficult or
embarrassing to answer these questions, it is important to answer them truthfully. Being honest
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with the nurse ensures that you will receive the best medical treatment and that something will
not be overlooked.
You will be asked to disrobe and your clothes may be taken as evidence. Other clothes will be
made available to you after the exam. You may also call or ask a friend or loved one to bring
extra clothes to you at the hospital or ask the advocate to do this for you.
The nurse will scan your body for wounds, bruises, cuts, etc, and treat them appropriately.
Evidence/samples will be collected from multiple locations on your body. These may include
your mouth, genitals, hair and fingernails.
If you are female, you will have a pelvic examination to assess and treat injuries and collect
evidence.
Blood and urine samples will also be taken.
If you have been under the influence, you have the right to request a blood alcohol
content/drug test. This may help to determine if you were unable to give consent prior to the
assault. The hospital does not administer this test without a request from you unless it is
medically necessary.
What happens after the Forensic Exam?
The evidence collected from your exam will be coded by number and stored at a local law enforcement
agency. Your name will not be marked in any way on the evidence, and the hospital will be the only
agency able to connect your name to the evidence. If you choose to proceed with the criminal reporting
process, you will sign a release form to allow the hospital to release information pertaining to your exam.
You may be asked if you would like to report the crime to law enforcement. At this point, you will have
the option to proceed directly to a law enforcement agency to begin this process.
16
CHAPTER 4: MAKING A REPORT
Many survivors of sexual assault find it beneficial for their healing and empowerment to report the
crime. Making a report involves giving a specific account of the event you experienced to a law
enforcement agency or university officials. Depending on the type of justice you are seeking, you can
choose to report to one or both of these entities. If you are seeking legal consequences for your attacker
(i.e. prison sentence), reporting to law enforcement is the best option. If you are seeking disciplinary
consequences through the university (i.e. suspension from the university), you should report
to campus Student Affairs.
There are many reasons you may choose to report the crime to police or campus officials. You may feel
empowered by telling what has happened to you. This can help you regain a sense of control, and it can
be satisfying to seek justice for person(s) who committed the harm against you. Reporting the crime
may also prevent your attacker from harming others. Reporting the crime, however, does not guarantee
justice for the crime that was committed. Whether or not a case moves forward to a criminal or campus
hearing is dependent on a variety of factors, and attackers may or may not receive consequences for
their actions.
It is your decision whether or not to report. Although family and friends may pressure you into doing
what they feel is best for you, the power to report or not report is ultimately yours. Regardless of what
you decide, we encourage you to seek medical attention to ensure your physical health (for more
information on seeking medical care, see Chapter 3).
REPORTING TO AUTHORITIES
If you are a UCM student, you can report the crime to:
UCM Police
306 Broad Street, Warrensburg
660-543-4123
To report a crime confidentially or anonymously, you can call or complete a form online at:
660-543-TIPS
http://www.ucmo.edu/surveys/?formID=2673
You can choose whether or not to include your name and contact information if you would like to
remain anonymous. The information you give to UCM Police through the Tips Line or online form will be
only used for data collection and included in the statistics of crime reported by UCM. However, if you
provide your name and contact information over the phone or on the online form, you may be
contacted by UCM regarding the incident.
Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Corey Bowman
660-543-4114
bowman@ucmo.edu
Administration 214
17
In Johnson County, you can also report your crime to:
Warrensburg Police Department
102 S Holden Street, Warrensburg
660-747-9133
If you are affiliated with Whiteman Air Force Base, you can contact:
Whiteman Air Force Base Law Enforcement
660-687-3700
To report in surrounding counties contact:
Pettis County Sheriff's Department
319 S. Lamine Sedalia, Mo.65301
660-827-0052
Sedalia Police Department
660-826-8100
Henry County Sheriff’s Department
200 N Main St, Clinton, MO 64735
(660) 885-5587
What should I know about the reporting process?
Before you decide to make a report to law enforcement, here are some things to keep in mind:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Choosing to report could be a step toward regaining control and empowerment in your life.
Making a report may lead to criminal charges; however, there is no guarantee that the assailant
will be arrested and convicted.
It is likely that your attacker has harmed others before, and will probably do so again. Making a
report will validate other statements and may prevent the assailant from harming others.
The earlier you report the crime, the higher your chances of obtaining justice for the crime. If
the crime has just occurred, more evidence can be collected that will help your case. It can still
be beneficial, however, to report the crime even if a significant amount of time has passed.
You will have to explain details of the assault, probably several times. This is needed for a
thorough investigation.
Even if you report the crime, you still have the choice whether or not an investigation will occur.
