An individual who experiences sexual assault, or any other form of interpersonal violence, is strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical attention.

If you do choose to go to a hospital as a result of a sexual assault, you are entitled to a free evidence collection examination performed by a sexual assault Nurse Examiner (“SANE Nurse”).  In Northern Virginia the preferred hospital for such an exam is INOVA Fairfax, where they have specially trained nurses on-call 24 hours a day for such purposes, no matter where in Northern Virginia the crime occurred.

SANE Nurses can:

• Assess injuries related to physical trauma;

• Evaluate for sexually transmitted infections and possible pregnancy;

• Provide medical care (including medications to prevent infections and pregnancy); and,

• Can, within the first 72 hours after a sexual assault, administer a “forensic exam” to document and collects evidence of sexual contact and/or physical trauma (including injuries to the body and genitals), trace evidence, biological fluids, and identifiable DNA. When there is reason to believe that an assault may have been facilitated by the use of drugs or alcohol, the forensic exam may also include the collection of urine and blood samples for toxicology testing.

Students and Employees are not required to report an incident to law enforcement or the University in order to receive medical attention or a forensic exam.  Regardless of whether a forensic exam is obtained within the first 72 hours after a sexual assault, Students and Employees are encouraged to seek follow-up care to address any ongoing medical concerns, including those related to sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.  Students and employees may access follow-up care through any appropriate health care provider outside of the University.

For assistance in this process, contact the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) 24-hour Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Line at 703-380-1434.