Support

A person who experiences an incident of sexual misconduct has a number of options for help and support. Links for the support resources listed below are found on the left.

Emergencies

If you or someone you know are in a life-threatening situation, contact the police immediately by calling 911. Get to a safe place as soon as possible.

Support Resources

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Confidential Support

Confidential support resources are listed below. Contact the UMD's Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC), or the Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA, a program in the Duluth community). Both resources are free and completely confidential, and both have advocates that can help a person who experiences an incident of sexual misconduct make decisions. WRAC can also assist the person with making supportive changes (living accommodations, class schedules, student activities, etc.). 

Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC) - for students only
(218) 72606292 or (218) 726-8444
Kirby Student Center 266
[email protected]

WRAC advocates are available onsite Monday and Thursday from 6:00 to 9 p.m. and during regular WRAC office hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). WRAC provide support by:

  • Listening to every story and validating experiences
  • Providing information on available options
  • Advocating
  • Making referrals to other agencies (with permission from the student)
Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA)
(218) 726-1442 or 24-hour crisis line (218) 726-1931
32 East 1st Street, Duluth

PAVSA is a resource to support students and employees in making decisions about reporting. Victim advocates are confidential staff. PAVSA provides support by:

  • Providing a 24-hour crisis line
  • Providing a 24-hour free Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at St. Luke's Hospital and Essentia Health Medical Center emergency departments
  • Providing help for obtaining medical assistance
  • Advocating
  • Professional counseling (to include specialized adolescent advocacy for those under the age of 25)
  • Legal advocacy, including assisting in reporting and accompanying the victim/survivor to any related interviews or meetings
  • Support groups
UMD Counseling (for students only)
(218) 726-7913
615 Niagara Court
[email protected]

UMD Counseling Services helps victims/survivors by:

  • Providing information in a safe, supportive atmosphere in which to share their experiences
  • Encouraging expression of thoughts and feelings about what happened
  • Processing emotions related to the experience and in making decisions about who to tell and where to get support
  • Discussing options available regarding reporting of the incident
  • Referral to community resources (if needed/requested) for medical and/or legal concerns
  • Helping to manage school responsibilities in a time of crisis; may recommend changes to academic program or housing arrangements
  • Assisting to regain control over their lives
  • Providing ongoing therapy as needed
UMD Religious and Spiritual Organizations Contact a clergy member of one of UMD's religious/spiritual organizations. Clergy will help the victim/survivor by providing counseling and making appropriate referrals.
Employee Assistance Program (for employees)
(888) 243-5744 or (612) 625-2820		 The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential professional consultation and referral services to address any personal or work concern that may be affecting an employee's wellbeing. 

 

Medical Support

Duluth's two area hospital systems also provide support for people who have experienced an incident of sexual assault or relationship violence. A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) trained in forensic evidence collection will be present in the emergency room. There is no charge for victims/survivors to receive a forensic medical examination. Treatment of injuries or other services not listed below may not be covered; however, advocates are available to assist in seeking victim reparations to cover these charges. A SANE nurse will help the victim/survivor by:

  • Providing complete medical exams
  • Providing appropriate treatment, including pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, and STD/HIV prevention medication
  • Collecting evidence
Essentia Health (St.Mary's)
(218) 786-4000
407 E. 3rd Street, Duluth
St. Luke's Hospital
(218) 249-5555
915 E. 1st Street, Duluth

 

UMD Health Services offers a number of medical services for UMD students.

UMD Health Services (for students only)
(218) 726-8155
615 Niagara Court
[email protected]

UMD Health Services does not collect evidence but will help the victim/survivor by:

  • Providing emergency contraception
  • Providing a medical exam
  • Providing appropriate treatment, to include pregnancy testing and STD treatment
  • Making a referral to counseling (with the victim/survivor's permission)
  • Making a referral to a local hospital (with the victim/survivor's permission)

 

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