Central MN Sexual Assault Center

To learn more about the two positions we have available, click HERE.

(Celebrando los Negocios Locales Latinos /Hispanos)

1. La Perla – Market and Restaurant
   • 707 2nd St. S, Waite Park, MN 56387
   • (320) 203-1284
2. La Perla – Market and Restaurant Cold Spring Location
   • 217 3rd St S, Cold Spring, MN 56320
   • (320) 685-3555
3. El Torito – Market
   • 71 10th Ave S, Waite Park, MN 56387
   • (320) 281-5040
4. Señor Elote – Food Truck
   • 301 Elm St. S. Sauk Centre, MN 56378
   • (320) 429-8059
5. Gilibertos – Mexican Restaurant
   • 2301 W Division St #100, St Cloud, MN 56301
   • (320) 253-5729
6. Gilibertos – Mexican Restaurant Downtown Location
   • 125 Fifth Avenue S. St. Cloud, MN 56301
   • 320-217-5111
7. Taqueria la Campechana – Restaurant
   • 109-137 10th Ave S, Waite Park, MN 56387
   • (320) 281-3885
8. Hernandez Burrito – Burrito Restaurant
   • 31 N Benton Dr, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
   • (320) 253-8862
9. El Loro – Mexican Restaurant
   • 1001 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387
   • (320) 774-2111
10. El Loro – Mexican Restaurant Sauk Rapids Location
    • 415 N Benton Dr, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
    • (320) 774-1363
11. Añejos: Mexican Restaurant
    • 234 2nd Ave S, Waite Park, MN 56387
    • (320) 774-1004
12. Añejos: Mexican Restaurant
    • 1733 Pine Cone Rd S, Sartell, MN 56377
    • (320) 252-1000
13. Barbacoa American and Mexican Restaurant
    • 441 Railroad Ave, Albany, MN 56307
    • (320) 403-1590
14. The Red Lounge: Dominican and Puerto Rican Cuisine
    • 239 Central Ave Long Prairie, MN
    • (320) 533-3127
15. El Portal: Mexican Restaurant
    • 207 Co Rd 173, Melrose, MN 56352
    • (320) 256-5111

Let us know if you have any suggestions for our list at cmsac@cmsac.org!

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one partner to exert control and maintain power over another person in an intimate relationship. Also called intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, and relationship abuse, domestic violence can destroy the lives of its victims. Domestic violence encompasses a wide array of abusive behaviors.

• Emotionally abusive behavior includes:
  • Constant verbal insults
  • Jealousy
  • Humiliation
  • Controlling their partner’s whereabouts
  • Isolating their partner from friends and family
• Physically abusive behavior includes:
  • Hitting, kicking, biting, etc.
  • Controlling their partner’s diet or sleep schedule
  • Preventing calls for help from police or help from doctors
  • Threatening family members, including children
  • Rape and sexual assault

Who can be a victim of Domestic Violence? Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Unlike many other kinds of crime, domestic violence can happen in any situation and circumstance. Domestic violence victims and perpetrators come from all backgrounds and all sexual orientations. Its reach makes domestic violence an unusually universal public health and safety issue. 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 10 million women and men in the United States experience domestic violence. That is nearly 20 victims every minute. Women experience domestic violence at higher rates than men, with 1 in 4 women experiencing severe domestic violence compared to 1 in 9 men.

Children are often the forgotten victims of domestic abuse. Children who experience abuse during their early childhood or are exposed to abusive situations develop coping mechanisms to deal with their unhealthy situation. This can make them more vulnerable to grooming techniques from predators outside their homes and can make it difficult for them to form healthy, trusting relationships later in life. [1] 

How can we prevent Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence prevention programs are some of the most effective ways to prevent domestic violence. Teens are often entering their first intimate relationships with another person, so it’s important to educate them on healthy communication methods, mutual respect, and what constitutes a healthy relationship.

Connecting with resources available on our website, including our Safety & Risk Reduction Tips and Safe at Home Program, is an important step in preventing or escaping an abusive situation.

