Maine Maritime Academy

Department of Residential Life

 

Sexual Assault Resources

IF A FRIEND IS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED:

• Listen.  Believe him/her.  Be gentle, patient, sensitive and supportive.

• Get the victim to a safe place. 

• Asses any physical injuries.  Determine if they need emergency medical care and if they are coherent enough to make decisions regarding treatment.  If they are not, get the victim to the closest medical facility.  If they are, support the victim in their decision regarding treatment.

• Contact MMA Campus Security or Downeast Sexual Assault Services. 

  • Campus Security - 326-2479 (x479 if dialing on-campus)

  • Downeast Sexual Assault Services - (800) 228-2470

  To receive accurate and important information regarding talking to the police, what to expect at the hospital and follow-up services, speak to a counselor at Downeast Sexual Assault Services.

• Remind the victim not to shower, bathe, douche, or change clothes if they have any thought of reporting this crime.  Any of these actions would destroy information that may be important to the case.

• Know your limits.  Recognize what you can and cannot handle.  Get help if you feel you are in over your head.  Most of us are not trained to handle these situations beyond rendering personal support.

• Things NOT to do:

  • question or judge the victim’s actions or reactions. 

  • tell the victim what they should or shouldn’t do

  • what they should or shouldn’t be feeling

  • pry for details if the victim is unwilling to give them.

IF YOU FEEL THAT ANY PERSONS PRESENT AN ONGOING RISK - OR - CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO THE VICTIM OR TO THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY, YOU MUST NOTIFY CAMPUS SECURITY. 

DO NOT RELEASE THE VICTIM’S NAME UNLESS HE OR SHE IS IN DANGER.  THE VICTIM NEEDS TO REGAIN CONTROL OF HIS OR HER SAFETY AND WELL BEING.