Sexual Assault Advocacy
Sexual Violence FAQs
Sexual violence is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of acts including but not limited to rape, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, unwanted touching, etc. In other words, sexual violence is any sexual act or experience committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent.
Consent should be freely given, enthusiastic, and affirmatively communicated through verbal and/or non-verbal language. Consent cannot be assumed or obtained through coercion, manipulation, force, or while under the influence of any drug(s) including alcohol.
Coercion and manipulation involve persuading, influencing, or controlling someone to do something through the use of threats, dishonesty, or pressure as well as exploitation of someone’s trust or abusing one’s power/authority. For example, someone is:
- Making you feel like you owe them
- Continue to pressure or badger you
- Make you feel afraid or threatened if you say no
SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Exam. A SANE is a way to collect evidence that may be on your body from the sexual assault. Evidence that is sometimes collected is spit (saliva), bodily fluids such as semen, blood, vaginal fluid, or other physical evidence like body hair, dirt, or skin. A SANE Nurse will use cotton swabs to collect possible evidence from parts of your body including your genitals/private parts or other areas where you may have been touched by the offender. This evidence will be stored in a box which will be your sexual assault evidence kit. When you agree to have evidence collected through a SANE Exam, it does not mean you have to do every part of the exam.
- Clothing
- Debris
- Urine samples (for drug or alcohol-facilitated sexual assault)
- Swabs for DNA
No. You can participate in as much or as little of the exam as you choose. The SANE will provide you with information regarding each step of the exam and allow you to consent or decline. You can withdraw your consent, take a break, or end the exam at any time if you choose.
No. Once evidence has been collected it can be stored until you decide whether or not you would like to make a report.
From elementary schools to higher education, Title IX prohibits any school that receives federal funding from discrimination based on sex and requires schools to respond to and remedy hostile educational environments. Violating these means a school could lose its federal funding or be sued by a student whose rights under Title IX were violated.
Anyone can be victims — or perpetrators — of sexual violence.
Survivors cannot prevent sexual violence. The only person(s) able to prevent sexual assault is the perpetrator. Thus, it is important to believe survivors and create a culture where sexual violence is not tolerated and reports of sexual violence are taken seriously.
Believe and support them. Your support can make a large difference in their healing. Learn more about how to respond to a disclosure about sexual violence here.
DVIP & RVAP provides free, confidential services to all survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. For more information, or for questions call 1-800-228-1625.
Supporting Survivors
Positive support from loved ones makes a large difference in survivors’ safety, healing, and a sense of justice. Think about a time you disclosed something difficult and someone supported you. What did they do well? Below are some tips based on best support practices and the survivors themselves.
Start by believing survivors
Say “I believe you.” This is one of the biggest fears survivors have of disclosing domestic violence.
Listen & support non-judgmentally
- Let them talk; don’t interrupt
- Tell them “It’s not your fault”; avoid “shoulds & coulds” as they can imply blame
- Examples: “You should have fought back” or “You should have left”.
- Avoid asking investigatory questions especially “why” questions as they can imply blame.
- Examples: “Why did you stay?”
- Validate their experience, actions, and concerns.
- Use reflective statements by identifying key feelings.
- Example: “It sounds like you’re afraid”
Let them choose
- Sexual assault is a committed based on control and power. Therefore, give the control and power back to the survivor by letting them choose what they would or would not like to do.
- Provide systemic options (e.g., medical, legal, academic)
- Provide referrals including the nearest domestic violence victim assistance center
- Don’t make promises that you cannot guarantee
- Example: “This person is not going to get away with this”
- Remind them that there is no “right” way or time frame to heal
Ask
- How you can help support them. They may not know, and that’s okay.
- Inquire about safety if applicable and appropriate.
If you believe your loved one is at high risk for attempting/completing suicide, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911.
Take care of yourself
Sexual assault impacts everyone including those indirectly impacted like yourself and other loved ones. You will have your own reaction and feelings, and that is okay. What happened to your loved one is not your fault. Recognize your limitations and reach out for support if you would like.
DVIP & RVAP provides free, confidential services to all survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. For more information, or for questions call 1-800-228-1625.
Medical Support
The information provided here does not constitute medical advice and is being furnished strictly for informational purposes. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Other options for care after an assault
You can visit a family physician or local clinic for a general check-up and/or sexually transmitted infection prevention or treatment. For a list of referrals, call us at 1-800-228-1625.
How DVIP & RVAP can help:
If you choose to go to the ER after an assault, call our 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-228-1625 to arrange for staff to meet you there. Or you can go directly to the ER and ask them to contact DVIP & RVAP on your behalf. You have choices during the entire exam and can stop at any time. Getting this exam does not mean police are automatically notified. Our services are always free and confidential.
