Sexual Assault

You are not alone.

We’re here to guide you, support you and connect you with resources to heal and recover.

If you are a victim of sexual assault, we’re here to guide you, support you and connect you with resources to heal and recover. Our specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners provide confidential care in a private, comfortable setting.

Is there a certain time frame I should seek care?

We are here to provide care whenever you feel ready. However, seeking treatment within 120 hours or 5 days after an assault is critical for:

• Your medical exam and screening
• Emotional support
• Identification, treatment and documentation of injuries
• Evidence collection
• Preventative treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and infection
• Emergency contraception (pregnancy prevention)
• Helping you connect with groups for advocacy and crisis care

Important: If possible, don’t change clothes, bathe, shower, use the restroom or cleanse in any way prior to your examination. Try not to eat, drink or smoke before an exam. But know that evidence collection is still possible if you have done any of the above and should not prevent you from seeking care.

Where do I go?

We encourage you to go to the Bryan West Campus emergency department at 2300 S. 16th St., Lincoln, Neb. However, nurse examiners are also available at our Bryan East Campus emergency department.

Bryan Emergency Department, Bryan West Campus

2300 S. 16th St.
Lincoln, Nebraska 

What happens during my sexual assault exam?

During your exam, a sexual assault nurse examiner will complete a medical-forensic examination. This may include:

• Your medical History
• Evidence collection
• Clothing collection
  If you don’t have a spare change of clothes, we can provide clothing
• Swabs for DNA
• A pelvic exam
• Digital photos of injuries

You can decline any portion of this exam.

Who is involved in my care?

You will be seen by an:

• Emergency department nurse
• Emergency room physician assistant or doctor
• If you give approval, you can also speak with an advocate from Voices of Hope or the
  Child Advocacy Center (depending on your age)

What happens after the exam?

The sexual assault nurse examiner will explain the reporting process to law enforcement. This way you have the information you need should you choose to report this right away or at a later time.

If you’re 18 and over, Nebraska state law allows you to receive an exam and have evidence collected anonymously. If you wish to remain anonymous, your evidence will be labeled with a number, rather than your name. This gives you time to decide if you would like to pursue legal action.

Resources:

Nebraskacoalition.org

Voicesofhopelincoln.org

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Smallvoices.org