Adult Survivors
I am a survivor.Commonly known as Primary Survivors, SAVA provides services for all individuals who have experienced a sexual assault during their lifetime. Healing after a sexual assault can be a difficult and complex process.
You might be feeling…
- A sense of loss or powerlessness. Sexual assault is ultimately a crime of control and power. Many survivors experience feelings of intense helplessness.
- Fear. Many survivors feel extremely fearful when placed in similar areas as the one in which they were assaulted. Survivors may also experience unease and be suspicious when in the presence of other people.
- Numb. Some survivors simply don’t feel anything. Shock and disbelief are normal phases that survivors go through and could last years. Feeling completely calm after an assault is normal; however, SAVA’s advocates can help to ensure that you have the support you need to help you feel like yourself again.
Have you been sexually assaulted in the last seven days?
The immediate aftermath of a sexual assault can be a confusing time for survivors. You may be presented with decisions that you’re not ready to make. This is completely normal. However, several medical options are only available within 7 days of the sexual assault.
- Measures to prevent pregnancy and contracting a sexually transmitted infection are most effective within 7 days of an attack.
- Evidence collection (a rape kit or Sexual Assault Nurse Examination) is an option within 7 days–some evidence lasts even after bathing. Consenting to a SANE exam does not mean that you have to report to the police, but it does give you more options should you decide to report in the future. The SANE exam is free and emergency room costs can be covered by insurance or Victim’s Compensation. SAVA advocates are available to accompany you during the exam and to help you apply for victim compensation.
- If you think drugs or alcohol may have contributed to the assault, you may wish to receive a toxicology report. Toxicology testing should be performed within 3 days (72 hours) for the most accurate results.
Even after 7 days, sexual assault survivors are still encouraged to seek treatment from a health professional.
SANE Exams
DNA evidence from a crime like sexual assault can be collected from the crime scene, but it can also be collected from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.
Receiving Treatment
It is possible to receive treatment at your primary care provider; however, they cannot provide a sexual assault nurse examination (SANE). There are some hospitals/emergency rooms that are specially equipped for SANEs.
What is a SANE Exam?
A sexual assault nurse examination, sometimes known as a “rape kit,” is conducted by a specialized nurse to preserve possible DNA evidence. In most cases, you don’t have to report the crime to have an exam, but the process gives you the chance to safely store evidence should you decide to report at a later time. Sexual assault can also affect your physical health, as you may have injuries and trauma related to the assaults that aren’t immediately visible. During an exam you may be able to access treatment for these injuries, receive preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and obtain emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Has the assault happened in the last seven days?
No- it may be a good idea to check in with your primary care provider, Planned Parenthood, or personal OBGYN (if possible) to check for injuries and prescribe antibiotics/etc.
Yes- DNA evidence is still possible to collect up to seven days after an assault
If you decide to go, try not to shower/eat/drink/change, go to the bathroom, chew gum, brush teeth, wash hands, cut fingernails, etc. If you already have, IT’S OKAY. Evidence still may be collected, but be sure not to do any of the above going forward until after the exam. Bring any items that you were wearing at the time of the incident in a paper bag or pillowcase (never plastic!)
Do I have to go alone?
No, friends or family may accompany you to the hospital and an advocate from SAVA is called out automatically.
At the hospital
Check in at the emergency room and the staff will page the on-call SANE nurse. It may take up to an hour or so for the nurse to arrive at the emergency room, due to the small availability of SANE nurses in Northern Colorado.
What is the exam like?
It is an extensive, head to toe examination to collect forensic evidence conducted by highly trained nurses. It can take several hours but you can stop, pause, or skip a step at any time during the exam if you do not feel comfortable.
Where can I go for a SANE?
NCMC North Colorado Medical Center
1801 16th St. Greeley, CO 80631
970-810-6244
Banner North Colorado Emergency Care
2000 70th Ave. Greeley, CO 80634
970-810-2636
McKee Medical Center
2000 N. Boise Ave. Loveland, CO 80538
970-820-4071
UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies
2500 Rocky Mountain Ave Loveland, CO 80538
970-624-2500
Banner Ft. Collins Medical Center
4700 Lady Moon Drive Fort Collins, CO 80528
970-821-4037
UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital
1024 S. Lemay Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-495-7000
UCHealth Emergency Room
4630 Snow Mesa Drive Fort Collins, CO 80528
970-237-8100
*Healthcare providers are required to report sexual assault/abuse to law enforcement if patient is a minor (<18 years of age) or an at-risk adult. Please do not hesitate to call our office or hotline for questions.
How do I pay for an exam?
- Law enforcement report: Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) funds are available to victims who report to law enforcement and stay engaged in the criminal justice system. Regardless of the outcome of the case, you have the right to apply the CVC for financial assistance for costs related to the crime. Some losses directly related to the crime are eligible for reimbursement, and may include: medical expenses, mental health expenses, lost wages, loss of support to dependent and property damage to exterior windows, locks, and doors. You can also apply for CVC funds if you are a medical or anonymous reporting victim who later decides to report to law enforcement. **THIS OPTION USES INSURANCE FIRST (if the patient has it) and the funds will cover any additional costs such as co-pays or deductibles, so be sure to save ALL receipts.
- Medical Report: The DCJ pays for the evidence collection and the SAVE Program can help pay for the costs associated with obtaining the medical forensic exam. When funds are available, medical expenses related to injuries sustained during the sexual assault may be covered.
- Anonymous Report: DCJ pays for the evidence collection and the SAVE Program can pay for the costs associated with obtaining the medical forensic exam. When funds are available, medical expenses related to injuries sustained during the sexual assault may be covered.
- No Report:If no evidence is collected, any medical bills are the responsibility of the victim.
*Advocates at the SAVA Center can assist you applying for/navigating these payment options, but there is no guarantee that these funds will be available.
Reporting Options
You are not required to make a report. If you have been assaulted the number one piority of a medical provider is to check for any bodily injury.
Full Law Enforcement Report
A victim reports the sexual assault to law enforcement and engages in the criminal justice system, meaning they want to participate in an investigation.
Medical Report
A victim chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam, but at that time chooses not to participate in an investigation. Evidence and information is released to law enforcement with the victim’s name and contact information. A medical reporting victim can chooses to have evidence tested for DNA. Evidence can also be collected and stored for at least 2 years by local law enforcement. At any time during the 2 years after initially deciding not to report to law enforcement, you can change your mind and file a law enforcement report.
Annonymous Report
A victim chooses to obtain a medical forensic exam, but at that time chooses not to participate in the criminal justice system. Evidence and information is kept WITHOUT the victim’s name and contact information, but with a unique tracking number. An anonymous reporting victim cannot choose to have evidence tested, but it will be stored for at least 2 years by local law enforcement. At any time during the 2 years after initially deciding not to report to law enforcement, you can change your mind and file a law enforcement report.