The St. Joseph County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) has created this site to provide direct access to information about services, rights, processes, and options available to sexual assault survivors in our community.
Please note that every survivor's journey is unique and that the information provided here is not meant to replace a conversation with a trained advocate, law enforcement officer, or medical provider.
Speak to a confidential advocate 24/7 by calling SOS at 574-289-HELP(4357)
I was sexually assaulted. What can I do? How can I get help?
Victims' Rights
speak with a victim advocate during a hospital visit after a sexual assault, and throughout the course of an investigation.
private and protected communications with a victim advocate. (SOS advocates are confidential)
forensic medical exams and additional forensic services with no charge to you (or to your insurance.)
to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect and free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse throughout the criminal justice process
Survivors of sexual assault have specific, protected rights in the state of Indiana. Survivors do not have to report to the police in order to maintain these rights. These include the rights to:
Understanding Options & Processes
Something may have happened to you or a friend and you are left overwhelmed and not sure where to turn. We are here for you, no matter what steps you choose to take.
Below, learn more about options and processes, specific to St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Incident Occurs
Even if you aren’t sure how to define your experience yet, you have the right to support and options, and we want to remind you that what happened to you was not your fault.
If you have experienced a sexual offense, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. You have options.
Medical and/or forensic care at the hospital (recommended first step)
Reporting - to Law Enforcement or Title IX (schools only)
Confidential, Supportive and Alternative Options
Hospital
Getting medical care after a sexual assault is important for your health. The hospital can also collect forensic evidence.
At the hospital, you have the following options:
Receive medical care only (this can include STI/STD testing and prophylaxis and emergency contraceptives.)
Have evidence collected for an anonymous rape kit and receive medical care OR
Have evidence collected for a rape kit, as a part of a criminal case, and receive medical care. If you request this, the hospital can call law enforcement for you to make a report there.
All of these options are completely voluntary and available at no cost to you or to your insurance.
You do not have to report to police in order to receive these free services, and you do not have to take any steps that you do not want to (i.e. you do not have to consent to a pelvic exam)
In St. Joseph County, we highly recommend going to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Their Forensic Department (located inside the Emergency Department) is staffed by certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners who are trained to provide the best possible care.
For questions about medical care or other assistance, you may contact the Forensic Department anytime.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Forensic Department
5215 Holy Cross Parkway Mishawaka, IN 46545
574-335-2532
Sexual Assault Evidence Kit
A Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK), otherwise known as a “rape kit” refers to a container that includes envelopes and containers to package any specimens collected during a sexual assault forensic exam. This evidence can be collected and identified with the name of the patient, or it can labeled as an anonymous kit and assigned a number. Anonymous kits are securely stored for one year.
If your SAEK was collected by a provider in Indiana, they should have provided you with a Kit Number and PIN. Using that information, you can track the kit online through the Indiana Statewide Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System.
Medical Care
Medical care after a sexual assault can include, but is not limited to:
An overall physical health exam and treatment of any injuries
STI/STD testing and prophylaxis (to prevent from contracting)
Pregnancy testing and emergency contraception
Toxicology testing
All of these services can be provided at no cost, regardless of whether you choose to have evidence collected or report to police.
Police / 911
If you have experienced a sexual assault, you have the option to make a police report. Reporting to the police is the first step in a criminal investigation. Telling law enforcement as soon as possible can help preserve evidence, but it is not required. You can still get medical care, counseling, and collect forensic evidence through a sexual assault exam even if you choose not to report to law enforcement.
If you do want to make a police report, you can call 911, and officers may be sent to your location. You also can go to the police department with the jurisdiction (where the incident occurred). If you are not sure where the incident occurred or what jurisdiction, you can contact non-emergency dispatch (St. Joseph County 574-255-0606) or call 911.
SVU
When a sexual assault report is made to law enforcement, the case will likely be sent to St. Joseph County's Special Victims' Unit (SVU). It may be assigned to a detective for investigation, or, in some cases, it may go directly to the prosecutor's office for review.
Investigation: In most cases, sexual assault cases are assigned for investigation. A detective will reach out to you and will want to complete an interview with you. They will likely do this prior to making contact with the offender or other parties.
You may decide to not move forward with the investigation. You will not be required to speak with a detective if you choose not to do so.
An investigation may take weeks to months to be completed.
Prosecution
The prosecutor's office may receive an initial police report to review, or (more likely) will review the detective's investigation. The prosecutor's office will determine if and what charges will be filed.
While they certainly take into consideration what the victim's wishes are, only the prosecutor's office has the ability to file criminal charges.
Criminal Case
If a case is charged, there will be hearings that the offender has to appear for. It is your right to attend or view these hearings, but you are not required to.
If and when you need to meet with the prosecutor or testify in a case, your victim advocate from the prosecutor's office will let you know. They will be available to you throughout the course of the case, to answer questions and help you understand the process.
Title IX
Title IX is a federal law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. It applies to schools, educational agencies, and institutions receiving federal assistance. It addresses cases involving discrimination based on sex, sexual harassment, and sexual assault.
Institutions that receive federal funding are required to adhere to certain Title IX protocols. Some universities or other institutions may have additional processes and protocols in place to respond to other cases or offer additional support to survivors.
Title IX Process
The most accurate way to find out about the Title IX process at your respective institution is to speak with the Title IX coordinator or other Title IX representative.
This flowchart is a helpful resource to understand the structure and process of a Title IX case.
Click here for information about Title IX and other supportive services offered by area Universities.
Safety and Supportive Services
Regardless of what choices you make in reporting or seeking medical care, you can access confidential supportive services at any point in your process.
The Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County provides services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These services include advocacy, help in understanding rights, safety planning, protective order assistance, and therapy. Advocates can also provide support to you during interviews with law enforcement and in court.
All services are completely free and confidential.
Alternative / Other Options
Regardless of whether or not you choose to seek medical assistance or engage with law enforcement and the justice system, there are other options.
There are services available to assist with your safety, understanding and enforcing your rights and options, and helping you heal.
SOS 24/7 Hotline
SOS provides a 24-hour crisis hotline for survivors of sexual offenses, domestic violence, and stalking. This includes information about your rights and options, emotional support, safety planning, and accompaniment and advocacy in the hospital during a rape kit or sexual assault exam.
SOS Crisis Hotline: 574-289-HELP (4357)
Your Voice Matters.