What to do if you decide to go to the emergency room after a sexual assault/abuse

Here are a few important things to remember:

No matter what, the sexual assault was not your fault
The responsibility of the assault falls on the offender, not the survivor
Your feelings, emotions, thoughts, and physical changes are common responses to a traumatic event
You may or may not experience trauma symptoms.
Sexual Assault/Abuse is a crime, you are a survivor of the crime. You have rights in Illinois.
You cannot consent to sexual activity while under the influence
A person under the age of 17 cannot consent to sexual activity
Recovery takes time.

ICASA After Sexual Assault Brochure

What to do:

Medical Care: It is important to seek medical care in case you have injuries you are not aware of. Medical care can include a physical exam, evidence collection kit, testing and treatment
Emergency Room: Under Sexual Assault Survivor’s Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA), you have the right to a private exam room, appropriate medical exam, important information, testing and medication for STI’s and pregnancy, evidence collection kit, 90-day voucher, and an advocate present. The ambulance ride, hospital visit and any follow up appointments within 90 days, are covered by Illinois.
Evidence Collection: The evidence collection kit (rape kit) is a sexual assault forensic exam typically done by a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). This process can be lengthy, as it collects evidence from head to toe as well as written statements and questions. The kit includes collection of evidence with swabs, combings, blood samples and documentation forms.
Important things to know about the evidence collection kit:
- You do not have to complete each step; you have the choice to complete what feels most comfortable to you
- You do not have to report to the police. By law, the police will be called to collect the kit, but you do not have to speak with them and make a report
- You have a few options with your kit, you can report to law enforcement and send it for testing or to be held, you can have the nurse report to law enforcement and send it for testing or be held, you can choose to not report to law enforcement, and have it held, or you can decline the kit all together.
- If you are under the age of 18, you can store the kit until you are 28. If you are over the age of 18, you can store the kit for 10 years.
- You have the option to have an advocate present to support you during this time and to provide information
The Cost: Under SASETA, you will not be charged for this visit. You may be billed for the visit, but you will not have to pay for it.