Although every effort will be made to maintain your privacy, a thorough criminal investigation
requires interviews with any potential witnesses. Although these witnesses would not be
provided with the details of the case, they would be aware that a report had been made and
that an investigation was occurring.
If criminal charges are filed, it will become public knowledge that you have reported the assault.
By choosing to report, you may be eligible for crime victims’ compensation to cover medical
costs and counseling fees.
18
Is there anything I should do before I report to law enforcement?
If you have just been sexually assaulted, it is helpful for you to take measures to ensure that evidence of
the crime is preserved. This way, evidence can be collected correctly during the investigation process.
Police may also recommend that you receive a forensic exam at the hospital for evidence collection (for
more on the forensic exam, see Chapter 3).
For these reasons, before you report time crime, try not to:
• Shower
• Drink
• Eat
• Change clothes
• Use the bathroom
• Brush your teeth
• Change the crime scene in any way
You may find it helpful to write down information about the crime, such as the sequence of events and
certain details, to help you recall the incident.
What happens during the reporting process?
Reporting to law enforcement can be a lengthy process. Here are some things you can expect:
• A local sexual assault advocate will arrive to provide support and assistance. Advocates receive
extensive sexual assault response training and provide supportive, nonjudgmental and
confidential support throughout hospital and reporting procedures. You can choose to accept or
decline this service.
• You may be asked to visit the hospital for a sexual assault exam to collect evidence.
• You will be interviewed and asked to give an account of the details of the assault.
• If you feel more comfortable discussing the case with either a male or female officer, the law
enforcement agency will try to make such arrangements to make the interview easier for you.
• When talking to law enforcement, it is important that each statement be accurate and truthful.
Therefore, if you are uncertain of something, it is okay to say "I don't know." Tell the officers
everything you can. Inaccurate or misleading information can be harmful to your credibility and
the overall criminal case.
• It is important to be honest with the officer, including disclosing the use of drugs or alcohol prior
to the assault. The officer is not there to judge you, but rather is a professional who is trying to
help you. Also, the information may be beneficial to your case. In Missouri, a person cannot give
consent if s/he is incapacitated by drugs and/or alcohol, even if this occurred through the
victim's voluntary use.
• After the report is made, ask the interviewing officer what will happen next. Ask to be informed
when the suspect has been interviewed.
• Before leaving, ask for the interviewing officer's business card. That way you know exactly who
to contact with questions regarding your case. Ask the officer to write a reference of case
number on the card for you.
• Remember that the officer is there to help you, not work against you. You have the right to ask
questions, express your feelings, and stay informed.
• Depending on the circumstances of the crime, an investigation (and a criminal court process)
may or may not occur. For more information on the criminal law process, see Chapter 5.
What happens after I report the crime?
Here are some important things to remember after you leave:
19
•
•
It is okay if you later remember an event or detail not given in the initial report. Simply write it
down and contact the investigating officer or detective to inform them.
Experiencing flashbacks and recalling information is not uncommon, and the officer or detective
will be receptive of the new information.
REPORTING TO UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS
If you believe that the assailant is also a UCM student or the crime occurred on campus, you may want
to pursue disciplinary options within the University system. The “Rights and Responsibilities” section of
the UCM Student Handbook addresses issues of campus discipline and student rights. You can access
the entire document at:
http://www.ucmo.edu/student/handbook.cfm
According to the Handbook, the violation of any local, state, or federal laws or of University regulations
subjects the perpetrator to disciplinary actions, whether or not prosecuted by public officials. If you wish
to report an incident, you can contact:
Division of Student Experience and Engagement
Chief Judicial Officer
University of Central Missouri, Administration Building 214
660-543-4114
ucmo.edu/student
If the incident is deemed serious and appears to violate University regulations, the disciplinary process
will be initiated. The University may hold a hearing to determine appropriate punishment. While it is
possible that the University may utilize various less formal actions, serious cases may constitute:
•
•
•
•
Disciplinary Probation
Suspension from University Housing
Suspension from the University
Expulsion
20
CHAPTER 5: THE LEGAL SYSTEM – CRIMINAL LAW
CRIMINAL LAW VERSUS CIVIL LAW
The legal system is divided into two areas: civil law and criminal law. Separate courts handle the
administration of these laws. The Criminal Law system handles cases that involve crimes such as
harassment, assault, murder, stalking, and theft. Civil Law covers disputes where neither party is
accused of a crime, and may involve Orders of Protection or civil lawsuits. Sexual violence cases may
involve both civil and criminal action. For more information about civil law, see Chapter 6.
