Forensic Nursing Program

if you have been sexually assaulted 

• It is not your fault.
  
• Go to a safe location away from the attacker.
• Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant or acquiring a sexually transmitted infection.
• Consider preserving evidence: By avoiding cleaning or straightening up, evidence may be collected from the assault location. Though it maybe hard not to clean up, the police will need to examine the scene for evidence if you report the crime.
• Consider remaining in the clothing worn during the assault or putting the clothing in a paper bag (not plastic) so that it can be entered into evidence. If possible, avoid washing the clothing.
• Consider preserving forensic evidence which can be collected from your body through a sexual assault forensic exam. For this reason, avoid bathing, washing hands, or brushing your teeth if possible.
• If you suspect you have been drugged, request that a urine sample be collected. Inform the sexual assault nurse examiner that you suspect you were drugged.

if you have been the victim of a crime

Get to a safe place then call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

• Do not shower, bathe, or change your clothing.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, brush teeth, or use the bathroom if possible. 
• Do not clean your home or the area where the assault occurred. 
• Do not avoid seeking medical care because of cost. All patients are seen regardless of their ability to pay.

Call a friend or family member or one of the crisis lines below. (These lines are staffed 24 hours a day and can assist you with appropriate emergency and crisis information.)

• IMH Crisis Line — (307) 742‑0285
  RAINN — 1 (800) 656‑4673
  Text ​‘GO’ to 741741
• Bring a change of clothing with you to the emergency room.
• Even if days have passed since your assault, it is still important to have a thorough medical examination and receive treatment.

Treatment at Ivinson Memorial Hospital shall be provided based on the hospital’s ability and capacity to care for the patient’s health care needs. In compliance with all federal, state and local laws, there shall be no discrimination in services based on the patient’s age, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Medical treatment will be made without regard to the patient’s ability to pay for service.