24/7 support for victim-survivors of physical or sexual violence

It may be difficult to know what to do or who to turn to after someone has harmed you. Regions Hospital can help. Our team of specially trained forensic nurse examiners (FNEs) supports people who have experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence. We will provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care and can assist with forensic evidence collection through a process called a medical forensic exam.

Sexual assault is sexual contact or behavior that is committed or attempted by a person with someone who does not or cannot give consent. Consent for sexual activity must be freely given without pressure or manipulation. Sexual violence can happen to anyone regardless of age, income, appearance or lifestyle. No matter the circumstances, sexual violence is never the victim-survivor’s fault.

Sometimes a person may not remember what happened to them but is worried they may have been sexually assaulted. Regions Hospital Emergency Center can provide medical care and evidence collection if you believe something happened to you sexually that you did not agree to.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. “Intimate partner” refers to both current and former spouses, and dating partners. If you are experiencing injury or pain following violence by an intimate partner, Regions Hospital Emergency Center can provide medical care and evidence collection.

A medical forensic exam provides an opportunity for medical care and evidence collection following physical or sexual violence. This exam is voluntary. A forensic nurse will work with you to help you make decisions about your care. This may include:

• Detailed documentation of the assault history
• Physical assessment of injuries and other findings, including photography
• Sample collection for potential DNA evidence from the person who harmed you
• Preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and pregnancy
• Referrals for resources and support after leaving the Emergency Center

If you desire to make a report with law enforcement, evidence can be collected that may be used by the legal system to investigate and pursue criminal charges. However, you do not need to work with law enforcement in order to receive care from our team.

Both evidence collection and medical care are time sensitive. It’s best to come to Regions Hospital Emergency Center as soon as possible. However, the exam can take place up to 240 hours (10 days) after sexual assault, and 120 hours (5 days) after physical violence. Our team of forensic nurse examiners is available 24/7.

Come to Regions Hospital Emergency Center 24/7. If you are severely injured or in danger, call 911.

Do as much as you can to avoid washing any evidence away. If possible:

• Do not shower or bathe
• Do not eat or drink if oral contact occurred during sexual assault
• Keep on or bring in the clothing you had on at the time of the assault and/or immediately after the assault

Emergency Center staff will first provide any necessary medical care to make sure you are stable. If you would like to have a medical forensic exam, our medical forensic team will provide one. They will only provide care that you want and agree to.

The medical forensic team will also call an advocate from one of our partnering agencies. An advocate is a person who will come to the Emergency Center to support you during the exam and after you leave the hospital.

The cost of the exam is paid for by the state of Minnesota. If additional medical care beyond the exam is needed, the patient or their insurance will be billed.

The discussion about your assault will be very detailed and sensitive. To make sure you can speak freely, support persons will not be allowed in the room during the discussion. However, they can be with you at any other time if you want them there.