THE LEGAL PROCESS FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES
After you have reported the crime to law enforcement, the police may arrest your attacker and/or
conduct an investigation. After an investigation takes place, a report is submitted to the county
prosecutor’s office. The prosecuting attorney is the only person that decides whether or not to charge a
person with a particular crime (or multiple crimes). If the prosecuting attorney feels s/he has enough
evidence to move forward with the charges, the legal process will begin. You can communicate with the
prosecuting attorney regarding your wishes to proceed or halt the legal process; the prosecuting
attorney may or may not decide to move forward with the case.
In most cases, there is a preliminary hearing, deposition and trial. This means that you would probably
be asked to testify three times throughout the process. In a grand jury hearing, you may or may not
have to testify. It is becoming increasingly common for prosecuting attorneys to successfully prosecute
cases without victim testimony.
Is there a statute of limitations for criminal cases?
Missouri has statutes of limitations that set the maximum amount of time a prosecuting attorney can
wait before filing a criminal case against an offender. In general, if a case is not brought within the time
limits, the offender cannot be tried for the offense.
Missouri, however, has no time limit for the filing of criminal charges against an offender for such crimes
as forcible rape, forcible sodomy and attempted forcible sodomy. For other felony sexual offenses,
including sexual assault, the statute of limitations is three years. That statute of limitations for a
misdemeanor offense is one year.
There are exceptions to the general statute of limitations which allow extensions when the offender is
absent from the state (although the time limit cannot be extended more than three years); when the
offender is concealing himself from justice either within or outside the state; when a prosecution against
the offender for the offense is pending in this state; or when the offender is found to lack the mental
capability to proceed.
How long does the criminal law process take?
The time it typically takes for an alleged crime to come to trial is 6-8 months, particularly because the
legal process is slow and other crimes may take priority for court space. Hearings may also be delayed
multiple times for various reasons, so this process can sometimes take more than a year.
21
Is there any assistance available through this process?
A general victim advocate for the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office will assist you with the criminal
process. This person will explain procedures, and answer your questions, and keep you update on the
progress of the case.
A court advocate is also available through Survival Adult Abuse Center to provide support and
empowerment throughout this process. Contact:
Survival Adult Abuse Center
137 E. Culton Street, Warrensburg
660-429-1088 (Office)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CRIMINAL LAW
According to the state of Missouri, can a woman rape a man?
The State of Missouri defines sexual intercourse as penetration of the vagina by the penis. This means
that according to Missouri law, rape only occurs if it committed against a woman by a man. According to
law, however, both men and women can be victims and perpetrators of sodomy. Remember that these
definitions and policies may be different in other states and vary across college campuses.
According to the state of Missouri, what is the difference between rape and sexual assault?
In a legal context, it is a matter of forcible compulsion. Notice that “sexual assault” does not require the
component of force, only a lack of consent. See the Sexual Consent section for more information.
What if I’m having a hard time understanding all of the legal language?
Legal jargon is often confusing, so do not be discouraged if you find it difficult to fully understand these
statutes and definitions. An attorney or legal expert can provide more thorough clarification and
answers to your questions.
MONETARY COMPENSATION
Not only does sexual assault affect your physical, emotional and psychological well being, but you must
also find a way to afford medical procedures, lost wages, property damage, counseling and physical
rehabilitation. There are a few avenues for you to pursue to be compensated for these expenses:



Restitution: In criminal court, the perpetrator may be ordered to reimburse certain expenses
you incur.
However, there are limitations on types of damages that can be included in a restitution order;
therefore, restitution may fall short of meeting your needs.
Crime Victims’ Compensation: The state of Missouri has a fund to reimburse victims of crime
who have suffered injuries causing a financial loss due to violent crimes. These funds are
designed to reimburse you for expenses such as medical bills, lost wages and other “out-ofpocket” costs you may incur. The amount you receive may be lowered if you receive assistance
22

from insurance or other sources, and state laws provide limits on how much can be given to an
individual.
Civil Lawsuits: You may choose to file a civil lawsuit against your attacker for reimbursement not
covered or awarded by other means. For more information on lawsuits, see Chapter 6.
CRIME VICTIMS’ COMPENSATION
Eligibility for Benefits
You may be eligible for benefits if:







You sustained personal bodily injury;
o As a victim of a violent crime; or
o As the result of going to the aid of another person or peace officer, or while attempting
to prevent a
crime from occurring; or
You are a relative of a sexual assault victim requiring counseling in order to better assist the
victim in their recovery
In the event of a victim’s death,
o You are the surviving spouse, child or other dependent of a deceased violent crime
victim; or
o You are the family member who pays the medical and burial expenses of the crime; or
o You are a surviving family member of the deceased victim and required counseling as a
direct result of
the death of a victim or
You are a Missouri resident who suffers personal injury or death in a state that does not have
crime victims’ compensation for which you would be eligible and that would be covered under
Chapter 595, RSMo,*if the crime had occurred in Missouri, or the victim is a Missouri resident
injured by an act of terrorism which was committed outside of the United States; and
You suffered an out-of-pocked loss of $50 or more; or lost two or more continuous weeks of
earnings or support.
