• Support can be found at GaDuGi SafeCenter. The Lawrence nonprofit organization is on hand to counsel sexual assault victims. From when a survivor arrives at the hospital to the end of the court trial, a GaDuGi volunteer is available to shepherd the survivor through the process.

• Above all, believe the survivor’s story, Lawrence psychotherapist Tamara Werth said. And, be careful not to ask questions that can be interpreted as placing blame on the victim.

• Survivors should go to a hospital as soon as possible so evidence can be gathered with a sexual assault kit. Within 72 hours, biological evidence from an assault can disappear, sexual assault nurse examiner Gail Ciesielski said.

• If possible, survivors should avoid showering, urinating, brushing their teeth and eating or drinking before going in for an exam.

• Costs of the sexual assault examination are covered by the district attorney’s office. Sexual assault kits can be used even if the survivor doesn’t want to press charges. Evidence is collected and an anonymous kit is stored at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. A number is given to survivors, so if they change their mind they can contact the KBI for the evidence.

• Encourage survivors to seek help. Rape survivor Emily Lentz said she couldn’t imagine healing if she didn’t have therapy. “It shouldn’t even be an option,” she said. Without therapy, emotions of shame, distrust and anger can be repressed that in later years resurface in relationships, Werth said.

• As in other life or death situations, post-traumatic stress disorder can follow a sexual assault. Years later, sounds, sights or smells can trigger memories of an attack.

Whom to call and where to go

• If someone is attacked, the Lawrence Police Department recommends calling 911 as soon as possible.

• Rape Victim Survivor Service advocates with GaDuGi can be reached 24 hours a day at Headquarters Counseling Center at 841-2435 for Lawrence, Eudora, Lecompton. In Baldwin City, they can be reached at 888-899-2345.

• Sexual assault survivors can be treated at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine. The exams are performed in the emergency room. Kansas University students also can receive treatment at Watkins Memorial Health Center on campus.

• If criminal charges are pressed, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case. It provides a victim’s advocate to help usher survivors through the process. The DA’s office can be reached at 841-0211.