What to do after a sexual assault:

Sexual and relationship violence is NEVER the fault of the victim. Should you or a friend need support in the aftermath of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and/or stalking, there is help available.

In the immediate aftermath, get to a safe place. If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 911.

Reach out to someone you trust for emotional suppport:

The YWCA has a 24 hour help line and text line available for victims of sexual violence; call (406) 245-4472, text (406) 702-0229

Seek Medical Attention:

It's okay if you have not decided whether you want to report your sexual assault to the school or law enforcement. Seeking medical assistance can help address any injuries, treat sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy testing and prevention, and other medical needs.

Whether the assault was a week ago or many years ago, you still have access to resources and support. Here are some confidential, on-campus options available in Student Health Services:

  • General medical care
  • STI testing
  • Contraceptive management
  • Emergency contraception
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Mental health counseling

If you would like assistance in deciding whether to go forward with a Medical Forensic Exam (MFE), our Registered Nurse has the training to help you understand this process. She is available to help you with this decision and can facilitate you in carrying it out.

Decide if and how you want to report:

Choosing to report a sexual assault can be a difficult decision. This decision can often be made over time and not right after the assault. It's important to review your reporting options. Please see our reporting options section for more information. Staff in the Student Health Services can also assist you in understanding these otions.

Take care of yourself:

There is no single reaction to being sexually assaulted and no single way to heal. It is important to seek the support you need to maintain your mental health. Student Health Services has licensed mental health counselors that can aid in your healing through therapy.

MEDICAL FORENSIC EXAM (MFE):

What is an MFE?

An MFE is a type of exam given to survivors of recent sexual assault and performed by a specially trained provider (usually known as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner). 

An MFE usually includes:

  • A review of your medical history
  • A review of what happened during the assault - this helps the nurse to determine the type of exam they will offer you. A head-to-toe physical exam to assess for injuries
  • Evidence collection with a sexual assault evidence kit (SAEK)
  • Forensic photography
  • Medications to prevent and treat STI's
  • Pregnancy resources

****You have the right to decline any part of the MFE that you are not comfortable with - it is 100% your choice.

What is the timeframe to get a MFE?

An MFE can be conducted up to five days following an assault. If the timeframe of the sexaul assault is unclear, an exam may be conducted on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to file a police report to get an MFE?

No! You can elect to have no law enforement involvement. During your exam, evidence is collected, stored, and held for up to a year. You can decide whether to have the evidence processed in that time.

If I am not reporting my assault, why should I get an MFE/evidence collected?

The most important part of an MFE is the medical evaluation and offering treatment to prevent STI's and pregnancy. Even if you do not plan on reporting your assault to law enforcement, since there is only a short window of time to collect evidence, it is better to have collected evidence, in case you change your mind, versus not having it collected and wishing you did when it is too late.

Where can I get an MFE?

You can get an MFE at Billings Clinic. MSUB Student Health Services can direct you to the correct place to go if you have questions or concerns.

Tips for preserving evidence for an MFE:

Avoid showering/cleaning your body, wiping after going to the bathroom, douching, brushing your teeth, or changing your clothes. If your clothes are wet/uncomfortable, it is fine to simply bring them with you to the exam ideally in a brown paper bag.

****It is completely normal and okay if you have performed any of these things before the exam. If you are concerned that you might have been drugged, try to wait to urinate until the exam, as this is ideal, because the first urine post-assault is best to test for drugs. But, if you do need to urinate before please do so as subsequent urine can still be used for testing.

REPORTING OPTIONS

 Reporting information

 Title IX information:

DRUG-FACILITATED SEXUAL ASSAULT (DFSA):

What is DFSA?

When alcohol or drugs are used to compromise an individual's ability to consent to sexual activity.

What kind of substances are used in DFSA?

Common drugs include alcohol, GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, and over-the-counter medications like histamines or sleep medications. Prescriptions such as anxiety medications like Ativan, Valium, or Klonopin.

****Alcohol is the most frequently used drug.

What are symptoms of DFSA?

A big indicator of DFSA is when a person experiences a "blackout" under circumstances that do not make sense, such as either you were not drinking alcohol or drank an amount that would not typically cause such a severe reaction. Symptoms include; drowsiness, dizziness, loss of muscle control, slurred speech, decreased inhibitions, memory loss/impairment, loss of consciousness, and vomiting.

Is there a test to see if this happened to me?

Yes. Urine can be tested (ususally up to 96 hours after a possible drug Ingestion). While the test does not check for every possible medication that could have been used, it tests for many of the common culprits.

If I was drinking/using drugs voluntarily, is it still sexaul assault?

It absolutely is sexual assault. If you were impaired, even voluntarily, you were still unable to consent to sexual activity.