*For more information on Chapter 595 of the Revised Missouri Statutes, visit:
moga.mo.gov/statutes/chapters/chap595.htm
To receive Crime Victims’ Compensation, you are required to report the crime against your attacker to a
law enforcement agency. However, if you are denied Crime Victims’ Compensation because the crime
was not reported, you have the right to seek a “good cause” exemption or appeal the decision.
For more information about Crime Victims’ Compensation and for assistance with the paperwork,
contact:
Survival Adult Abuse Center
137 E. Culton Street, Warrensburg
660-429-1088 (Office)
23
CHAPTER 6: THE LEGAL SYSTEM – CIVIL LAW
In addition to the criminal justice system, survivors of sexual offenses may pursue civil court remedies.
These remedies may include filing a personal injury lawsuit against your attacker, pursuing employment
rights actions, and/or seeking and Order or Protection in cases of stalking or sexual assault committed
by an intimate partner or family or household member. Civil processes may occur separate from or
simultaneously during criminal law processes.
ORDERS OF PROTECTION
A survivor of sexual violence may consider filing a petition for an Order of Protection. An Order of
Protection is a court order that is designed to stop violent and harassing behavior and to protect you
and your family from an abuser or attacker. While an order of protection is primarily designed to protect
victims of domestic violence (abuse by a family or household member), victims of sexual assault can
sometimes qualify. An Order of Protection can be granted if you have been stalked by your attacker, or
your attacker is a family or household member. According to Missouri law, family or household
members include:
According to the state of Missouri, stalking is defined as occurring:
“When an adult purposefully and repeatedly engages in an unwanted course of conduct that causes
alarm to another person when it is reasonable in that person’s situation to have been alarmed by the
conduct.”
An Order of Protection can direct your attacker to refrain from any further acts of abuse, sexual assault
or harassment, as well as other appropriate remedies, restrictions or requirements ordered by the judge.
There are two types of orders:
Ex Parte Order of Protection: If you are in immediate danger and have been abused or threatened with
abuse, a judge may grant you an ex parte order. Ex parte orders may be granted without the abuser’s
knowledge or consent. An ex parte order lasts until your court hearing for a full order of protection,
which will take place within 15 days of filing your petition.
Full Order of Protection: A full order of protection can be issued only after a court hearing in which you
and the abuser or attacker both have a chance to tell your sides of the story. A full order of protection
will protect you for a period of not less than 180 days, and not more than one year.
For complete information about orders of protection and assistance filing the paperwork, contact the
Survival Court
Advocate:
Survival Adult Abuse Center
137 E. Culton Street, Warrensburg
660-429-1088 (Office)
24
CIVIL LAWSUITS
You may choose to file a lawsuit in addition to pursuing crime victim’s compensation or other avenues
for financial reimbursement as a result of the crime. Regardless of the outcome of the criminal
prosecution, or even if there was no prosecution, crime victims can file civil lawsuits against offenders
and other responsible parties. Unlike the criminal justice process, the civil justice system does not
attempt to determine an offender's guilt or innocence. Offenders are also not put in prison. Rather, civil
courts attempt to ascertain whether an offender or a third party is liable for the injuries sustained as a
result of the crime. If defendants are found civilly liable, courts may order them to pay monetary
damages to victims. While money awarded in civil lawsuits can never fully compensate you for the
trauma of victimization or the loss of a loved one, it can be a valuable resource to help crime victims
rebuild their lives. Moreover, the exposure to civil liability is a powerful incentive for landlords,
businessmen, and other proprietors to enact the security measures necessary to prevent future
victimizations.
You may bring civil actions under numerous claims, including:








Assault
Battery
Wrongful Death
False Imprisonment
Intentional or Reckless Infliction of Emotional Distress
Fraud
Conversion
Negligence
What are the benefits of filing a civil lawsuit?
Some of the benefits of civil actions may include:
Control of the Case: Victims have greater control in a civil suit than in a criminal case because they are a
party to the civil case, cannot be excluded from the courtroom, and have final approval of settlement
proposals.
Compensation: Civil actions can provide greater compensation for victims for the monetary damages
they suffered, such as medical expenses and lost income. Civil actions can also compensate victims for
the emotional damage they have suffered.
