Find Help

In Indian Country, sometimes sexual assault happened recently, and sometimes it happened a long time ago, or to someone we care about.

There are many resources available.
MIWSAC does not provide direct services advocacy, but we will always do our best to connect you with people and resources that may be helpful.
We also believe that simply being in community with others who are working to end sexual violence can be empowering and we encourage you to join us for events at any time!

Safety

If you have been sexually assaulted and are looking for guidance:

First, breathe. Breath is our first medicine. Full deep breaths calm the body.

Be sure to get to a safe place.

Contact a trusted friend, family member, or a sexual assault program or hotline.

Get medical attention as soon as possible. See more info below.

Remember that sexual assault is NEVER our fault.

You are not alone, and sometimes this will be one breath at a time.

Options

No matter when a sexual assault occurred, the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pain can be indescribable. Please know that there is a community of people out here who require no explanation to offer support.

There are also Native and non-Native advocates and programs across the state, and country, who specialize in helping with the journey after sexual assault.

Advocate:

A Sexual Assault Advocate has specialized training to help you understand your options, navigate the journey with you, not make decisions for you.

This video contains sensitive content
ADVOCACY

Reporting to Police:

You may or may not want to report the sexual assault to the police right now. This is entirely up to you, and an Advocate can help you navigate this choice.

 

Forensic Exam:

A forensic exam (sometimes called a rape kit) is a medical exam conducted by a SANE, or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, who is specially trained to both treat injury, and gather forensic evidence of the crime of sexual assault. You are not required to report the assault to the police in order to receive medical help.

Exams are free to anyone who has been sexually assaulted. The Minnesota county where the assault happened is responsible for the costs associated with the assault. You or your insurance may be responsible for the cost of additional medical treatment.

While difficult, try not to bathe, shower, brush your teeth, go to the bathroom, or discard your clothing because evidence can remain viable up to 120 hours, or 5 days, after an assault. Consider bringing your clothes to the forensic exam in a paper bag, not plastic, in order to preserve any evidence.

An Advocate can be supportive in navigating a visit to the Emergency Room.

This video contains sensitive content
Sexual Assault Exam - Forensic Exam

Victim Service Providers

Support Within Reach: Sexual Violence Resource Center

Serving Aitkin, Bagley, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, Walker

Phone: 218-326-5008 | 1-800-708-2727

www.supportwithinreach.org

Support Within Reach: Sexual Violence Resource Center

Serving Aitkin, Bagley, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, Walker

Phone: 218-326-5008 | 1-800-708-2727

www.supportwithinreach.org

Evergreen Youth & Family Services

Youth Shelter, Drop In Center

610 Patriot Drive PO Box 662

Bemidji, MN 56601

Youth Crisis Line: 218-751-4332

Drop In Center:218-751-8223

www.evergreenyfs.org

Federal Bureau of Investigation DV/SA

P.O. Box 1461

Bemidji, MN 56619

Cell: 218-755-8238

Fax: 218-755-8255

Crisis Line: 218-230-8065

Northwest Indian Community Development Center

Wide range of services for all genders

1819 Bemidji Ave. North

Bemidji, MN 56601

Phone:  218-759-2022

www.nwicdc.org

Northwoods Coalition for Family Safety

Shelter, Support Services, OFPs, Court Accompaniment, Legal Services

P.O. Box 563

Bemidji, MN 56619

Phone: 218-444-1395

Crisis Line: 1-800-588-6229

Support Within Reach: Sexual Violence Resource Center

Serving Aitkin, Bagley, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, Walker

Phone: 218-326-5008 | 1-800-708-2727

www.supportwithinreach.org

Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center

Domestic violence shelter, information, referrals

1414 Maple Street PO Box 602

Brainerd, MN 56401

Pho:    218-828-1216

Crisis: 1-888-777-1248

www.womenscenteronline.org

Leech Lake Family Violence Prevention Program

113 Balsam Avenue NW.

Cass Lake, MN. 56633

24-Hour Crisis Line: 218-766-1741 or 218-766-1205

www.llojibwe.org/hs/familyviolenceprevention.html

 

Leech Lake Tribal Police-Crime Victim Program

PO Box 187

Cass Lake, Mn.  56633

218-335-8277/218-335-7121

Fax:  218-368-0701

Fond du Lac Min No Aya Win Human Services

Sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy

927 Trettel Lane

Cloquet, MN. 55720

Phone: 218-879-1227

www.fdlrez.com

American Indian Housing Community Organization

Wide range of serivces

202 W. 2nd St.

Duluth, MN 55802

Phone: 218-722-2247

www.aicho.org

 

