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After Sexual Assault/Intimate Partner Harm

During a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination, victims/survivors may receive prophylaxis medication for emergency pregnancy contraception and the prevention of STI/STDs. Please keep in mind that medication and evidence preservation (see ‘Preserving Evidence’ below) are time-sensitive. 

Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE)


A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (sometimes called a “rape kit”) is a medical exam where forensic evidence may be collected from the body. This is a free service performed by a Sexual Assault Nuse Examiner at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz County. Generally, exams are administered up to 10 days after an assault has occurred. Please consult with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner about specific circumstances and options. CARE Advocates and advocates at Monarch Services can help you connect with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

Those seeking a forensic examination after sexual assault are entitled to an advocate present. In Santa Cruz County, Advocates from CARE and Monarch Services are available to accompany victims/survivors to Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations. CARE Advocates recommend calling an advocate before arriving at a hospital to cut down on wait times and ensure that a Sexual Assault Forensic Nurse Examiner is alerted in advance. 

Non-Investigative Forensic Examinations


A Non-Investigative Forensic Examination is a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) that does not include a police report. This exam allows a victim/survivor to receive medical attention, collect evidence, and decide at a later date if they would like to have the case investigated.

Preserving Evidence 


Preservation of evidence may assist in identifying or prosecuting the person who caused harm. You may consider taking the following steps to assist in preserving evidence.

Physical Evidence

  • If you have experienced a sexual assault, try to avoid showering, bathing, eating, drinking, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth until after you’ve had a SART exam.
    • If you have already done the actions mentioned above, DNA and other evidence may still be collected from your body.
  • Save any clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault and place each item in a separate paper bag (Don’t use plastic bags).
  • Avoid cleaning or disturbing the area on your body that was harmed.
  • You may request a urine test if you suspect that you’ve been drugged (see ‘Drug Facilitated SA’ below).
  • Digital Evidence
  • Save all text messages, emails, social media postings (taking screenshots can be helpful), or anything else that might be helpful in reconstructing the events.
  • If you’ve deleted text messages, you might be able to recover them if it’s still within the same billing period; contact your mobile service provider for more information.
  • Write down the names of people who might have seen you immediately before or after the assault, as it’s easy to forget later.

Digital Evidence

  • Save all text messages, emails, social media postings (taking screenshots can be helpful), or anything else that might be helpful in reconstructing the events.
  • If you’ve deleted text messages, you might be able to recover them if it’s still within the same billing period; contact your mobile service provider for more information.
  • Write down the names of people who might have seen you immediately before or after the assault, as it’s easy to forget later.

Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA)


What is Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault?

Affirmative consent means that there is a conscious, freely given, and mutual agreement to engage in any type of sexual activity. Drug-facilitated sexual assault is when a perpetrator deliberately uses any type of alcohol or drug to compromise someone’s ability to consent because they are intoxicated or incapacitated. If someone is incapacitated, they are not able to consent, no matter the circumstance.

Options Available for Individuals Impacted by Intimate Partner Harm or Domestic Violence


Below are options designed to support individuals impacted by recent intimate partner harm or domestic violence, focusing on your safety, healing, and empowerment. 

Last modified: Feb 28, 2025