Justice and Accountability: Civil suits can hold offenders directly accountable to victims. These suits give
victims their "day in court," regardless of whether there was a criminal conviction or any prosecution at
all.
Crime Prevention: In addition to suing perpetrators, victims can often sue other responsible parties. Civil
actions provide economic incentives for crime prevention. Businesses such as hotels, apartments, and
shopping centers sometimes fail to enact proper security measures because they view such expenses as
unnecessary. When businesses are held accountable for safety lapses, proper security becomes cheaper
than the cost of defending lawsuits. Crime victims' civil suits have resulted in increased security
25
protection in public places, better oversight and supervision of daycare facilities, and countless other
improvements.
Is there a statute of limitations in civil cases?
There are time limits set by law for filing civil suits. These statutes of limitations vary from state to state.
Any suit filed after the expiration of the statute of limitations is "time-barred" and cannot proceed.
According to Missouri law, a civil claim for a sexual offense can be brought within five years of the
offense. There are a few exceptions that provide a longer statute of limitations. For example, if the
personal injury from sexual contact was caused by a person related to the victim, the statute of
limitations is 10 years. If you have questions about the statute of limitations regarding the crime
committed against you, consult an attorney.
What is the burden of proof in civil cases?
In the civil justice system, liability must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, which simply
means that one side's evidence is more persuasive than the other's. In other words, the plaintiff must
prove there is a fifty-one percent or greater chance that the defendant committed all the elements of
the particular wrong. This standard is far lower than the "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" required for
a conviction in the criminal justice system. Therefore, it is sometimes possible to find the defendant
liable in a civil case even though a verdict of "not guilty" was rendered in the criminal case. (A civil case
can also be successful even if the offender was never prosecuted.)
Should I consult an attorney?
If you are considering a civil lawsuit, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Today, more
attorneys than ever are representing crime victims in civil lawsuits, although relatively few specifically
identify themselves as "crime victim" attorneys. To assist you in finding a qualified attorney, the
National Crime Victim Bar Association provides victims referrals to local attorneys specializing in victimrelated litigation. To access the referral service, contact:
National Crime Victim Bar Association Attorney Referral Service
1-800-FYI-CALL (7:30am – 4:30pm)
victimbar@ncvc.org (Email for Questions)
victimbar.org
26
CHAPTER 7: HOW TO HELP A LOVED ONE
Sexual assault affects those whom victims choose to share their stories with – their family members,
friends and loved ones. These individuals often feel confused and nervous about what to say or do.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Be a supportive, empathetic and nonjudgmental listener.
What is most important right now is that your friend feels safe, supported and comforted. Try not to ask
too many questions and let your friend talk as s/he wishes. Recognize that your friend trusts you very
much to tell you such critical information, and thank them for sharing this information with you.
Let your friend know that s/he is not to blame.
Many survivors of sexual assault blame themselves and need to be reassured that the attacker is fully
responsible for his or her actions. You can help your friend remember that no one ever deserves to be
assaulted and that s/he is not to blame for what happened.
Believe your friend.
It has taken your friend a great deal of courage to share this information with you, and your friend needs
to know that you support her or him, especially because you may be one of the first individuals to learn
about the assault. Accept what your friend tells you about what happened and be supportive. You may
have to deal with your feelings separately if you feel that your friend was responsible for what
happened.
Help your friend feel safe.
Sexual assault is a traumatic violation of a person. Especially in the beginning, it is often difficult for
survivors to be alone after a sexual assault. Offer to let your friend stay at your place or offer to stay
with your friend so s/he will not be alone.
Explore options and resources with your friend.
Offer to accompany your friend to the hospital, law enforcement agency or counselor's office. If you are
unsure of where to go or who to talk to, call a victim’s advocate at the Office of Mentoring, Advocacy
and Peer Support (MAPS) 660-441-4855 or call/log on to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800656-HOPE or rainn.org for support.
Try not to pressure your friend toward a particular decision and accept the choice s/he makes.
Your friend has been through a traumatic experience and needs to regain the freedom to decide what
happens to her or him. Try not to be overly protective, and understand that your friend may make a
choice different from what you think is the "right" decision. Support these choices even if you disagree
with or are confused by the way your friend is responding to the assault.
Be patient, understanding, and available.
Everyone has her or his own timetable for recovering from a sexual assault. Continue supporting your
friend, even if her or his recovery process takes a very long time. Your friend may need to talk
at odd hours or a great deal immediately after the assault. Support your friend as much as you can, but
realize your limits and recommend the use of other resources. Also, try to be willing to give your friend
the space s/he needs, even if this means not talking to you about the assault.
