GET HELP NOW

At SARC we believe that no matter the circumstances, sexual assault is never a person’s fault.

Following an assault, people who experienced harm may feel shock, disbelief, embarrassment, shame, anger, guilt, or nothing at all. These and many others are all natural reactions. Whatever you are feeling, your feelings are valid, normal, and okay. Decisions after being harmed are difficult. SARC wants you to know that you have options, and we are here to support you in whatever you choose.

24 HOUR SUPPORT LINE

(503) 640-5311 or (888) 640-5311

BUSINESS LINE

Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm / (503) 626-9100

MEDICAL ATTENTION

There are three major medical exams offered for survivors of sexual assault. Depending on the amount of time that has passed since the assault and the needs of the survivor, certain options may be more appropriate than others. We have on-call advocates available to respond in person to hospitals within Washington County if survivors would like someone to be with them at the time of an exam. You need not be alone.

THE SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC EXAM (SAFE)

The Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) is most appropriate for survivors who have experienced an assault in the past 84 hours and wish to report their assault. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in a hospital setting performs this exam. The exam may include many aspects, such as a thorough physical, the collection of evidence (such as clothing) and a pelvic exam. Survivors have the right to customize this exam based on the experience of their assault and what they wish to complete or not complete.

JANE / JOHN DOE
(ANONYMOUS)

This exam is most appropriate for survivors who have experiences an assault in the past 84 hours, are over the age of 18, and are not sure if they would like to report but may consider reporting in the future. Similar to the SAFE, the Jane/John Doe collects evidence through a physical exam performed by a SANE. The survivor may customize this exam based on their experience and comfort level at the time. This exam differs from the SAFE in that evidence is held anonymously for the survivor unless it is requested to process for reporting purposes.

WELLNESS
EXAM

This exam is most appropriate for survivors who were assaulted in the past week and are certain that they will not report physical evidence to law enforcement. A SANE or hospital staff may complete this exam. The Wellness Exam looks differently for each survivor based on the experience of their assault and is designed to address the health and wellbeing of the survivor.

All three of these exams are free to survivors of sexual assault through the Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Fund (SAVE fund). If you have any questions about these options or additional medical options for survivors, our advocates are available to help.

REPORTING

Our advocates respond in person to Law Enforcement agencies within Washington County to provide emotional support & resources during reports. You have the right to advocacy at every step of the process and may request an advocate with law enforcement at any time.

Reporting sexual assault can look differently in different circumstances. We are available to go over specific options such as civil legal resources, protective orders, reporting options and more. Call our business line or support line to connect to free and confidential services.

COUNSELING

At SARC we offer free individual and group counseling services in English & Spanish to people in Washington County. If you are outside of the county or are unable to access our services (due to a waitlist or other circumstances), we are able to refer you to a number of community resources we closely work with. Contact our office for up-to-date information about groups and counseling resources.

You need not be alone.