The 64th Madison College Student Senate sessions continuously address the subject of stalking, located in the 2025 Public Safety Report through the reporting by the Rules & Regulations Committee, starting with reporting sexual assault.
RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center had a table at the Truax cafeteria on Oct. 2, before the Student Senate General Assembly meeting. Mobile nurses from DaneMAC shared the value of upstander interventions when sexual assault happens. The team distributed sexual assault awareness resources and information regarding forensic exams, which take place when a sexual violence situation occurs.
“As advocates, we help with support and navigation for victims,” the nurses explained. “We are nurses who can collect DNA off the body, we can conduct pregnancy testing, emergency testing, and STD protection treatment. We basically provide holistic medical care that traditionally has had to go to Meriter ER for.”
RN Marta Staple shared how, in the past, victims would need to go sit in the ER, where most victims say, “forget it. I am just going to go home.” The Make a Difference Day Event comprised a meet and greet format providing students afflicted by sexual assault with supporting resources. The event’s central theme offered advocacy and awareness materials.
- The RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center’s table offered information about self-defense training.
- Offered students one-on-one consultations, also found on the center’s website.
- Provides access to a confidential helpline.
Staple explained how the nursing service works. The nurses go on location, whereas in the past, nurses traditionally restricted their work to emergency room-assigned roles and responsibilities. Staple further explained that the goal for triage nursing duties provided by the center seeks to solve the problem regarding the issue of unreported incidents by showing up on the scene and acting as upstanders confidentially.
“I’m excited to share that the service is free, grant-funded, which provides quick access to care,” Staple said. “Most importantly, I want to share a term called ‘the Redzone,’ which is a nationally recognized window of time during September and October that witnesses a spike in occurrences on college campuses. More than 50 percent of cases occur in that window of time, with young people taking risks with alcohol that plays a big part.”
Staple also shared that the service has no statute of limitations and can provide services months after an occurrence. The nurses work as mobile caretakers and advocates. Staple made clear that the service was not exclusive to women that the gender-queer crowd is at the greatest risk.
If you suspect you are a victim and need help, Staple encourages all to use this free service.