Students who have been victims of any form of sexual assault can now seek assistance from the new Rape Crisis Center Office at Madison College, which will be staffed by Madison Mayer, the new campus counselor/advocate.

The office is located inside the Student Development Center at the Truax Campus, in Room D1618AB.

“I am honored to do this work,” said Mayer.

Mayer wants students to know that she is open for business. Office hours are Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students can make a walk-in appointment at Truax Room C1450, or call the Rape Crisis Hotline at (608) 251-RAPE (7273) to make an appointment or ask questions. The Rape Crisis Center alsooperates a Spanish hotline at (608) 258-2567. The hotlines are available 24/7.

Mayer emphasizes that the Rape Crisis Center defines sexual assault as “any unwanted physical contact.” Their definition also includes child abuse.

At the Center’s Madison College office, Mayer provides free and confidential one-on-one counseling. She can also provide advocacy services such as: accompanying someone on a forensic exam, helping with paperwork, and letting people know what to expect as they navigate the system.

Mayer can also help with legal advocacy such as filing police reports and/or restraining orders.

Specifically for Madison College students, the Rape Crisis Center can provide campus advocacy, which means helping report incidents of sexual assault to the Title IX coordinator, Geraldo VilaCruz.

In order to accommodate a student who has experienced sexual assault, students’ schedules can be changed, someone can walk the victim to their car, or other options may be available. Mayer also plans to start a support group at Madison College in the spring.

Any Madison College student, staff, or faculty is eligible for services at this office. The person seeking assistance can also be a loved one or “support person” for a victim. The victim does not need to be present for these services.

Mayer emphasizes that the Rape Crisis Center uses the “empowerment model” to put “power and control back in your own hands.”

Her job is to explain options to victims and emphasize that they do not “have to” report anything or file paperwork if they feel uncomfortable.

If someone does want assistance, Mayer can accompany them through any of these procedures or advise someone how to navigate them on their own.