Medical Care and Evidence Preservation
Sexual assault survivors may have concerns about unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and other physical symptoms from use of force (ex. bruising, scrapes). Injuries may be treatable at the HCC during business hours or at the nearest emergency room. The closest ER to Reed College is Providence, with OSHU and Providence in close proximity.
Emergency contraception is available at the HCC and many pharmacies without prescription, and a medical provider can write a prescription for prophylactic drugs that can prevent some STIs. These drugs should generally be taken within 72 hours of the incident, but some may be administered later. Survivors interested in these options should contact a medical provider for more information.
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE)
SAFE exams are for survivors of sexual assault and must be conducted within 120 hours (5 days) of the incident. It is not necessary to report to law enforcement in order to receive an exam. The survivor can have the evidence collected and decide later whether to report. To collect evidence that may be used in prosecution, a trained nurse examiner will take swabs and samples from the survivor's body and will collect clothes the survivor was wearing during or after the incident. If a survivor is considering a forensic exam, it’s best not to shower, change clothes, eat or drink, smoke, or go to the bathroom before the exam.
The trained nurse examiner will provide information about each step. They will gather information about your health and your experience. You can decline to answer any question. They will also document injuries and coordinate treatment. There is no cost for the exam, but there may be costs for lab tests, imaging, prescriptions, and treatment for injuries. A survivor may choose to opt out of any aspect of the exam.
The SAVE Fund may be available to aid in costs. To be eligible for the SAVE fund, a complete medical exam with evidence collection with a SAFE Kit must be complete within 84 hours of the sexual assault. A partial medical exam without evidence collection must be complete within 168 hours of the sexual assault.
All SAFE kits will be held for a minimum of 60 years. You can locate a SAFE Kit with its tracking ID through the OR database after its collection. Even if the survivor does not want evidence collected, they may be offered emergency contraception and medications that can prevent some sexually transmitted infections from developing. The examiner can also help the survivor complete an application for this service through the SAVE Fund. The SAVE Fund will pay up to five counseling sessions for survivors of sexual assault in Oregon who have a sexual assault exam within 168 hours of the assault. Survivors who have received a strangulation kit (SKIT) are also eligible for five counseling sessions through the SAVE Fund.
In Multnomah County, where Reed is located, these exams are conducted in hospital emergency rooms. The closest ER to Reed College is Providence. An advocate from SHARE or Call to Safety or staff from community safety or the HCC can help to arrange transportation to the hospital and explain the procedure. An advocate or friend can accompany the survivor.
The hospital will ask that an advocate be sent out to meet with the survivor at the emergency room; it is the survivor’s right to accept or decline services at any time. Through the Unified Hospital Response program, local advocacy organization have teamed up to ensure that every survivor receives a confidential advocate from one of the community based organizations who can also assist with information on reporting, pre-trial and other options available to survivors, including resources and follow up advocacy services. Unified Response program staff may also be able to provide transportation or other resources. You may call one of the crisis lines to request this service if the hospital does not do so for you.
Learn more about the SAFE exam and medical care options from the Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force.
Note: Preserving Evidence Without an Exam
Even if a survivor is not sure whether they want to report to the College or law enforcement, preserving evidence keeps those options open for the future. Evidence might include the following:
- Notes, emails, texts, and voicemails to or about the survivor
- Screenshots of social media posts
- Photographs of any injuries (including bruises, scratches, etc.)
- Clothing and bedding
- Items that the perpetrator touched or damaged
Although the timelines following exposure are important for evidence collection and potential reimbursement, survivors may still seek follow up treatment such as wellness exams, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy tests, and counseling.