Correction appended

They said their work stays with them: cases of sexual assault, domestic violence and rape. The incidents replay in their minds, awakening them in the middle of the night and simmering beneath the surface of their daily thoughts.

For these three women, their work often goes without recognition. But last night, they were presented with the 2009 Excellence in Victim Services Award for their work with sexually abused victims at the State College Borough Council meeting.

State College Police Detective Deirdri Fishel, Cindy Shelow and Centre County Victim Advocate Dana -- who did not state her last name for the safety of the victims she's worked with -- were recognized for winning the award, which is given by the International Chief of Police Organization.

Fishel said the award lets Penn State students know that law officials are working to protect sexually abused victims.

"It's a beacon of hope," Fishel said. "You don't want a community of students to think violence is OK."

But the award comes after recent news that sexual assaults in 2008 were at a three-year high and the tenth assault of the fall semester was just reported last Thursday, according to police reports.

As a detective, Fishel investigates the incidents after police record them. Dana works with victims as their advocate and makes sure they are aware of victim resources available for them.

Shelow is the technician, recording statistics and pulling numbers to help track crime.

The team first received federal funding in 2006 and learned earlier this month that even in the midst of an economic recession, they would continue to receive funding until at least 2011, said State College Chief of Police Steve Shelow.

This year the federal grant totaled $400,000 to the team and Chief Shelow said it's worth every single penny.

"They're taking a new approach to work with victims in safety planning," Chief Shelow told the Borough Council. "We've created a program that is not only ground-breaking, but it enables us to reach out to victims in a way we never have before."

Their approach includes working with the prosecution, Mount Nittany Medical officials and even defense attorneys about the rights of victims.

"We believe the victim," said Cay Griel, sexual assault response team coordinator at the hospital, who was not at Monday's presentation. "We try to be open, and we try not to criticize or to be victim blaming but to understand that he or she has gone through the worst event in their life."

Griel said that when victims report a sexual assault, they often meet with an advocate, an officer and a sexual assault nurse to discuss the matter. She recalled one recent case in which a woman had been brutally raped. Griel said her colleagues showed incredible understanding toward the woman.

"They were very sensitive to her needs and to the injuries that she received," Griel said. "It's essential in holding perpetrators accountable and in trying to address the issues."

Though alcohol is a factor in a considerable number of incidents, Griel said that's no excuse for someone to be sexually assaulted.

"If you drink, you should expect a hangover," she said. "You shouldn't expect to be raped."

It's changing those perceptions that has the team working so hard, she added.

"The team can come together and respect each other's roles and work together," Griel said. "We will do everything we can to provide options for you."

This article incorrectly identified the name of the State College Chief of Police. The correct name is Tom King.