Action Team Helps Rape Victims

A local woman dealt with the unimaginable when she went to a Mexican resort. She was finally able to overcome her struggles and is now helping other victims.

Darcy is a 40-year-old mother of two who was chaperoning her son's high school trip, when one night, she left her drink unattended at the bar. She woke up the next morning in her hotel room, feeling disoriented. Darcy had flashes come back to her. She had been drugged and raped by several men. She was sore, with a rash and bruises all over.

She then called her husband in Minnesota, who called authorities. Darcy took the next available flight and rushed to Unity Hospital for STD and pregnancy prevention medication.

As she began to emotionally heal from the trauma, she looked for ways to help others. She eventually joined an Anoka County Sexual Assault Group, and helped initiate a break-off action team.

As of this month, 9-1-1 in Anoka County will no longer field calls from sexual assault victims after 5 p.m. Now, because of Darcy’s efforts and the action team's fundraisers, professional counselors will be on hand for victims, 24 hours a day.

The team is also working on a brochure and focusing on prevention.

Another big piece is getting proper medical care within 72 hours of a sexual assault. Unity hospital, where Darcy went, just built a special room for rape victims with a new medical scope.

There's also a private shower that nurses encourage victims to use after they're examined.