27
Prioritize your friend's feelings above your own.
The variety of emotions you may be feeling is a normal response to the sharing of this information.
Remain calm by taking a few deep breaths, and decide to tend to your own feelings at another time.
Although your friend may feel supported to know that others are upset with what happened, it will
upset your friend more if s/he has also to bear the burden of your anger. Talk to another trusted friend,
counselor or victim’s advocate about your feelings.
WHAT TO DO IF IT JUST HAPPENED
Find out if your friend needs medical attention.
Discuss the benefits of going to the hospital to check for injuries, sexually transmitted diseases and
pregnancy. Try not to pressure her or him into going to the hospital – remember, this needs to be her or
his decision. Exception: If your friend appears to be severely injured and refuses to seek medical help,
s/he may be in shock. It is appropriate to insist on going to the hospital or calling 911 for assistance if
your friend is bleeding or cannot walk, as it may be an indication of severe or internal injuries.
Explore immediate options with your friend.
Offer to accompany your friend to the hospital, law enforcement agency or counselor's office. If you are
unsure of where to go or who to talk to, call a victim’s advocate at the Office of Mentoring, Advocacy
and Peer Support (MAPS) 660-441-4855 or call/log on to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800656-HOPE or rainn.org for support.
Request an advocate.
If your friend decides to go to the hospital or law enforcement agency, ask her/him if s/he would like to
have an advocate meet you there. Johnson County advocates receive extensive sexual assault response
training and provide supportive, nonjudgmental and confidential support throughout hospital and
reporting procedures. Help your friend call a victim’s advocate at the Office of Mentoring, Advocacy and
Peer Support (MAPS) 660-441-4855 to request and advocate before you leave.
Help your friend preserve evidence of the assault.
If your friend decides to go to the hospital, share with her or him that it is better if s/he does not:






Shower
Drink
Eat
Change clothes
Use the bathroom
Brush teeth
This way, evidence can be collected correctly during the exam if s/he decides to report the assault. You
may want to bring extra clothes for this person to change into after the exam.
28
WHAT TO SAY
What you say to your friend can help or hinder her or his recovery. Try to be patient with your friend
and avoid judgment. Above all, let your friend know that you are there to listen. Keep in mind that
silence is sometimes more helpful than a spoken response.
Here are some suggestions for verbally supporting your friend:
1. I am sorry this happened to you.
2. This was not your fault.
3. What can I do to help?
GETTING HELP FOR YOURSELF
As someone experiencing the emotional effects of a friend or loved one’s sexual assault, you may want
to seek support from a counselor (see resources). Remember that it is important that you take care of
yourself. You may not realize how deeply another person’s experience can affect you.
For more information on where to get help, see CHAPTER 2.
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CHAPTER 8: CRISIS RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI
Office of Mentoring, Advocacy and Peer Support (MAPS)
Dockery 212. Hours: M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm.
660-543-4156
24 Hour Hotline: 660-441-4855
 Provide Victim Advocacy
 Provide long term one-on-one support to assist victims of assault
 Help navigate reporting options
 Provide information on local resources and how to access them
Counseling Center
Humphreys 131, 660-543-4060
ucmo.edu/cc





Provides free, confidential crisis intervention and personal counseling for UCM students
Offers emergency appointments during office hours
Makes referrals to appropriate campus and community services
Provides free counseling for UCM students for partner violence, sexual assault and stalking
Offers information on options for reporting crimes, seeking campus disciplinary action and
obtaining protection orders
University Health Center
600 S. College, 660-543-4770
ucmo.edu/uhc




Provides confidential, low-cost medical services to UCM students
Provides general health care as well as gynecological exams
Provides pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease treatment and protection
Assesses psychological needs and makes referrals
UCM Public Safety
306 Broad Street, 660-543-4123 (Answered 24 hrs) or 911 (Emergency), 660-543-4123 (Walking Escort)
ucmo.edu/ps

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

Responds to and investigates crimes including sexual assault, stalking, dating and domestic
violence and harassment
