Medical care
General medical care
Medical care after experiencing sexual assault or intimate partner violence may be helpful for treating or preventing illness and injury. It is also a way to preserve evidence. Generally, you may want to get medical care as soon as possible.
If you have been sexually assaulted, medical providers can offer:
- A physical exam that will identify any injuries.
- Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing.
- Medication (prophylaxis) to prevent contracting HIV and other STIs.
- Testing to determine if you were given a sedating substance or other drug.
Friends, family or even police officers may be able to help you arrange for transport to the hospital.
Forensic exams/rape kits
Not all hospitals provide forensic exams/rape kits. If you are interested in evidence collection, as well as medical care, you must go to a hospital with trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). SANE nurses are specially trained to work with patients who have been sexually assaulted. Important things to know:
- You are not required to make a police report to get a SANE exam.
- There is no charge for a SANE exam.
- You may bring a friend or family member with you.
- Preserving evidence keeps your options open in case you decide to report.
- It is recommended to be treated as soon as possible; evidence is best collected within 120 hours (five days) of the assault.
Disability accommodations
If you are experiencing the impacts of a medical condition or your experience has worsened an existing medical condition, consider seeking accommodations:
Bothell Disability Resources for Students (DRS)
Services for students enrolled at the Bothell campus
425-352-5307; TDD: 425-352-5303
Seattle Disability Resources for Students (DRS)
Services for matriculated students enrolled at the Seattle campus.
206-543-8924; 206-543-8925 (TTY)
Tacoma Disability Resources for Students (DRS)
Services for students enrolled at the Tacoma campus.
dso@uw.edu