What You Should Know
You have options when seeking medical treatment. Going to the hospital does not mean that you have to make a report to the police. That is your choice. There is no cost for a forensic examination and no bill should be generated.
If you think you were drugged or you consumed a sedative-like substance, visit the closest emergency room immediately and ask the medical provider to take a urine sample.
Campus
At the Student Health Care Center, a nurse practitioner can perform a physical exam to check for injuries, perform STI and HIV testing, a forensic SANE exam, and provide emergency contraception and treatment.
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Community
Your primary care doctor, local hospitals, and emergency treatment centers can also provide services to address physical injuries. The Shands Hospital Emergency Room and the UF Student Health Care Center can also provide a forensic exam which includes medical evidence collection.
Forensic Exams
If the assault happened within the last 5 days (or 120 hours) you can go to UF Health Shands Hospital Emergency Room or the UF Student Health Care Center to receive a free, confidential medical exam and to have evidence collected as part of a forensic evidence kit (sometimes referred to as a SANE exam or a rape kit).
The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and other medical staff can detect injuries and offer help regarding concerns of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy as a result of the sexual assault. This exam is free and available to you regardless of whether or not you choose to report to law enforcement.
If you do not want to report to the police, the evidence kit will be stored under an anonymous number at the Gainesville Police Department or the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. To learn more about forensic exams visit the page below.
Post-Sexual Assault Medical Treatment
If more than 5 days have passed, or if you are not interested in having evidence preserved, you can also receive post-sexual assault medical treatment, as well as STI and pregnancy testing, at the Alachua County Health Department at no cost or your primary care doctor. Some victims may also be eligible for medical treatment at the VA Hospital.