Men As Peacemakers

123 West Superior Street

Duluth, MN 55802

Phone: 218-727-1939

www.menaspeacemakers.org

Grand Portage Human Services

Sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy

PO BOX 428

Grand Portage, MN 55605

218-475-2453

Support Within Reach: Sexual Violence Resource Center

Serving Aitkin, Bagley, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, Walker

Phone: 218-326-5008 | 1-800-708-2727

www.supportwithinreach.org

Division of Indian Works

Wide range of services

1001 East Lake Street

Minneapolis, MN  55407

Phone:  612-279-6314

www.diw-mn.org

 

Indigenous Women’s Life Net

Sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy, services, referrals

1530 East Franklin Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Phone:  612-879-1746 or 612-879-1736

www.maicnet.org/project/indigenous-womens-life-net/

 

Kateri Residence

Sober Housing for women, advocacy, recovery

2408 4th Ave. S.

Minneapolis, MN. 55404

Phone: 612-871-0477

www.proofalliance.org/directory/kateri-residence/

 

Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center

Wide range of support services and referral network

2300 15th Avenue So.

Minneapolis, MN.  55404

612-728-2010

www.miwrc.org

 

Native American Community Clinic

1213 East Franklin Ave

Minneapolis, Mn.  55404

Phone:  612-872-8086

www.nacc-healthcare.org

 

Sexual Violence Center

2021 East Hennepin Avenue Suite 418

Minneapolis, MN. 55413

24-Hour Crisis Line: 612-871-5111 or 952-448-5425

www.sexualviolencecenter.org

Tate Topa Consulting: Lenny Hayes

Two Spirit/LGBTQ, Mental and Chemical Health, Male identified survivors

5041 Edgewood Drive

Mounds View, MN 55112

651-353-5394

Email: [email protected]

www.tatetopa.com

Bois Forte Human Services:

Nett Lake: 13071Nett Lake Road, Suite B

Nett Lake MN. 55771

Phone: 218-757-0233

Vermillion: 1195 County Road 77

Tower, MN. 55790

Phone: 218-753-2347

www.boisforte.com

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Family Violence Prevention Program

17230 Noopiming Lane

Onamia, MN 56359 

Phone: (320) 630-2499

Crisis Line: 1-866-867-4006

https://millelacsband.com/services/crisis-resources#FamilyViolencePrevention

Support Within Reach: Sexual Violence Resource Center

Serving Aitkin, Bagley, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, Walker

Phone: 218-326-5008 | 1-800-708-2727

www.supportwithinreach.org

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

2330 Sioux Trail NW.

Prior Lake, MN. 55372

952-445-8900

www.shakopeedakota.org

Equay Wiigamig Shelter

Sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy

Giiwitaa Ododewisiwin (Circle of Family)

PO Box 909

Red Lake, MN 56671

Phone: 218-679-3443

Crisis Line: 218-679-3737

www.redlakenation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/EW-Brochure-1.pdf

Minnesota Indigenous Women’s Society

Advocacy for Native Victims of Sexual and Domestic Assault

334 S. Jefferson Street

Redwood Falls, MN 56283

Crisis Line: 507-627-4357

www.facebook.com/MN-Indigenous-Womens-Society

Hope Coalition

Sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy

1407 W 4th Street

Red Wing, MN 56283

Phone: 651-388-9360

Crisis Line: 800-519-6690

www.hope-coalition.org

Ain Dah Yung Center

Emergency shelter for youth, Services for ages 5-17

1075 3rd St. East

St. Paul, MN

Phone: 651-227-4184

www.adycenter.org

 

American Indian Family Center

Behavioral Health, Family Services, Youth Services

579 Wells Street

St. Paul, M 55130

651-793-3803

www.aifc.net

 

Breaking Free

Sexual Exploitation, Housing, Outreach

770 University Ave. W.

St. Paul, MN. 55104

651-645-6557

www.breakingfree.net

 

Merrick Community Services

Career, family, nutrition, youth services

985 Payne Ave Suite 308

St Paul, MN.

Phone: 651-771-9339

www.merricks.org

 

Minnesota Department of Corrections:

Victim Assistance & Restorative Justice Program

1450 Energy Park Drive Suite 200

St. Paul, MN.  55108

Phone:  651-361-7250

Crisis: 1-800-657-3830

[email protected]

 

Women of Nations

Emergency Shelter, Outreach, Support Services

PO Box 7125

St. Paul, MN. 55107

Phone: 651-222-5830

Crisis Line: 651-251-1609

www.women-of-nations.org

Bois Forte Human Services:

Nett Lake: 13071Nett Lake Road, Suite B

Nett Lake MN. 55771

Phone: 218-757-0233

Vermillion: 1195 County Road 77

Tower, MN. 55790

Phone: 218-753-2347

www.boisforte.com

 

