Call for Help: 408-793-SAFE(7233)
What is a SAFE exam?
A sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) is a free medical exam providing compassionate care, preventative treatment, and forensic evidence collection to survivors of unwanted sexual contact. The exam is completed in a secure and private location of a hospital by a specially trained healthcare professional called a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) or SAFE examiner. Their expertise and understanding ensure patient-survivors receive the care and support they need during a difficult time.
What happens during the SAFE exam?
The sexual assault forensic exam is entirely voluntary, and the SAFE examiner will ensure the patient understands each step in the procedure and its purpose before proceeding. Still, the patient has the right to consent to or decline any part of the exam, and can stop, pause, or skip any step at any time. A standard SAFE exam typically includes the following:
Immediate Medical Care
Address any injuries requiring immediate medical attention or preventative care and treatment that is necessary based on the patient's description of the incident.
Medical Evidentiary Interview
Discussing the patient's medical history and details about the incident. While these questions may feel personal, they guide the examiner's evidence collection during the exam. Responses will be carefully documented and may be used if the patient chooses to report to law enforcement
Physical Exam & Evidence Collection
Depending on the patient's experience, this may include a head-to-toe examination, swabs of specific body parts, providing blood or urine samples, taking photos, and collecting clothing or other evidence. Participation in these steps is completely voluntary, and the patient has the right to decline anything that makes them uncomfortable.
Discharge & Follow Up
Understandably, the exam process can be challenging, especially after experiencing an assault or trauma. After the exam, the patient will have time to shower, rest, and get something to eat before leaving the hospital. They will also receive information about follow-up medical care and valuable resources that are available.
What are the benefits of the SAFE exam?
Receive medical treatment for injuries or trauma resulting from an assault.
Access to preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV or emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Preserve evidence and allow the patient-survivor time to decide whether to report the crime.
If the patient-survivor chooses to report the assault, a medical forensic exam provides valuable support for initiating an investigation.
The cost of the exam is not billed to the patient-survivor.
Does law enforcement have to get involved?
Survivors are NOT required to report the crime to law enforcement. If the patient-survivor chooses to proceed with a SAFE exam, they'll be asked at the very beginning to choose between two options:
Non-Investigative Report
This report provides flexibility for individuals to decide whether to report the crime now or at a later time. Patient-survivors can undergo an examination to preserve evidence without involving law enforcement or prompting an immediate investigation.
Investigative Report
This report is for patient-survivors who choose to report the incident immediately, prompting an investigation and law enforcement involvement following the collection of evidence.
How should I prepare for the SAFE exam?
Preparing for the SAFE exam involves several steps, all aimed at ensuring the patient's comfort and well-being during the highly sensitive process.
It's important to note that coming in sooner allows the SAFE examiner to provide you with urgent medical care and collect the most accurate evidence. However, you can still undergo the exam up to 10 days after a sexual assault or 14 days after strangulation.
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities during this time, so please prioritize self-care. It's best to avoid activities that might accidentally affect evidence, like showering, changing clothes, eating, drinking, combing your hair, or brushing your teeth. If the assault just happened and you haven't urinated, try to hold off until you're with a healthcare provider. They can help collect urine to save any possible evidence. If you've already done these things, don't worry—you can still get the exam. But if you can, try to wait on any extra personal care until after the exam for the most accurate results.
If you are still wearing the clothes you had on during the assault, we recommend bringing a change of clothes for after the exam. If you've already changed, place the clothes you were wearing during the incident in a paper bag and bring them with you to preserve any potential evidence.
Where do I go to receive a SAFE exam?
There are four response locations in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties where you can request to speak with a SAFE examiner about your options, at no cost, 24/7.