Provides assistance in reporting and disciplinary action procedures
Provides opportunities for anonymous online reporting at
www.ucmo.edu/surveys/?formID=2673
Provides the SAFE (Student Assistant Foot patrol & Escort) team from 8pm to 2am
30
WARRENSBURG
Western Missouri Medical Center
403 Burkharth Road, 660-747-2500 (ext. 4150 for Emergency Room)
www.wmmc.com


Provides caring hospital staff for emergency care of victims of sexual assault and dating violence
Provides a certified SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) to respond to needs specific to sexual
assault
Warrensburg Police Department
102 S Holden Street, 660-747-9133
http://www.warrensburg-mo.com/departments/police-department/


Responds to and investigates crimes including sexual assault, stalking, relationship and domestic
violence and harassment
Provides assistance in reporting procedures
Johnson County Sheriff’s Department
135 W. Market Street, 660-747-6469
Survival Adult Abuse Center
137 E. Culton Street,
660-429-1088 (Office), 660-429-2847 or 1-800-846-7597 (24-Hour Crisis Hotline)
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Provides crisis intervention, support groups, court advocacy, children’s services and individual
advocacy to victims of domestic violence
Assists domestic violence victims in finding safe housing and obtaining orders of protection
Johnson County Community Health Services
429 Burkharth Road, 660-747-6121
johnsoncountyhealth.org
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Provides pregnancy tests, STD/HIV testing, immunizations, counseling and other related services
at no charge or on a sliding scale
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
305 N. Holden, 660-747-7101 or 1-800-892-2943
lawmo.org
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Provides a wide range of low-cost legal services
Provides assistance for obtaining orders of protection for victims of sexual assault and domestic
violence
Assists those trying to leave an abusive relationship, especially cases involving child custody and
visitation
Offers free representation to immigrants in the entire state of Missouri
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Planned Parenthood
607 Burkharth Road
660-747-6186 (Office), 800-908-9906 (After-Hours Emergency)
plannedparenthood.org
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Offers low-cost emergency contraception, prenatal care and OB/GYN services
Provides a confidential setting for clients to talk with physicians, nurse practioners and other
staff
Paul Fuelling & Associates
510 E. Gay Street, 660-429-6678
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Offers counseling and psychotherapy for individuals, children and families
Accepts most insurance policies and uses a sliding scale based on income
Healing Grace Christian Counseling Center
123 East Gay, Suite D, 660-747-9242
http://www.lindagsmith.com/
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Offers counseling and psychotherapy for individuals, children and families
Accepts most insurance policies and uses a sliding scale based on income
Catholic Charities
118 Hout Street #F,
660-747-2241
catholiccharities-kcsj.org
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Provides help to those in need regardless of religious affiliation
Provides free adoption and pregnancy services
Offers counseling services on a sliding scale according to income and accepts some insurance
policies
Provides emergency financial assistance and direct assistance with medical costs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
660-687-7272
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Provides single point of contact for confidential (restricted) reporting of sexual assault
Provides 24-hour Whiteman sexual assault response advocacy system to provide on-going victim
care including support through reporting and court processes
Chaplain
1-866-395-4357 (Hotline), 660-687-3652 (Office)
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Offers counseling, information and referral options
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 Offers spiritual guidance
Law Enforcement
660-687-3700
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Assists with crime reporting
Provides information for victims of violence
CLINTON/HENRY COUNTY
Families Assisted in Transitional Housing “FAITH”
1007 South Second St
Clinton, MO 64735
660-885-6067
 Provide temporary housing for women, children, and men
 Offer support groups
 Offer court advocacy
Henry County Victim Advocate
Henry County Courthouse
100 West Franklin St.
Clinton, MO 64735
660-885-7220
 Provides support to residents of Henry County who have been victims of crime
SEDALIA
Child Safe of Central Missouri Inc.
102 E. 10th Sedalia, Mo. 65301
660-829-3434
Citizen's Against Spouse Abuse Inc.
