You have the right...
to a FREE medical exam.
After unwanted or forced sex, you might have been hurt in ways that aren't immediately obvious. You may feel scared, angry, helpless, depressed or ashamed. Having many different feelings is a normal reaction to what happened to you. It is also very common to blame yourself for what happened to you. Please know that unwanted or forced sex is NOT YOUR FAULT.
Even though you may be scared, or feeling other confusing emotions, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You don't have to go to a hospital, but it is highly recommended that the initial exam be done by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). SANEs are only available through hospital emergency rooms. You do not have to have health insurance, or give any health insurance information, to get this exam. This exam is free. The Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services pays for this exam, follow-up exams, and testing for HIV/STD exposure. If you or your healthcare provider have any questions about payment, contact the Center at 1-800-750-1213.
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You have the right...
to request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) at the hospital.
A SANE is a nurse who has special training in the medical treatment of sexual violence and will inform you of your options and rights. SANEs are available at most hospital emergency rooms in Vermont. If a SANE is not available, you can request a care provider of your preferred gender.
A SANE can check for injuries that may not be obvious and can perform the medical exam (and forensic exam, if you choose to have one).
A SANE can also tell you if you may be at risk for HIV exposure, and can help you get tested and treated.
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You have the right...
to request an Advocate.
Advocates work with the local sexual violence programs. They are specially trained to support you and help you. They will give you as much or as little help as you choose. Advocates will not judge you, and they will support you in whatever decisions you make. Some are survivors of sexual violence themselves.
Advocates can assist you in reporting to the police if you choose to do so. They can accompany you to the hospital or meet you there. They can help you throughout the legal process. They can help you get to other resources.
You can call 1-800-489-7273 to talk to an Advocate before you decide to go to the hospital, or you can request an Advocate once you arrive at the emergency room or health care center. Everything you say to an Advocate is completely confidential.
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You have the right...
to a forensic exam for evidence collection.
If you choose to have this exam, the hospital (usually in the Emergency Room) can collect evidence that may be on your clothes and body. Going to the hospital immediately after an assault will help provide the best evidence against the assailant. Try not to eat, drink, chew gum or candy, smoke, shower, urinate, douche, brush your teeth, comb your hair, wash, or change your clothes. If you do change, bring the clothes you were wearing in a clean paper bag.
Even if you choose not to have the forensic exam, you still have the right to ALL of these free services.
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You have the right...
to FREE follow-up medical care.
In the following weeks you can get free follow-up exams, including evaluation and testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), at a clinic of your choice.
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You have the right...
to privacy during the exam and follow-up care.
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You have the right...
to FREE confidential support and advocacy services.
There are many kinds of support available to help you sort through the many emotions you may be feeling and figure out ways to stay safe.
Your local sexual violence program can connect you to these support services:
- One-on-one peer support
- Support groups
- Emotional support
- Legal support
- Safety planning
- Shelter ...to name a few.
Call 1-800-489-7273 to be automatically connected to your local sexual violence program. Trained staff and volunteers answer this hotline 24 hours a day, every day. Anything you say will be confidential, and you do not have to give your name.
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You have the right...
to all of the FREE services shown here, even if you choose not to have evidence collected.
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