During the first week of college students face orientation. A lot of fun happens, but a lot of touchy subjects are brought up as well — alcohol, drugs, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Generally, people try not to think about the last two, but these incidents do occur. What is important is to know how to take care of yourself or a friend after an assault.

In the basement of McLean II sits Etter Health Center. Dr. Todd Peterson and his team of nurses work to serve the students of Shippensburg University; whether that means treating an illness or helping someone who has been sexually assaulted.

“We desire that any student who has been sexually assaulted, that they go to the emergency room where they can have what’s called a forensic evaluation — an evaluation to collect evidence,” Peterson said.

“Even if they’re not sure how they want to use that evidence or if they want to proceed, you have a limited time to collect evidence appropriately as possible,” Peterson said.

It is best to have an examination within the first 36 hours of the assault. After seven days it can be difficult to collect good evidence.

However, the choice is up to the student. Etter staff will treat any injuries to the best of the their ability and test for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) as well.

Tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia have to be sent off campus to a lab for screening, and in those specific cases students would be billed.

Etter does have free over-the-counter medication available for some illnesses, but prescriptions can be provided to students who need to buy medicine from a pharmacy.

Naturally, some students are afraid to explain to their parents why they need medicine for an STI.

For those concerned with confidentiality, a student can choose whether to have their insurance billed or pay through other means.

Keystone Health in Chambersburg is a federally funded clinic that can provide free testing and treatment for gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis. In Shippensburg, Pregnancy Ministries Resource Center can provide free screening for gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Etter is completely confidential. Peterson is not going to call the parents of a student that walks in for an appointment.

For students who are under 18, mandated reporting is required in cases of abuse to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

Usually, Peterson sees one or two SU students a semester with injuries relating to domestic violence or sexual assault, but not every case is reported.

“However, people come in with all sorts of stories and we do our best to get the information from the student that they’re willing to give us,” Peterson said.

One in two women and one in five men have experienced some type of sexual violence in their lives, according to nomore.org.

Etter is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Peterson is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and nurses are also present on weekends. A nurse is available for emergency walk-ins, but other students should call 717-477-1458 ahead of time to make an appointment.

“You’re going to face a non-judgmental atmosphere and environment when you come to the health center, so that you can be open and honest about your circumstance and what has happened,” Peterson said.

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