Students Offering Support Online (S.O.S)

Research on college campuses tell us that a majority of sexual assault victims share their story with another peer first.  After considering this information St. Cloud State University Women’s Center has developed Students Offering Support Online Program (S.O.S Online.)  S.O.S is an online peer advocate program where victims/survivors of sexual assault can email an S.O.S Advocate to ask important questions relevant to their situation.  S.O.S should not be considered and is not intended to provide crisis response.  S.O.S is a safe place for victims/survivors to get educated, informed, and referred to the appropriate agencies while being supported by a peer though the process. 

Sexual assault is a crime in which offenders seek power and control over their victim.  Often victims/survivors are left struggling with the feeling of grief and loss when their power to say “No” is taken away.  Choices often help victims/survivors to gain power and control back over their situation.  Because of this the Women’s Center will give students the choice to decide whether or not they wish to identify themselves or remain anonymous when communicating with an S.O.S Advocate.  Victims/survivors have the option to remain anonymous by creating an alternate email address through other providers such as gmail, hotmail and yahoo.

Click on the links below to email a S.O.S Advocate:

S.O.S Advocates are instructed to check their S.O.S email and reply within 24-48 hours of the incoming message.  Peer advocates receive intensive training and on-going supervision to provide victims/survivors of sexual assault support and confidential services.  S.O.S Advocates strive to promote a safe environment for victims/survivors to come forward to ask questions, talk about their concerns and be supported during the process. 

Confidentiality Information:
S.O.S Advocates have to comply with the State of Minnesota mandated reporting laws.  Because of this confidentiality may be waived if an advocate has reason to believe that you are a harm to yourself or others.   S.O.S Advocates are also required to report suspected child abuse or neglect if the abuse has occurred within the prior three years. 

Anonymous transmissions:
If you are a student who wishes to remain anonymous while utilizing the S.O.S program it is recommended that you create an email account through an internet service provider.  When creating your new account, develop a pseudonym name to ensure that your needs are being met.  Indicate

Emergencies:
If you have been sexually assaulted and are in need of immediate assistance please consider going to the St. Cloud Hospital for medical treatment.

• St. Cloud Hospital Emergency Trauma Center
• Provides medical services and evidence exams.
  1406 6th Ave. North
  St. cloud, MN 56303
  (320) 255-5656

• SCSU Student Health Services
• Health Services offers STD testing and treatment, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and documentation of injuries. Inform Health Services that you are a victim of a sexual assault.  Health Services will make every effort to schedule you right away.
  (320) 308-3191
  www.stcloudstate.edu/healthservices 

• Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center
• 24-Hour crisis line (320) 251-HELP or 1-800-237-5090
• Advocacy and Emotional support during medical, law enforcement, and legal procedures, including court procedures. 
• One to one Support Counseling
• Referrals
• Services are free and confidential
• St. Cloud Police Department
• Consider calling Law Enforcement for help (320) 251-1200
• Please note that an advocate can assist you through the reporting process and even be present in the room while the officer takes the statement. 
• SCSU Public Safety
• They can document what happened and keep this report which may be helpful if you are unsure if you want to report to law enforcement or if you file a student conduct code violation complaint on campus.
  (320) 308-3333 or www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety

S.O.S Recruitment:
Thank you for your interest in the Students Offering Support Online Program at St. Cloud State University.  S.O.S Advocates at SCSU are highly educated in dealing with sexual assault victimization issues. 

In order to become an S.O.S Advocate, students must first complete the 40 hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training through St. Cloud State University or at the Central MN Sexual Assault Center.  Because of the amount of training that S.O.S Advocates receive, they are asked to make a one year commitment with the S.O.S program.  Once a student is accepted into the S.O.S program, they are required to attend two advocate meetings a month. 

Students who complete the 40 hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training are also eligible to volunteer at the Central MN Sexual Assault Center.  Academic credits are available to students if they take the Sexual Assault Advocacy class at St. Cloud State.