allegations and referrals

people contact me after media appearances, sometimes relating heart-wrenching experiences with crime or the justice system. after appearing in a story on false allegations last week, i heard from a woman who felt that her complaint was erroneously classified as a "false report" and that she was treated badly by the police.

since i'm no expert in such situations, i reached out to students with greater expertise (heather hlavka and sarah shannon) to help formulate a response. i'll eliminate the identifying information and post the gist of it here, in case anyone else in the twin cities is in a similar situation.

In the Community:

I got two good recommendations for Chrysalis in Minneapolis, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Center @ the Neighborhood Involvement Program in Uptown, and Sexual Offense Services of Ramsey County (SOS). All three offer counseling and support services, advocacy and referrals AS WELL AS legal services/ advocates for women. RSAC has legal advocates for all adult sexual assault cases in Hennepin County. SOS has advocates for support through all legal processes, and Chrysalis has appointments with attorneys for women needing legal advice and information/ referrals to private attorneys and divorce clinics. For strict legal help, she could also call MN Women Lawyers, Inc. @ 612.338.3200 (I think). And, if she needs a restraining order (OFP) she can call the Domestic Abuse Office at 612.348.5073 from 8am to 4pm.

I would recommend the total package either at RSAC, SOS or Chrysalis because advocates at each place are both trained in support and counseling as well as legal matters and information. They can walk people through the process, OFP's, complaints, etc. Advocates tell you exactly what to do, and will go with you through all the steps. RSAC 2431 Hennepin Av. South 612.348.4003 SOS 1619 Dayton Av Suite 201, St. Paul 651.643.3006 Chryasalis 4432 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls. 612.871.2603

In the State:

The state has a "Crime Victim Justice Unit" to deal with concerns about decisions made with regard to crime victims.

At the University:

Student legal services;
Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education and resource list;
University Counseling Services.

I hope that at least one of these places will help the emailer in some way, though I know that a list of referrals is several steps removed from actual help.