Local health officials said victims of sexual assault should report to a hospital immediately in order for evidence to be obtained and medical attention, including counseling, to be administered.

Donna Lalley, Kishwaukee Hospital clinical nurse specialist, said victims should not change clothes or wash before going to the hospital emergency room. “Don’t do anything (before going).”

When patients allege they have been assaulted, their names are turned over to the police, Lalley said. “Police are always notified,” she said. However, the patient does not have to talk to the police, she said.

DeKalb Police Sgt. Charles Kross said victims’ names are not made public. “(The victim’s) name and address will not be in the paper. We want the victims to be assured their names will not be in the paper.

“It is important they (sexual assaults) get reported. There is nothing that can be done until a report is made.”

When victims are admitted to the hospital, they are immediately treated for injuries and receive immediate counseling, Lalley said. When the patient is “relatively stable,” a complete exam is conducted.

If the patient consents, an exam is conducted to obtain evidence for use in a court of law, Lalley said.

An evidence collection kit from the state makes up the two-hour exam administered to alleged victims. Lalley said the kit consists of blood, saliva, head hair and pubic hair samples. Rectal, vaginal and oral smears are taken. She said the victim’s clothes also are included in the kit.

Lalley said the hospital staff also tries to find out what happened to the victim physically, including the time of the incident. “You have to pull it (information) out of them. But, it’s vital.”

University Health Service Director Rosemary Lane said the health center will collect evidence with the patient’s consent. Legal evidence is collected only if the patient goes to the health center within 72 hours of the assault, she said.

The health center notifies the police of sexual assault cases, but will not supply them with the patients’ names, Lane said. The health center meets the patients’ medical needs and will provide counseling, she said.

Lalley said it is best if evidence is collected within 24 hours of the assault. She said patients who wish to talk to the police are not “grilled” for information. She said the DeKalb Police and Sheriff’s Department “have been very compassionate.”

Since women often are more comfortable with a female physician, Kish can provide one upon request, she said.

Many assault victims are reluctant to report the incident. “Mostly, they (victims) are concerned the attacker will find out,” she said.

Student Association Welfare Adviser Julie Stege offered tips on how to avoid being assaulted. “Have a buddy system. Avoid going into isolated areas,” she said.