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If you have been raped, it is not your fault.
Below you will find vital information regarding rape exams and why they're important. Please call our hotline at 1-800-550-0447 if you need additional guidance.

Once you are in a safe place, please consider going directly to the hospital - even if you have no injuries.

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HAVEN has a close relationship with the Emergency Department at UPMC Wellsboro. HAVEN advocates are available 24/7 to respond in-person to the ER for victims in need of sexual assault services.

 

The following information has been provided by Brooke Krall, RN, SANE-A, Manager of Forensic Nurse Examiners and SAFE-T Center Site Coordinator from UPMC Wellsboro.​​

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  • Rape exams are FREE, and are vital to physical evidence collection which is helpful if you decide to press charges. If you do not go to the hospital immediately, you can still get an exam up to 5 days after the assualt occured.

  • It's recommended to remain in the clothes you were wearing during the assault. If you have already changed your clothing - it's okay. If you are able, place each article of clothing in a separate paper bag and bring them with you to the ER.

  • It is suggested that you do not bathe, brush your teeth, or wash away any physical evidence. If you have already done these things - it's okay. Many cases have still found evidence, even after numerous showers. 

  • If you are 18 years of age or older, the hospital does not have to report the sexual assault to police, unless you choose to. You may also report the assault anonymously and choose whether or not you would like to proceed with charges. The SANE will give you options on how you would like to report.

  • If you are under the age of 18, the hospital is required to report the assault to law enforcement and Children and Youth Services

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What to expect if you choose to go to the hospital: 

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  • First and most importantly: you are in control. You have the right to accept or decline any of the options that are offered to you.

  • A HAVEN advocate will be offered to you at the time of your arrival. 

  • The SANE nurse can collect physical evidence via a sexual assault evidence kit. This kit uses swabs that are used to collect evidence on the external and internal parts of the body. In order to collect evidence, it must be within 5 days of assault.

  • The SANE nurse can also collect a drug facilitated sexual assault kit if you are concerned that you were drugged prior to or during the assault. Depending on when you come to the hospital, the SANE nurse will determine if blood and urine are collected, as the kit is time-dependent.

  • The SANE can also give you the following options: Sexually transmitted infection (STI) blood work, pregnancy test, STI prophylaxis medication, Plan B to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and medications to prevent the likeliness of HIV transmission. 

  • There are numerous reporting options, and the SANE will provide you with all of the choices and help explain your options. 

  • With your consent, photo documentation can be done by the SANE of injury incurred as a result of the assault. All photographs are uploaded into your medical record, and no one has access to these photos unless subpoenaed by a court. 

  • The SANE nurse can offer clothing to you if your clothing is taken for evidence. 

  • Transportation can be provided if you do not have a ride to a safe place. 

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