What To Do if You Are Sexually or Physically Assaulted

After an incident of sexual assault or dating/ domestic violence, the victim should strongly consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible at the closest emergency room. In various states in the United States, evidence may be collected even if you choose not to make a report to law enforcement. In all states, victims may seek medical treatment for sexual assault without any associated financial obligation, regardless of their reporting decision. In circumstances of sexual assault, if a complainant does not opt for forensic evidence collection, health care providers still can treat injuries and take steps to address concerns of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infection.

Important Information in Preserving Evidence:

• For victims of sexual assault, do not bathe, douche, smoke, change clothing or clean the bed/ linen area within 120 hours after the incident so that evidence may be preserved.
• For victims of sexual assault, dating/ domestic violence, save all text messages, instant messages, social networking posts, and other communications. Keep any pictures or copies of other documents.

In the chart below, please find the contact information for the hospitals closest to each campus as well as an indication as to whether or not the hospital offers Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Forensic Nurse Examiners (SANE/FNE nurse) services . SANE/FNE nurses are trained medical professionals who are sensitive and specialize in the care of crime victims. SANE/FNE nurses are able to collect forensic evidence from the bodies of victims of sexual and domestic assault. They also routinely work with law enforcement to preserve the evidence and may testify in court. If you have difficulty locating the closest hospital with evidence collecting capabilities, contact 9-1-1 and ask for help in locating a hospital with a SANE or FNE nurse. You may also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network at www.RAINN.org.

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