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A Guide for Victim/Survivors

A Guide for Victim/Survivors of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking:

Where to Go and What to Do If It Happens to You

Did you know that the Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study found 13.7% of undergraduate women had been victim/survivors of at least one completed sexual assault since entering college (http://www.nij.gov/nij/topics/crime/rape-sexual-violence/victims-perpetrators.htm)? Furthermore, 77% of rape victim/survivors were known to their attackers and 90% of acquaintance rape victim/survivors did not report the attack to police (By the Numbers: Sexual Violence Statistics). Sexual assault can happen to anyone and anywhere. It impacts women, men, and children. You are not alone.

At Northern Illinois University, Victim Advocacy Services is dedicated to advocating for and supporting ALL student victim/survivors or any student who has been impacted by sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking. There are many resources available on campus and in our community to help victim/survivors or anyone impacted through the healing process.

What if it’s happened to me?

  1. Take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. If in immediate danger, call 911.
  2. Call Victim Advocacy Services, a free and confidential service for ALL students on campus who are victim/survivors of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.
  3. Talk with someone you trust. You are not alone in this process.

Campus resources for students

Community resources for students

  • If a student is seeking health services, evidence collection, STI testing, and referrals, contact Kishwaukee Community Hospital.
  • If a student is seeking victim/survivor community services, medical and legal advocacy, a 24-hour crisis line, and support, contact Safe Passage.

How to handle triggers 

(Benchmarked from an approved OVW website)
  • After experiencing a traumatic event, such as a sexual assault, you might find yourself reacting to situations in ways you would not have before the assault. You may experience flashbacks, which are when memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment. Flashback can be triggered by a touch, smell, color, or anything that reminds you of the trauma.
  • If you have a flashback, try grounding yourself and reentering the present moment using sensory techniques, which help you reenter the present moment:
    • Focus on the present (not the trauma).
    • Take 3 slow, deep breaths.
    • Try doing an activity that changes your current experience in any of your five senses.
      • Sight: Name 5 things you see in the room.
      • Taste: Drink something hot or cold, eat some strong tasting candy, or suck on ice.
      • Touch: Run your hand across something highly textured, or pet your dog.
      • Smell: Use scented candles, lotion, bubble bath, aromatherapy, or food.
      • Hear: Listen to music, someone’s voice, or any noise happening around you (cars, barking, etc.).

Suggested ways to exercise care

(Benchmarked from an approved OVW website)
  • The most important piece of healing from trauma is to be gentle and patient with yourself. When you need some extra comfort, you might:
    • Turn on music, light candles or incense, and run yourself a warm bath. 
    • Drink hot tea or hot chocolate.
    • Go to a special place (actually or in your mind).
    • Hug a stuffed animal or a person who makes you feel safe.
    • Cry
    • Use art, journaling, or other creative outlets.
    • Watch television.
    • Clean the house.
    • Exercise
    • Spend time with family or friends.
  • At other times you might need to get your mind off of the trauma, and that’s okay, too. You can watch TV, clean the house, go for a walk, or play cards with a friend. Just know that healing from trauma is possible. It will heal with time.