MSA X The Wake on Sexual Assault
Page One - Art and Content Warning
Content warning: The following two pages discuss matters of sexual violence and sexual assault. No graphic content is included.
This feature is a collaboration with the Minnesota Student Association’s Sexual Assault Task Force.
Page Two - Resource Guide
Reporting Process
If you choose to report an instance of sexual misconduct, there are resources that can help.
Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office (eoaa.umn.edu)
This office at the University provides brochures including information on how to report sexual misconduct to the University. The office addresses reports through investigation, informal problem-solving, and consultation.
Find an anonymous or named report form at eoaa.umn.edu/report-misconduct.
Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (mncasa.org)
This coalition provides information on many matters regarding reporting, including the following:
Harassment restraining orders and orders for protection
Civil damages
Getting a copy of a police report
Testing
For testing resources after a sexual assault, see below.
The Aurora Center (aurora.umn.edu)
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams are free of charge, as are all of the resources offered by the Aurora Center. This test must be conducted within 7 days of the incident. Call 612-626-2929.
The Aurora Center also provides holistic care post-assault. Email aurora@umn.edu, text 612-615-8911, or call the 24-hour helpline at 612-626-9111.
Boynton Health (boynton.umn.edu)
Boynton will provide STI and pregnancy testing. This can be done through drop-in hours or by making an appointment. Call 612-625-3222.
Mental Health Services
Boynton Health (boynton.umn.edu)
Boynton provides mental health care. Call the Mental Health Clinic at 612-625-8475 or email bh-quest@umn.edu. They also offer a 24-hour nurse helpline that can be accessed at 612-625-7900.
Family Tree Clinic (familytreeclinic.org)
Provides free therapy options, although donations are greatly appreciated. They specialize in cases of stress, anxiety, depression, and people who have been physically or sexually assaulted.
Reclaim (reclaim.care)
Mental health support for queer and transgender youth ages 13 – 25 who are marginalized because of their gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation. Some members on staff have training and experience in sexual violence and post-trauma therapy.
Page Three - Stories
What has/is helping you heal? Are there any resources specifically that you found or find helpful?
“Time has helped me heal. It's something I look back on every so often and remember, but I definitely don't think about it everyday.”
“In all honesty, I kind of just had to sit on it for a while. Right after it happened, I tried to write about it and make art out of it, but it was often too much for me and became very triggering. Even rehashing my experience to my therapist was difficult. Healing takes time. It's been three years, and though I've made a lot of progress, there are still triggering moments in my life that remind me I still have healing to do.”
“Support from my friends and family. Patience and love from my partner. I am slowly finding ways to regain my power in my sex life and in my daily life.”
Is there anything you wish people understood, or things people could have done differently to support you?
“When I would open up, I wish people took me more seriously. I had a friend I trusted tell everyone about it, and it was really hard to go to school for a while. Just be there and listen—you don’t always need to take action. Just be a shoulder.”
“I wish consent was taught thoroughly in sexual education courses. It is so much more than ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ I did not know I was a victim until it started to affect me in negative ways, and even then it felt like my fault.”
“I wish people would have a better understanding of how traumatizing it can be to report your case. When someone reports their assault, it means they're basically going to have to relive and retell what happened to them. Not only that, but it usually means they are going to have to face their perpetrator again, which can be unbelievably traumatizing. All in all, I wish I and others would've known that choosing not to report your case is okay, and people that don't know your experience cannot tell you otherwise.”
Is there anything you would like to say to other victim-survivors? Is there anything you wish someone told you?
“A few things:
1. Healing is not linear. Some days you're going to feel like you're taking a step backwards, and that is okay.
2. More people have experienced this than you think (sadly). Reach out to friends. Find a support group. Community is healing.
3. It's okay to report your assault, but it's also okay to not report it.
4. Tell your friends and family what is triggering for you—those boundaries will be a lifesaver.
5. It was not your fault. I know you'll convince yourself otherwise, but it was not your fault.”
“It is not your fault and you are not alone. And even more crucial, there is so much painless, joyful, easy love for you out in the world. Heal and take your time. Real love and real trust are out there for you when you’re ready.”
“You will get through it. Your trauma is not smaller just because your situation wasn’t ‘as bad’ as someone’s else’s. You are allowed to feel whatever you do about this situation. I wish someone had told me that it’s okay to be mad and it’s okay to be confused about how to heal.”
What do you wish people knew about you instead of/in addition to being a victim-survivor?
“I am an artist. I am gentle. I am beautiful. I am strong. I am queer. I am non-binary. I am a pet parent. I am a partner. I am so much more than that one moment.”
“I am a strong woman. I am going to feel my feelings as big as I want to.”
“I am a survivor and I am strong. I am a survivor and I am healing.”
QR Code Caption - If you wish to read more about the stories of victim-survivors who submitted to this feature, scan the QR code to visit our website. The stories may include graphic content that could be triggering to some readers; proceed at your own discretion.