Resources and Referrals
What does OVS stand for?
Office of Victim Services
True or False: When you enter the room the first thing you should ask the survivor is to tell you what happened?
False
What does PTSD stand for?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
True or False: The Survivor's insurance covers the cost of the Forensic Exam
False
After getting called, when is the Advocate expected to arrive at the hospital? When is the Forensic Examiner expected to arrive?
Advocate - 30 minutes (try your best!)
Forensic Examiner - 1 Hour
What is a 24/7 resource you can provide to a survivor of sexual assault?
Safe Horizon (NYC) 212-227-3000
RAINN (National) - 1-800-656-4673
What is the 80/20 rule?
Try to listen 80% of the time, and talk only 20%
What are the two main motivators of domestic violence?
Power and Control
After the assault, within how many hours can the survivor receive a forensic exam?
96 Hours
If a survivor is interested in calling the police, what should you do?
Offer to support them as they call 911 or Special Victims OR ask the assigned doctor to alert the nurse who will call on her behalf
What is the agency and/or number to call if someone in NYC needs a safe haven shelter (aka a Domestic Violence Shelter)
Safe Horizon 1-800-621-HOPE
What do the ABC's of Crisis Counseling stand for?
A - Active Listening
B - Be Supportive
C - Give them Control
List 3 common emotional responses a survivor may have following a sexual assault
Shock, Disbelief, Numbness, Denial, Dissociation, Shame, Embarrassment, Anger, Frustration, Flashbacks, Anxious, Depressed, Physically Ill
How many years can a Forensic Exam be stored?
20 (3 in the hospital, 17 in state storage)
If a survivor says they don't want to talk to an advocate, what amount of time should you offer to wait outside before leaving?
30 minutes (Depending on the situation - if they ask you to just leave and don't want you to wait - honor their choice)
OVS can reimburse crime victims for the following EXCEPT: moving expenses, medical expenses, counseling, temporary hotel accommodations
Temporary Hotel Accomidations
If a survivor tells you they are afraid to report their assault to the police because they are undocumented, what can you tell them?
New York City is a sanctuary city for immigration. NYPD and the legal system try their best to protect survivor's immigration information. HOWEVER, be careful to not give false promises such as, "Your immigration status is completely confidential and no one can hold that against you if they report to the police". While it is rare for survivors who are undocumented to not be protected, we never know.
TAKE YOUR BEST GUESS: What percentage of survivors of sexual assault experience PTSD symptoms 2 weeks after the assault?
94% (RAINN)
What type of medication AND how many days worth of that medication should a survivor be offered to take home from the ER?
BONUS 100 Points: What is the time frame for when this medication needs to be started?
HIV Prophylaxis - 30 day supply
BONUS: 72 hours
When using a telephonic interpreter, which phrase would be better to use?
"Hi my name is Bea. I'm an advocate here to support you and to provide any resources you may need."
or
"Tell her my name is Bea and I'm an SATP Advocate. I'm here to support her and give her some resources"
"Hi my name is Bea. I'm an advocate here to support you and to provide any resources you may need."
When using a translator always speak to the person, not about them
Scenario: A survivor was staying with a friend who sexually assaulted them. They tell you they have no where else to go and don't feel safe returning to that friend's home. What is something you can do to support them?
Offer them information about shelter. Encourage them to explore if they have friends/family they can stay with. See if they want to wait in the ER for the social worker in the morning for assistance planning for discharge
Scenario: If a survivor tells you they have no way to get home from the emergency room, what can you do?
TAKE YOUR BEST GUESS: Out of every 1,000 reported sexual assaults _____ number of perpetrators walk free
975 (RAINN)
Talk to them about their right to return within 96 hours. Remind them that they can complete as much or as little of the exam as they want. Remind them they have 20 years to save the evidence. Support their decision and validate them. Provide resources. See if they are open to SATP follow-up.
If a survivor tells you they have a plan to harm themselves, what should you do?
Be empathetic, ask them if it's okay to repeat what they said in front of the doctor or nurse. If they don't want to tell the medical team you still need to break confidentiality and alert the team. Leave the door open - don't leave the survivor alone.