Medical Advocacy

Medical advocacy is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at hospital emergency rooms. Whenever a survivor presents at the hospital for treatment, the hospital calls our hotline and we send an advocate out to sit with the survivor. The advocate offers emotional support, provides information on sexual violence, and gives any necessary referrals.

NWCASA Medical Advocates:

Are 40-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Trained
Can give you information about your medical visit, including evidence collection kits
Provide you with information about your legal rights and options in Illinois
Assist you with immediate needs such as referrals to community agencies, clothing, or crisis counseling
Support you in communicating with hospital staff
Assist you in resolving future hospital bills
Connect you with other agency services such as legal advocacy and trauma counseling
Support you in any way needed

Additional Information

If you have been assaulted, we recommend you go to your local hospital as soon as possible to be able to receive medical treatment. During your hospital visit you will have access to the following:

Medical Exam
Evidence Collection Kit (7-10 days after the assault)
An advocate present
Option to STI and pregnancy testing
Option to take prophylactics and emergency contraceptives
Option to report to police (Please note: by law, police will be called, but you do not have to talk to them)