Sexual and Partner Violence

The Student Health Center is committed to providing students physical and emotional support following a sexual assault regardless of the duration of time since the assault occurred. For medical care following an assault or follow-up care, you can book an appointment during regular office hours. Services provided include:

• Non-evidentiary medical exam
• Behavioral health counseling and/or psychiatric services
• Prescriptions for prophylactic medications for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Emergency contraception
• HIV prophylaxis
• Referrals to other community resources

Considering a Forensic Exam?

We ask that you:

• Do not urinate, if possible. If there is concern about a drug-facilitated sexual assault, the first available urine will be collected at the clinic or emergency department. · Do not eat or drink.
• Do not bathe or brush your teeth.
• Do not smoke.
• Bring clothes worn at the time of assault and immediately after assault, especially undergarments. Don’t wash the clothes. Store them in a paper bag, if possible (plastic bags prevent circulation and can destroy evidence).
• Bring a change of clothing. ·Bring a support person.

This evidence collection is facilitated by a specially trained nurse in the University Hospital Emergency Department. Sexual assault nurse examination (SANE) trained nurses are women who have special training in helping survivors of violence. The SANE occurs in a private room away from the emergency department.

• If possible, call the Emergency Department at 573-882-8091 before you leave and explain the situation. 
• Even if evidence is collected and injuries are documented during a forensic exam, you may choose to not use the evidence to report the incident to law enforcement or seek criminal charges against the perpetrator. However, if initially you did not want to press charges but later you reconsider, the evidence will be available.
• SANE trained nurses can also provide medical treatment for injuries that occurred during the incident. They can also test for and/or treat sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
• If you choose to have an exam, some clothing worn during the assault may be needed as evidence; a clean set of clothing can be provided or you may bring your own change of clothing. If you have already removed the clothing worn during that attack, don’t wash the clothes and store them in a paper bag (note that plastic bags prevent circulation and can destroy evidence) and bring them to the SANE.
• A forensic exam can be an invasive and sometimes painful procedure. If you are uncomfortable with the procedure, you are not required to get one. However, staff will help you seek medical attention if your injuries are severe or life-threatening.
• If the assault did not happen recently, you are encouraged to seek counseling for support, testing for sexually transmitted infections and general medical treatment to help maintain good physical health.

Additional Resources