Break the Silence

Truth Telling, Activism, Survivor Memorial

One Main Street Suite 600

Mpls, MN.  55414

Phone:  651-353-4748

www.breakthesilence.org

Support Within Reach: Sexual Violence Resource Center

Serving Aitkin, Bagley, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, Walker

Phone: 218-326-5008 | 1-800-708-2727

www.supportwithinreach.org

Prairie Island Indian Community

5636 Sturgeon Lake Road

Welch, MN 55089

Phone:  651-267-4011 | 1-800-554-5473

www.prairieisland.org

DOVE-Down on Violence Everyday

Shelter, advocacy, Child Advocacy Center, Elder Abuse, Safe Harbor

P.O. Box 418

White Earth, MN 56591

Phone: 218-983-4656

Crisis Line: 877-830-3683

Mailing packages:  35500 Eagle View Road, Ogema, MN 56569

www.whiteearthdove.com

Women Shelters National Directory

www.womenshelters.org

Stronghearts Native Helpline

1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)

www.strongheartshelpline.org

Sahnish Scouts of North Dakota

Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

Phone: 701-893-6841

Email: [email protected]

www.facebook.com/ScoutsND/

Standpoint (Formerly Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project BWLAP)

Attorneys and Advocates against domestic and sexual violence

Phone: 800-313-2666

Text: 612-743-7397

Email: [email protected]

www.standpointmn.org

National resources that can connect you to your local advocacy program:

STRONGHEARTS Native Helpline:

1-844-7 NATIVE

1-844-762-8483

www.strongheartshelpline.org

 

Polaris Project: National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888 or text “BeFree” to 233733

www.polarisproject.org

 

RAINN: Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network:

1800-656-4673 (HOPE)

www.rainn.org

 

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

www.ndvh.org

Vision Statement

Creating Safety and Justice Through the Teachings of Our Grandmothers

Minnesota Service Providers

Ain Dah Yung Center

Emergency shelter for youth, Services for ages 5-17

Address: 1075 3rd St.
East St. Paul, MN

Phone: 651-227-4184

www.adycenter.org

American Indian Family Center

Behavioral Health, Family Services, Youth Services

Address: 579 Wells
Street St. Paul, M 55130

Phone: 651-793-3803

www.aifc.net

American Indian Housing Community Organization

Wide range of serivces

Address: 202 W. 2nd
St. Duluth, MN 55802

Phone: 218-722-2247

www.aicho.org

Bois Forte Human Services

Nett Lake: 13071Nett Lake Road, Suite B Nett Lake MN. 55771

Phone: 218-757-0233, 218-753-2347

Vermillion: 1195 County Road 77 Tower, MN. 55790

www.boisforte.com

Breaking Free

Sexual Exploitation, Housing, Outreach

770 University Ave. W. St. Paul, MN. 55104

Phone: 651-645-6557

www.breakingfree.net

Break the Silence

Truth Telling, Activism, Survivor Memorial

One Main Street Suite 600 Mpls, MN.  55414

Phone:  651-353-4748

www.breakthesilence.org

Division of Indian Works

Wide range of services

1001 East Lake Street Mpls. MN.  55407

Phone:  612-279-6314

www.diw-mn.org

DOVE-Down on Violence Everyday

Shelter, advocacy, Child Advocacy Center, Elder Abuse, Safe Harbor

P.O. Box 418 White Earth, MN 56591

Phone: 218-983-4656

Crisis Line: 877-830-3683

Mailing packages:  35500 Eagle View Road, Ogema, MN 56569

www.whiteearthdove.com

Evergreen Youth & Family Services

Youth Shelter, Drop In Center

610 Patriot Drive PO Box 662 Bemidji, MN 56601

Youth Crisis Line: 218-751-4332

Drop In Center:218-751-8223

www.evergreenyfs.org

Equay Wiigamig Shelter

Sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy

Giiwitaa Ododewisiwin (Circle of Family)

PO Box 909 Red Lake, MN 56671

Phone: 218-679-3443

Crisis Line: 218-679-3737

www.redlakenation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/EW-Brochure-1.pdf