For more information on the SANE exam, click here.
If you do not want staff present, you do not have to have one. If you change your mind in any way at any point, we can come or leave, depending on your needs and wishes. If the ER does not call us, you may call our 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-228-1625. You can always call and request support yourself.
Some people worry they waited “too long” to get an exam. A SANE exam can detect DNA and other evidence up to 120 hours post-assault. Injuries such as bruising and cuts can show even longer.
Local Medical Resources:
Johnson County
University of Iowa Healthcare – 1-800-777-8442
University of Iowa Student Health – 319-335-8370
Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team
Iowa County
Marengo Memorial Hospital – 319-642-5543
Des Moines County
Emergency Department West Burlington – 319-768-4700
Henry County
Emergency Department Henry County Health Center
319-385-3141
Lee County
Emergency Department Fort Madison – 319-376-2000
Van Buren County
Van Buren County Hospital – 319-293-3171
Washington County
Washington County Hospital – 319-653-5481
Legal Support
The information provided here does not constitute legal advice and is being furnished strictly for informational purposes.
No report
It’s your choice whether or not to report. Many people don’t report, and that’s okay. If you want to discuss options and processes, call DVIP & RVAP at 1-800-228-1625. Whatever you decide, we will support you.
How DVIP & RVAP can help:
Staff can help you explore your legal options and clarify any of the information below. If you choose to move forward legally, we can accompany you throughout the entire legal process. Our services are always free and confidential.
Iowa Law and Domestic Violence: DVIP & RVAP is familiar with the criminal justice process. If you have questions about your situation, contact DVIP & RVAP staff at 1-800-373-1043.
Orders of Protection: DVIP & RVAP has staff who are familiar with these applications and the process required to obtain this order. Staff can also accompany you to court. If you have questions about your situation, contact DVIP & RVAP staff at 1-800-373-1043.
Crime Victim Compensation Program: If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury from a violent crime, the Crime Victim Compensation Program may be able to help. This program was created to help victims with the many costs of violent crime. DVIP & RVAP has staff who are familiar with this application. If you have questions about your situation, contact DVIP & RVAP staff at 1-800-373-1043.
For more information, requirements, and limits of financial support contact DVIP & RVAP or the Crime Victim Compensation Program:
Attorney General’s Office
Old Historical Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5044
1-800-373-5044
Support Group
Our support groups are offered in shelter for residents and in the community for those impacted by sexual assault.
Support groups offer tools for community and reflection. Participants will have the opportunity to experience safety and dignity in a community with others. Our support group spaces are a judgment-free zone. Each space is designed to explore thoughts and feelings about sexual assault with reflection.
Participant rights in this survivor space include:
- Being treated with safety and respect
- To be free from discrimination of any kind
- To have things explained clearly
- Not to be blamed for abusers’ actions
- To ask questions and talk about feelings
- To set your own goals and path to reach them
- To keep and practice your own religious beliefs
- To speak to other group members privately outside of the group or during breaks
Support Group Guidelines
Respect and confidentiality are of utmost importance, even in a public space. Who you see, what you hear, and how you feel about those things should remain within the safety of the group.
- No verbal, mental, or physical violence.
- No drinking or drug use – no smoking in the library.
- No stealing.
- No weapons, including concealed carry
- No interrupting or talking over other participants.
Childcare is provided up to age 12. Children over the age of 2 should be with childcare staff.
Support group activities include:
- Art
- Journaling (guided and free writing)
- Guided discussion on a particular theme
- Open discussion
- Film and media
- Resource sharing
- Guest speakers
- Relaxation techniques
No experience is necessary for our support group activities.
Closed Session Dates
The times and locations are provided upon registration. Childcare up to age 12 is provided.
Pre-registration is required. Sign up by county:
Campus Support
Information provided by the University of Iowa
How DVIP & RVAP can help:
DVIP & RVAP staff on campus can help explain reporting options and procedures, answer questions, recommend accommodations, and accompany you during meetings, interviews, and other college/university proceedings. Our services are always free and confidential.
Women’s Resource and Action Center
DVIP & RVAP staff on campus open hours are offered at the Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC).
WRAC open/walk-in hours to speak with an advocate:
Mondays and Thursdays – Call our hotline at 1-800-228-1625 to learn each semester’s availability.
Campus Resources
University of Iowa
- Title IX
- Women’s Resource and Action Center – 319-335-1486
- University of Iowa Nite Ride – 319-384-1111
- University Counseling Service – 319-335-7294
Southeastern Community College
- Campus Safety and Title IX
- Blackhawks Be Safe Program
Have questions? Need help?
Give us a call 24/7/365
Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.
