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September 5, 2003

Boise State Women's Center Staffs Sexual Assault Hotline

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The Boise State University Women�s Center, in cooperation with other campus organizations, has set up a 24-hour crisis response sexual assault hotline. Students, faculty or staff who have been victimized can call 426-2624 to reach one of four trained advocates.     The advocates will support callers and identify resources via the telephone or in person. Two men and two women, including Women�s Center Coordinator Melissa Wintrow, staff the hotline. All four have extensive experience and training in crisis intervention, trauma response and advocating for someone who has been victimized.     Boise State began a concerted effort to address the risks of sexual assault three years ago when the Women�s Center, Student Housing, University Security, Health, Wellness and Counseling Services, the Student Union and other entities came together and began increased education efforts, Wintrow said. The sexual assault crisis response line grew out of that effort.   A recent report by the U.S. Department of Justice notes that rape is the most common violent crime on American college campuses. Women ages 16 to 24 are particularly vulnerable, according to the report.     �Boise State is not unlike any other institution across the country,� Wintrow said. �We�re really trying to be realistic about health and safety issues for our students.�     Wintrow said users of the hotline should know it is confidential.     �We will not push them or try to tell them what to do,� she said. �We will just lay out the options in a supportive, caring way. They will decide whether or not to report to police or take any action.�     Students, faculty or staff who are sexually assaulted are advised to first go to a safe place, tell someone they trust what has happened, call the crisis hotline and know that it is not their fault that it happened. Friends in whom a victimized person confides should believe him or her, listen carefully, be supportive and help the person find counseling.     Biographies and a photo of the four members of the crisis response team, as well as more information, can be found at womenscenter.boisestate.edu. The Women�s Center is also seeking applications from qualified people who would like to help with the crisis response efforts. The Women's and Children's Alliance has helped in the development of the crisis response hotline and will assist with training new volunteers. For more information, call Wintrow at 426-4259. -30- Contact                                      Media Contact Melissa Wintrow                         Sherry Squires Boise State Women�s Center       Boise State communications and marketing 426-4259                                    426-1563

Last reviewed on Thursday, July 21, 2005