The National Domestic Violence hotline is also available 24/7 for survivors and victims of domestic violence.

Our Volunteer Program Coordinator, Bree Temple, recently did an interview with Alex Svejkosky at WJON! Learn more about our services and virtual training, how we have been impacted by COVID-19, and ways that you can get involved.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR MALE-IDENTIFYING SURVIVORS 

(Registration Required) **

This group is open to males 18 years of age and older who have experienced any form of sexual assault/abuse/violence.

Due to COVID-19 protocol, our support group for male identifying survivors has been temporarily shifted to a virtual delivery platform! We hope you will join us twice monthly for a support group session online! Group Topics primarily focus on: Healing, Empowerment, Hope, Resilience, Healthy relationships, Anger, Shame/Guilt, Coping, Self-Care, Self-Confidence and Relevant Issues.

Support Group Dates:

• Wednesday, September 23^rd
• Wednesday, October 7^th
• Wednesday, October 21^st
• Wednesday, November 4^th
• Wednesday, November 18^th
• Wednesday, December 2^nd
• Wednesday, December 16^th

If you are interested please email: akaehler@cmsac.org and/or call: (320) 251-4357 to get registered for this group, space is limited.

*Our first session of Male Virtual Support Group is Wednesday, September 23rd from 5:30-7:00 PM! *

ANONYMOUS CHAT GROUP FOR SURVIVORS

(No Registration Required)

This group is open to victim/survivors who have experienced any form of sexual assault/violence.

HelpRoom is an anonymous chatroom for victim/survivors who are looking for peer support. Our staff facilitates group discussions and moderates the chatroom to ensure a safe environment for visitors. We hope you will join us every other Monday from 5:30-7:30pm to connect with other victim/survivors! Group topics will be based off group feedback and conversations.

If you are interested, use this link to join us here on the chat group dates: https://affiliate.rainn.org/helproom/CMSAC

Chat Group Dates (from 5:30-7:30pm):

• Launching Monday, September 14^th
• Monday, September 28^th
• Monday, October 12^th
• Monday, October 26^th
• Monday, November 9^th
• Monday, November 23^rd
• Monday, December 7^th
• Monday, December 21^st

*The Anonymous Chat Group for Survivors launches Monday, September 14th from 5:30-7:30 PM!*

General Support Group Intake Form

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For the past 7 months, we have been featuring our various staff members, interns, volunteers, SANE nurses, and community partners every Friday to put a spotlight on the names and faces who makes our organization so special. We hope you have enjoyed learning more about us and all of the people that make up CMSAC. Even our own team members enjoyed getting to learn more about each other!

While we loved sharing our #FeatureFridays with you all, we decided to wrap our weekly series. We still intend to feature our future team members with you as we grow our organization. So, for our last #FeatureFriday, we want to say thank you to everyone who participated in our series. We featured over 30 CMSAC partners/team members!

If you did not get to see our #FeatureFridays and would like to check them out, we have linked all our our posts below:

Every 73 seconds someone experiences sexual violence (RAINN, 2020). There have been several news articles out regarding the testing and storage of evidence collection kits. We would like to provide some information to help you sort out the facts. Sometimes sensationalized reporting is not 100% accurate and often is misleading. Contrary to the TV version of the criminal justice system we are exposed to; criminal sexual conduct cases can take anywhere from six to eighteen months to move through the system. Physical evidence may or may not be relevant for the charging and conviction of a case.

