Where to Go For Help

The resources listed here are extensive, and are meant to assist victims in making informed decisions regarding available options. Because this information may seem overwhelming, especially in times of crisis, it is recommended that victims and/or concerned friends or family contact the SAAFE Program via The Link hotline at (419) 352-1545 or 1-800-472-9411.  Advocates are on call 24 hours a day & can offer information and options for survivors of sexual assault.

Medical Services

Student Health Service
BGSU Campus - Ridge St.
Health Center Building
419-372-2271
Monday through Thursday 8 am - 7:30 PM,
Friday 9:30 am - 4:30 PM
The Student Health Service (SHS) provides immediate medical and confidential assistance to all BGSU students during regular business hours.  Women's Health Nurse Practitioners are trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). Services include: treatment and information regarding sexually transmitted infections (STI's), pregnancy testing, STI testing and the morning-after pill as warranted; collection of evidence through a medical examination (referred to as a rape kit) within 72 hours of the assault; and free confidential HIV testing. The rape kit procedure should be requested by the survivor if s/he feels they s/he may, at some point, wish to press charges. While charges may be brought against a perpetrator even if a rape kit is not completed, having the procedure done assists in prosecution. Many survivors choose to have a rape kit collected in order to keep options available to her/him. There is no fee for the collection of evidence. Toxicology testing and screening for date rape drugs can also be obtained at the Student Health Service. An advocate from the SAAFE program can be called at any time to be present with the victim during their visit. Services are available to all BGSU students.

Wood County Hospital Emergency Room
950 W. Wooster St.
419-354-8910
Available 24 Hours
The Wood County Hospital Emergency Room (ER) provides after hour care to students and non-students.  The hospital provides emergency medical care (for any bleeding or physical injury), and evidence of collection (rape kit) within 72 hours of an assault. If a student wishes to have a rape kit performed and the Student Health Service is closed, it is advisable to have the evidence collected as soon as possible. However, if a student does not wish to have the rape kit performed, and is not in need of immediate medical attention, it is more desirable to wait until the Student Health Service is open for follow-up and treatment. The morning after pill is offered upon request. If drug involvement in an assault is suspected, testing may also be conducted. Rape kits should be provided at no charge. Any medical fees not paid by a survivor's insurance or covered by the Attorney General's Office may be refunded by the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program (see Financial Services).

Legal and Law Enforcement Services

BGSU Police, Department of Public Safety
104 Commons
419-372-2346 (non-emergency on-campus) or 911
Available 24 Hours a day

Bowling Green City Police
175 W Wooster Street
419-352-2571(non-emergency) or 911
Available 24 Hours a day

Wood County Sheriff
1960 E. Gypsy Lane Rd.
Bowling Green, OH  43402
419-354-9001
24 Hours

Student Legal Services
401 South Hall
419-372-2951
Monday through Friday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Wood County Prosecutor's Office
1 Courthouse Square
Bowling Green, OH  43402
419-354-9250
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 PM
The Prosecutor's Office can help clarify legal issues and concerns, and can assist in understanding the judicial process and rights of victims of a crime. The Prosecutor's Office brings felony sexual assault crimes to court, as well as some misdemeanors, for prosecution. Contact the office for a confidential interview if interested in prosecuting a case or to discuss other options you may have as a victim of sexual assault.

Mental Health Services

BGSU Counseling Center
320 Saddlemire Student Services at Conklin
419-372-2081
Monday & Thursday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Services are available free of charge to all BGSU students. Counseling is by appointment only, except under emergency circumstances. Faculty, staff, and students may contact the Counseling Center for consultation concerning students who have been assaulted.

BGSU Psychological Services Center
300 Psychology Building
419-372-2540
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 am - 5 PM, Wednesday 8 am to 8 pm
The BGSU Psychological Services Center provides individual counseling services to students and community members. Students are provided with services at no cost. For faculty, staff, and their families insurance is accepted. There is a charge for community members. However, in cases where insurance is unavailable, customary and reasonable fees are adjusted to the individual's ability to pay.

Sexual Assault Awareness for Empowerment Program (SAAFE) of Behavioral Connections of Wood County
419-352-1545 or 800-472-9411 (24 hour crisis hotline answered "the Link")
The SAAFE Program is staffed by volunteer advocates who are available 24 hours a day to work with sexual assault survivors. They provide emotional support, medical and legal advocacy, plus referrals and information to the survivors, their family and friends. There are no fees for the services and the information shared is confidential. This program is available to Wood County residents and those victimized in Wood County.  A support group for survivors of sexual assault and a discussion group for family and friends are available.

Financial Services

The Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program
Attorney General's Office
150 E. Gay St., 25th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
877-582-2877
These funds may be used for medical services not covered by a survivor's insurance.  Victims must report the incident to law enforcement officials within 72 hours of the assault in order to be eligible.  

Administrative Services

Coalition for B!G Choices
Wellness Connection
419-372-9355
Carrie Dowling, Co-Chair

The Coalition for B!G Choices is a University Advisory Committee who develops and coordinates prevention and intervention strategies that facilitate the promotion of responsible decision making by all members of the BGSU community.  The Coalition for B!G Choices will focus on the following:

• Developing and supporting educational programs and publications focusing on responsible decision making as well as the consequences for engaging in high-risk decision making.
• Assessing the overall climate of choices made by the BGSU community
• Reviewing BGSU policies and recommend changes where appropriate
• Collaborating with student and community groups whose primary purpose is to promote responsible decision making
• Addressing and responding to actions that represent or encourage decision making regarding high-risk behaviors

Wellness Connection
170 Health Center Building
419-372-WELL (9355)
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Wellness Connection provides education and prevention services to the University community.  Persons interested in sponsoring a presentation on sexual assault or other health topic should check out the calendar and fill out the request form found on the Wellness Connection Presentation website.  In addition, resources and information are available in the office.

Residence Life
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Residence Life provides trained residential staff to respond to students who are seeking assistance concerning sexual assault issues.  the staff is trained in crisis intervention techniques are familiar with counseling, medical, safety, and legal services.

Student Life
301 Bowen-Thompson Student Union
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Office of Student Life provides sexual assault information and referral services for university students.

Office of Equity and Diversity
705 Administration Building
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) monitors University compliance with federal and state equal opportunity and nondiscrimination laws and regulations.  This includes monitoring institutional employment practices and procedures, as well as investigating and resolving discrimination and harassment complaints.  The office conducts training programs and presentations on affirmative action, sexual and racial harassment, and a wide range of diversity programs and workshops in order to assure the most wholesome and productive learning and work environment for students, faculty and staff.  Individuals who believe they have been unlawfully harassed or discriminated against are encouraged to contact the office.

VITAL Program of Behavioral Connections
419-352-2551 or 800-472-9411(answered "The Link")

The Violence Intervention to Advocate Lifechoices or VITAL Program is the crisis intervention and advocacy assistance  program for domestic violence (DV) victims/survivors.  The VITAL Program advocates assist domestic violence victims with safety planning, legal advocacy, and information and referrals to other services.  They will discuss with a client the cycle of violence and how this impacts the choices one makes.  A support group for DV survivors is also provided.