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听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/Sexual assault medical 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 . SANE nurses are specially trained to provide specialized care for patients who have been sexually assaulted or experienced strangulation in the context of relationship violence. 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听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:
- Services for students enrolled at the Bothell campus
- uwbdrs@uw.edu
- 425-352-5307; TDD: 425-352-5303
- Services for matriculated students enrolled at the Seattle campus.
- uwdrs@uw.edu
- 206-543-8924;听206-543-8925 (TTY)
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- Services for students enrolled at the Tacoma campus.
- drsuwt@uw.edu
- 253-692-4522
听
- Services for staff, academic personnel, and the general public at all University locations, as well as for non-matriculated students in Seattle.
- dso@uw.edu
- 206-543-6450; 206-543-6452 (TTY)