Part 1: Sexual Assault Evidence Kits 

This can also be known as a “rape kit”. A sexual assault evidence kit can be just a piece of solving a criminal sexual conduct case. Evidence from a sexual assault can be collected up to 120 hours (5 days) after a sexual assault occurs. Every portion of the examination is voluntary. It may include a full body examination, including internal examinations of the oral, vaginal, and/or rectal areas. It may also include taking samples of blood, urine, swabs of body surface areas, and sometimes hair samples. The trained professional performing the exam may take pictures of your body to document injuries and the examination. Also, they may collect items of clothing worn during or after the sexual assault. The sexual assault evidence exam can take anywhere between two-six hours due to the evidence collected and documentation. At the time of the exam, the victim/survivor will not be given any answers to if an assault occurred; the team at the hospital is there to collect the facts and evidence. With the permission of the victim/survivor the evidence may be turned over to investigators. This exam does not cost anything to the victim/survivor financially. The county where the assault occurred is responsible for payment of this exam.

Part 2: Sexual Violence Advocates

A sexual violence advocates are mandated in the state of Minnesota to have completed a 40+hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training class. Through this they are taught about advocacy support, system policies/protocols, the realities and impacts of sexual violence and so much more. Sexual violence victim advocacy encompasses assisting individuals in exploring and understanding their options and empowering them to make their own decisions. Advocacy is about fostering a safe environment where survivors can tell their story and be heard without judgment. Advocates assist individuals in finding answers to their questions, understanding their options, and building support systems.

An advocate’s role may include:

• Crisis Intervention
• Deliver immediate support, information on protective orders, community referrals, and screen for suicide/homicide risk over the phone and in person
• Medical/Evidentiary Exam Response
• Offer the victim/survivor information about their options, answer questions, and advocate on their behalf with the medical personnel providing care
• Law Enforcement Accompaniment
• Provide emotional support while the survivor gives their official statement to law enforcement
• Family/Partner Support
• Work with secondary victims (partners, family, friends, etc.) offering support, information, and community referrals
• Ongoing Support/Support Groups
• Provide supportive counseling in one-to-one or group settings, offering referrals when necessary

Part 3: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a specially trained registered nurse in forensic evidence collection. In addition to being a registered nurse, a SANE must complete 40+ hours of training in medical, psychological and forensic examination of anyone who experiences sexual violence. After completion of this training SANE’s shadow examinations with other experienced SANE’s. SANE’s also need to maintain continuing education as required to be experts in the field. A SANE offers collection of forensic evidence, toxicology, crisis intervention, health history, STI prophylaxis, and offers of emergency contraception. Central MN Sexual Assault center runs a community-based SANE program.

Part 4: Restricted and Unrestricted Sexual Assault Evidence Kits/Reporting

Unrestricted Sexual Assault Evidence Kit = Reported to Law Enforcement– An “unrestricted sexual assault evidence kit” means a kit with a written release form signed by a patient allowing law enforcement to submit the kit to a forensic laboratory.

Unrestricted Reporting- If an individual wants to report directly to law enforcement, they can choose to have the medical forensic examination completed and their evidence unrestricted. Law Enforcement would then begin the investigation and submit the kit to a forensic laboratory per the investigative process.

Restricted Sexual Assault Evidence Kit = NOT Reported to Law Enforcement– A “restricted sexual assault evidence kit” means a kit does not have a release form signed by the victim and they came to the hospital and a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit is completed by SANE nurse, but will not be submitted to a forensic laboratory, at this time.

Restricted Reporting– If an individual is not sure whether to participate in the unrestricted reporting process right now, they can choose to have the medical forensic examination completed and evidence collected restricted. This gives individuals the opportunity to preserve evidence collected at the hospital. This evidence will remain preserved and the victim can decide to move their kit from restricted to unrestricted during statutes of limitations requirements.

Part 5: Sexual Violence Victims Options

Victim/Survivors of sexual violence are provided options on reporting and evidence collection. Payment of the sexual assault evidence exam is billed to the county where the assault occurred whether the sexual assault was reported to law enforcement or not.

Unrestricted Sexual Assault Evidence Kit = Reported to Law Enforcement– An “unrestricted sexual assault evidence kit” means a kit with a written release form signed by the victim allowing law enforcement to submit the kit to a forensic laboratory.

