RECOVERY AND SUPPORT

SAST | Recovering from Sexual Assault is a Process | Additional Support for Survivors | Support for the Significant Other/Secondary Survivor

Sexual Assault Support Team (SAST)

What is the Sexual Assault Support Team? VIEW MEMBER PROFILES»

SAST is a group of Macalester College faculty and staff who are trained to respond to students who have concerns about sexual assault, sexual harassment, partner violence, and intimidation. Any student who seeks consultation will receive non-judgmental support and all conversations will be confidential. They are willing to listen to your experience and provide you with the community and campus resources you may need in this difficult time.

What can I expect if I speak to a member of SAST?

Any student who seeks consultation will receive non-judgmental support and all conversations will be confidential. They are willing to listen to your experience and provide you with the community and campus resources you may need as you make a plan for your recovery. They may review campus sexual assault procedures, accompany you to meetings with police, administrators, or other appointments, and help ensure that you are getting the support you need in this difficult time.

If I speak with one of the SAST members, am I committing myself to taking a certain action?

No. The SAST member will provide each student with options for resolving his/her concern. The student might choose to do nothing. The member will support the student in whichever option he/she chooses for resolution.

What kinds of situations can SAST help me to resolve?

SAST can help resolve issues around acquaintance sexual assault, sexual harassment, partner violence, and intimidation. For example:

• If you've been forced to have sexual contact by a date or an acquaintance without your consent.
• If your partner has been physically abusive.
• If you've been the target of unwelcome verbal or physical advances, persistent leers, or lewd comments.
• If you are not sure whether what happened to you constitutes sexual misconduct.
  

What if my concerns are about something that is not a recent occurrence?

Sometimes people have a delayed reaction to sexual misconduct. Please feel free to contact a SAST member even if the incident happened a while ago.

Can I contact SAST if I've been accused of sexual misconduct?

Yes. SAST is available to help clarify your understanding of sexual misconduct and to provide support and appropriate referral for those accused of sexual misconduct.

How do I reach a SAST member?

You can contact a member directly or talk to someone in the Student Affairs Office who could help connect you to an appropriate SAST member.