Sexual assault is a crime that robs its victims of choice and power.

A panel of speakers last night told a small group of students about resources available to victims that can help them reclaim control.

Six women and four men attended the informal presentation at the HUB-Robeson Center.

Carey DeMoss (junior-finance) expressed concern that the meeting attracted only a few students. She is a resident assistant, and although she encouraged her residents to join her at the meeting, none came.

She said many students have an "it can't happen to me" attitude, and don't worry about the resources available until a sexual assault occurs. She suggested this information be included in first-year seminars so more students would be aware.

Immediate assistance following an assault can be obtained through the Centre County Women's Resource Center, which has a toll-free 24-hour hotline: (877) 234-5050.

"We know that crises don't just happen during the nine-to-five workday," said Jessica Moyer, prevention educator at the center.

The center can accompany victims to the hospital, provide temporary shelter, offer support groups and help victims through the court process, Moyer said.

Their help is free and confidential.

About 100 sexual assaults are reported at Penn State each year, said Carol Myers, certified registered nurse practitioner in University Health Service's Women's Health Department. It is estimated that 900 additional assaults are never reported. Of the 100 that are reported, few victims decide to go to the police.

"It's a really small percentage that actually go to the police," Myers said.

Even if a victim chooses to talk to police, the case won't proceed unless the victim wants it to.

The speakers stressed that reporting a sexual assault to any of the agencies they represent doesn't mean victims must be interviewed by the police.

Bill Huston, associate director of the Office of Judicial Affairs, said even if a victim pursues the case with police, they don't necessarily also have to pursue it with Judicial Affairs and vice versa.

If the student does pursue the case through Judicial Affairs, and the perpetrator is found guilty, a typical punishment is suspension for at least a semester.

Huston emphasized a victim who was drinking at the time of the assault shouldn't hesitate to approach Judicial Affairs. "We're not interested in charging them with an alcohol violation," Huston said.

Even if a victim initially does not plan to pursue the case through the police or Judicial Affairs, Myers said, it's a good idea to have an evidence collection exam done at Centre Community Hospital.

Then, the evidence will be available if the victim decides to pursue the case in court at a later time. Victims have a 72-hour window of opportunity to have the evidence collection done, but it's best to do it as soon as possible.

"Don't bathe, don't shower, don't go to the bathroom, change your clothes, brush your teeth or gargle," Myers said.

Transportation to the hospital by taxi or ambulance will be paid for by UHS. The university will also pay for doctor visits, lab work and medication, including emergency contraception and STD treatment, after sexual assault.

Free short-term counseling at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, is also available to victims of sexual assault, which includes the initial appointment and up to nine additional sessions.

In addition, said Mary Anne Knapp, CAPS clinical social worker and counselor, CAPS offers support groups, and it can assist victims who wish to obtain a trauma drop for the semester. The withdrawal can be retroactive if the victim attempts to keep up with classes but cannot do so as a result of the assault.