Restricted Sexual Assault Evidence Kit = NOT Reported to Law Enforcement– A “restricted sexual assault evidence kit” means a kit does not have a release form signed by the victim and they came to the hospital and a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit is completed by SANE nurse, but will not be submitted to a forensic laboratory, at this time.

Information Only Reporting– There is an option for an individual to file an information only report with Law Enforcement. This would mean they would give the details of their assault to an officer, but the officer would not investigate at the time, if ever, based on the individual’s request.

Medical Treatment Only– In cases where an individual would like to have medical treatment and prophylaxis only, they can request this option, too.

Part 6: Minnesota Numbers

There are roughly 70,000 untested sexual assault kits sitting in storage nationally. There are currently 3,482 sexual assault evidence kits sitting in storage in Minnesota. This is not a backlog, but a storage of evidence for various reasons (Part 7). It costs roughly $1,000 per sexual assault evidence kit to be tested. They are tested by forensic analysts at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) upon being directed to do so.

Part 7: Why are sexual assault evidence kits being stored?

Restricted sexual assault evidence kits are to be stored until the victim/survivor decides they wish to move forward with reporting to law enforcement. Currently, this needs to be done within the statute of limitations for criminal sexual conduct cases which is nine years (in certain instances this can be longer).

A few examples of why sexual assault evidence kits are being stored and not processed are:

• Both victim/survivor and perpetrator have admitted to sexual contact. The perpetrator says their DNA will be found, but the sexual contact was “consensual”. The issue of DNA is not what will prove beyond a reasonable doubt the criminal sexual conduct case, but it is other circumstances surrounding the sexual contact (i.e. corroborating statements, witnesses, admission of guilt, etc.) to corroborate the criminal sexual conduct case.
• There was a confession made by the perpetrator to the criminal sexual conduct, so there is not an immediate need to test the sexual assault evidence kit.
• The prosecution declined to press charges for the crime of criminal sexual conduct. This means to county could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt a crime occurred. {MINN CRIMJIG 3.03 (2012)}

Part 8: Are there things we can do as a system?

Funding: in December 2019 the state of Minnesota was awarded a 2-million-dollar grant to attempt to start testing the sexual assault evidence kit “backlog”. With this grant we would still not be able to all the backlog. We would be $1,348, 200 short on testing costs. Plus, an abundance of these were not tested due to the factors listed in Part 6. If the goal is to test the backlog regardless of those factors there would need to be a push for more money for Minnesota to catch up and maintain the sexual assault evidence kit testing.

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Forensic Analysts’: Forensic Analysts are experts in their field. This means they must testify to the evidence they have tested the collection on. This means also frequently analysts may be out of the office testifying on their process, evidence, and what it shows to the court. We need to advocate for more funding to hire more positions in the BCA for this purpose.

Statute of Limitations: Currently, statute of limitations for criminal sexual conduct is nine years. Unless, other circumstance is permitted. We need to continue to push legislature to move towards elimination of statues of limitations for criminal sexual conduct cases.

Processing: Prioritizing “high profile” cases over prioritizing them in the time they came into the BCA lab. Also, the amount of time it takes to test the sexual assault evidence kit.

Conclusion

Our anger and frustration is justified when there are gross errors made by professionals working in the system. It does not fall to one specific professional system as when one of us fails our whole team fails. Our fear is some of these misleading reports has led people to believe law enforcement is incompetent and if all the evidence kits were tested, people’s cases would be charged, resulting in more convictions. The reality is there are several committed and skilled law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys. Criminal sexual conduct cases are very complex, and each individual case has unique qualities requiring a wide variety of types of corroborating evidence necessary to prove beyond a reasonable doubt a crime was committed. We all want justice for survivors of sexual violence. We want easy answers and solutions. Test results from sexual assault evidence collection kits can be important in some cases or not significant enough in other cases to be entered into evidence.

Please feel free to contact CMSAC’s Director of Client Services, Eleana Ross at Eross@cmsac.org with comments/questions about the complexities of criminal sexual conduct cases and sexual assault evidence kits.