SEXUAL ASSAULT HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Services for victims of sexual assault are provided by UHS Clinical Services. Sexual assault services are available regardless of the duration of time since the assault occurred.

However, if the sexual assault has occurred within the last 96 hours, victims (whether male or female) should call UHS Clinical Services at (814) 863-4463 immediately to talk with a nurse about their options.

IF LESS THAN 96 HOURS SINCE THE ASSAULT.

Victims of sexual assault (male or female) may have a medical exam (non-evidence collection exam) at UHS. At Mt. Nittany Medical Center, they may choose to have either an evidence collection exam or a non-evidence collection exam.

Non-Evidence Collection Exam
The Non-Evidence Collection Exam is an option given to all victims of sexual assault. It involves an exam to look for any injuries or sexually transmitted infections; however, the difference is that it does not include the collection of evidence. Police are not usually notified of the circumstances of the assault when the victim elects a non-evidence collection exam, unless:

Emergency contraception is usually offered at the time of the visit, in order to substantially reduce the risk for pregnancy.

Evidence Collection Exam
The Evidence Collection Exam, available at the Emergency Department at Mt. Nittany Medical Center on Park Avenue in State Colege, includes a thorough examination and any evidence of the assault found during the exam is collected (such as DNA from the perpetrator from the victim's vagina). This process includes a team approach involving a specially trained examiner, a police officer (from the jurisdiction where the assault occurred), and an advocate from the Women's Resource Center. All evidence collection exams require notifying police of the assault. An evidence collection exam is only done with the victim's written consent. Concerns about sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy are also addressed at the time of this exam. Emergency contraception is usually offered at the time of the visit, as well, in order to substantially reduce the risk for pregnancy.

IF GREATER THAN 96 HOURS SINCE THE ASSAULT

If it has been greater than 96 hours since the sexual assault, victims are still encouraged to undergo a non-evidence collection exam to address the issue of potential STIs and pregnancy.

Additional information regarding sexual assault is available at Victim's of Sexual Assault. The Penn State Protocol to Assist Victims of Relationship, Domestic, and Sexual Violence has extensive information pertaining to service for sexual assault victims at Penn State.