Federal Bureau of Investigation DV/SA

P.O. Box 1461 Bemidji, MN 56619

Cell: 218-755-8238

Fax: 218-755-8255

Crisis Line: 218-230-8065

Fond du Lac Min No Aya Win Human Services

Sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy

927 Trettel Lane Cloquet, MN. 55720

Phone: 218-879-1227

www.fdlrez.com

Grand Portage Human Services

Sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy

PO BOX 428 Grand Portage, MN 55605

Phone: 218-475-2453

Hope Coalition

Sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy

1407 W 4th Street Red Wing, MN 56283

Phone: 651-388-9360

Crisis Line: 800-519-6690

www.hope-coalition.org

Indigenous Women’s Life Net

Sexual assault, domestic violence advocacy, services, referrals

1530 East Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404

Phone:  612-879-1746 or 612-879-1736

www.maicnet.org/project/indigenous-womens-life-net/

Kateri Residence

Sober Housing for women, advocacy, recovery

2408 4th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN. 55404

Phone: 612-871-0477

Leech Lake Family Violence Prevention Program

113 Balsam Avenue NW. Cass Lake, MN. 56633

24-Hour Crisis Line: 218-766-1741 or 218-766-1205

www.llojibwe.org

Leech Lake Tribal Police-Crime Victim Program

PO Box 187 Cass Lake, Mn.  56633

Phone: 218-335-8277/218-335-7121

Fax:  218-368-0701

Men As Peacemakers

123 West Superior Street Duluth, MN 55802

Phone: 218-727-1939

www.menaspeacemakers.org

Merrick Community Services

Career, family, nutrition, youth services

985 Payne Ave Suite 308 St Paul, MN.

Phone: 651-771-9339

www.merricks.org

www.llojibwe.org

Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center

Domestic violence shelter, information, referrals

1414 Maple Street PO Box 602 Brainerd, MN 56401

Phone:    218-828-1216

Crisis: 1-888-777-1248

www.womenscenteronline.org

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Family Violence Prevention Program

17230 Noopiming Lane, Onamia, MN 56359 

Phone: (320) 630-2499

Crisis Line: 1-866-867-4006

https://millelacsband.com/services/crisis-resources#FamilyViolencePrevention

Minnesota Department of Corrections

Victim Assistance & Restorative Justice Program

1450 Energy Park Drive Suite 200 St. Paul, MN.  55108

Phone:  651-361-7250

Crisis: 1-800-657-3830

[email protected]

Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center

Wide range of support services and referral network

2300 15th Avenue So. Mpls. MN.  55404

Phone: 612-728-2010

www.miwrc.org

Minnesota Indigenous Women’s Society

Advocacy for Native Victims of Sexual and Domestic Assault

334 S. Jefferson Street Redwood Falls, MN 56283

Crisis Line: 507-627-4357

www.facebook.com/MN-Indigenous-Womens-Society

Native American Community Clinic

1213 East Franklin Ave Mpls. Mn.  55404

Phone:  612-872-8086

www.nacc-healthcare.org

Northwest Indian Community Development Center

Wide range of services for all genders

1819 Bemidji Ave. North Bemidji, MN 56601

Phone:  218-759-2022

www.mwicdc.org

Northwoods Coalition for Family Safety

Shelter, Support Services, OFP’s, Court Accompaniment, Legal Services

P.O. Box 563 Bemidji, MN 56619

Phone: 218-444-1395

Crisis Line: 1-800-588-6229

www.facebook.com/MN-Indigenous-Womens-Society

Prairie Island Indian Community

5636 Sturgeon Lake Road Welch, MN 55089

Phone:  651-267-4011 | 1-800-554-5473

www.prairieisland.org

Sahnish Scouts of North Dakota

Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

Phone: 701-893-6841

Email: [email protected]

www.facebook.com/ScoutsND/

Sexual Violence Center

2021 East Hennepin Avenue Suite 418 Minneapolis, MN. 55413

24-Hour Crisis Line: 612-871-5111 or 952-448-5425

www.sexualviolencecenter.org

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

2330 Sioux Trail NW. Prior Lake, MN. 55372

Phone: 952-445-8900

www.shakopeedakota.org

Stand Point (Formerly Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project BWLAP)

Attorneys and Advocates against domestic and sexual violence

Phone: 800-313-2666

Text: 612-743-7397

Email: [email protected]

www.standpointmn.org

Stronghearts Native Helpline

Phone: 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483

www.strongheartshelpline.org

Support Within Reach

Sexual Violence Resource Center

Serving Aitkin, Bagely, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, Walker

Phone: 218-326-5008 | 1-800-708-2727

www.supportwithinreach.org

Tate Topa Consulting

Lenny Hayes

Two Spirit/LGBTQ, Mental and Chemical Health, Male identified survivors

5041 Edgewood Drive Mounds View, MN 55112

Phone: 651-353-5394

Email: [email protected]

www.tatetopa.com

Women of Nations

Emergency Shelter, Outreach, Support Services

PO Box 7125 Paul, MN. 55107

Phone: 651-222-5830

Crisis Line: 651-251-1609

www.women-of-nations.org

Women Shelters National Directory