P.O. Box 2575
108 E 5th Street, Sedelia, MO 65302
660-827-5555
Emergency: 660-207-7504
Bothwell Regional Health Center
601 E. 14th Sedalia, Mo. 65301
660-827-9470
 Trained S.A.N.E. nurses
Burrell Behavioral Health and Pathways Crisis Line
1-800-395-2132
 Therapy services
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1-800-392-3738
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Text: 7-800-669-8699
Pettis County Sherriff’s Department
319 S. Lamine Sedalia, Mo.65301
660-827-0052
Sedalia Police Department
660-826-8100
Pettis County Victim Advocate
Shelley Kruger
660-827-3700
Benton County Victim Advocate
Nancy Leonard
660-438-5209
KANSAS CITY/MISSOURI
St. Luke’s East Hospital
100 N.E. Saint Luke’s Boulevard, Lee’s Summit 816-347-5000
saintlukeshealthsystem.org
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Provides medical care & forensic exams for sexual assault-related situations at no charge
Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)
816-531-0233 (24-Hour Crisis Line), 816-931-4527 (Office)
mocsa.org
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Provides intervention, treatment and advocacy programs for victims of sexual violence
Offers community outreach to prevent sexual violence
Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP)
P.O. Box 41121 Kansas City, MO 64141-1211 (Information), 816-561-0550 (Office)
kcavp.org
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Provides needs assessment, court advocacy and emergency assistance for lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender victims of violence
Offers free counseling for LGBT victims of violence, as well as a support group for LGBT survivors
of domestic violence
The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCADSV)
1-800-799-SAFE (National Domestic Violence Hotline), 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
mocadsv.org
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Offers free support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
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 Provides local resources to help battered women and their children
The Human Trafficking Rescue Project Taskforce – Western District of Missouri
acf.hhs.gov/trafficking
816-461-HOPE (24 hour support concerning human trafficking)
816-474-TIPS (Anonymously report crimes of human trafficking)
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Provides assistance in Missouri for reporting cases of adult or child human trafficking
888-428-7581 (Trafficking Information & Referral Hotline)
Provides information and access to supportive services to help victims safely and securely
rebuild their lives by connecting them to basic services for housing, health care, immigration
assistance, food, income, employment and legal assistance
Provides assistance to those who suspect someone is a victim of trafficking
Missouri Protection & Advocacy Services (MO P&A)
moadvocacy.org
925 South Country Club Drive, Jefferson City, Admin; 573-893-3333, 866-777-7199, Mo Relay 1-800-7352966 (TDD)
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Provides advocacy and legal services for people with disabilities
Investigates reports of abuse, neglect and serious physical harm against people with disabilities
United Way of Greater Kansas City
(816)474-5112
They can find available local resources for any county. Call and tell them where you live and what type
of assistance you need.
www. sharenetworkmo.org
UNITED STATES
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
800-656-HOPE (24-Hour National Sexual Assault Hotline)
rainn.org (Online Hotline)
 Offers free, confidential support and counseling
 Provides information, resources and programs
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (24-Hours), 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
ndvh.org
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Provides hotline advocates for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis
intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Offers assistance in English and Spanish with access to more than 140 languages through
interpreter services
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Men Against Sexual Violence (MASV)
1-888-772-PCAR (24-Hour Info. & Referral), 717-728-9740 or 800-692-7445 (Office), 877-585-1091
(Office TTY)
menagainstsexualviolence.org
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Provides information about sexual assault for male sexual abuse survivors
Offers support for male victims through hotline
Male Survivor
malesurvivor.org
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Provides support, information and sources for male sexual abuse survivors
Provides a directory of professionals wishing to offer services to male sexual abuse survivors
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
childhelp.org
1-800-4-A-CHILD (24-Hour hotline)
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Provides confidentiality and anonymity for callers reporting suspected abuse or neglect
Offers crisis intervention, information, literature and referrals
Provides professional crisis counselors for assistance in 140 languages
REFERENCES & SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING
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The Bacchus Network, “Predatory Drugs.”
Johnson County (Missouri) Sexual Assault Response Team
Legal Momentum
Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)
Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, “A Framework for Understanding the
Nature and
Dynamics of Domestic Violence.”
Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, “A Framework for Understanding the
Nature and
Dynamics of Sexual Violence.”
National Center for Victims of Crime
National Crime Victim Bar Association, “Civil Justice for Victims of Crime.”
Partners in Prevention, “Predatory Drugs.”
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Tjaden & Thoennes, National Violence Against Women Survey, National Institute of Justice, 2000.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “Look Beneath the Surface: Human Trafficking.”
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING:
Domitrz, M. (Ed.) (2005). Voices of courage: Inspiration from survivors of sexual assault.
Greenfield, WI:
Awareness Publications: thedatesafeproject.org. From tragedy to triumph, inspiring stories
unfold in this one-of-a-kind book by twelve survivors of sexual assault.
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Lauer, T. M. (2002). The truth about rape: Emotional, spiritual, physical and sexual recovery
from rape. Gold River, CA: Raperecovery.com. This resource contains interviews with more than
40 women who share their obstacles in recovery and discuss their emotional, spiritual, physical
and sexual healing.
Ledray, L. E. (1994). Recovering from rape. New York: Henry Holt. A resource for survivors of
sexual assault, as well as their partners, family and friends, this book looks at the trauma of
sexual violence and emotional responses.
Pierce-Baker, C. (1998). Surviving the silence: Black women’s stories of rape. New York: W. W.
Norton. This book contains interviews with black women who speak about their experiences of
sexual violence as informed by their race and gender identities. It places rape within a historical
and cultural context, explaining the shroud of silence that surrounds it within the black
community.
Weaver-Franciso, P. (1999). Telling: A memoir of rape and recovery. New York: HarperCollins. In
this intimate memoir, the author tells of her fifteen-year journey to recognize and overcome the
effects of rape.
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