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Medical
Care Following a Sexual Assault
Individuals who have experienced a rape or other
form of sexual assault may want to consider having a medical exam as soon
as possible.
Survivors can choose from a number of
locations, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
Center (BIDMC) or the Wentworth Health
Center.
What
should I do before I get medical care?
· Your clothing and belongings may provide
evidence related to the assault, which is why we
strongly recommend that you do not change, wash,
shower, brush your teeth, or eat or drink before a
medical assessment, if possible.
·
If you need to urinate, please collect your
urine in a clean container, especially if there is
concern that a drug was used.
·
You may want to find a trusted staff
member, friend, or family member who can accompany
you and offer support.
What
happens if I got to the Wentworth Health Center?
·
If you have been assaulted, you are
encouraged to go to the Wentworth
Health Center, located in the lower
level of Watson Hall. After hours, you may also go to the Simmons
Health Center.
In addition, there is a physician on-call
24 hours per day, 7 days a week, who may be
contacted through Public Safety.
·
A range of services are available at the
WIT Health Center, including STI & pregnancy
testing, as well as Plan B (pregnancy prevention).
Testing at the WIT Health Center is confidential.
·
Strict confidentiality will be maintained.
This means the Health Center will not share
your name with Public Safety, the Dean of
Student’s office, or anyone else without your
permission.
·
Seeking medical treatment does not
mean that you have to make a report to Public
Safety or the police.
·
The WIT Health Center can connect you to
other support services and medical treatment if
needed.
What
will happen if I go to Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center (BIDMC)?
·
BIDMC offers medical care by specially
trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, or SANE
nurses. This
service is offered through their Rape Crisis
Intervention Program, which is widely regarded as
one of the best sites for care in the Boston area.
The exam takes three to four hours,
possibly longer if there are injuries.
·
Your evaluation will include:
Assessment and treatment of
physical injuries
Assessment and treatment for sexually
transmitted infections.
Discussion of HIV exposure.
If less than 72 hours after exposure,
you may have the option of preventive medication.
Discussion of pregnancy risk, and if you choose,
use of emergency contraception, or the
morning-after pill.
Collection of forensic evidence, in case you are
considering pressing charges.
(This is no way obligates you to press
charges, but does give you the option to do so.)
Discussion
of support services and follow-up appointments.
What is a medical
advocate? How can I get one?
·
Medical advocates (also called rape crisis
advocates) provide compassionate, knowledgeable
support, information and referral services to
survivors and their families in hospital emergency
departments. In the immediate aftermath of rape,
survivors face a host of emotional, medical, and
legal decisions. An advocate can provide
information to assist the survivor (and her/his
family) in making the best possible choices.
·
Medical advocacy is a free service offered through
the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC).
For more information about working with a
medical advocate, you can call BARCC at
617-492-RAPE (7273), or visit their
website.
For more information
about resources on or off campus, click
here.
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