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At SARC we believe that no matter the circumstances, sexual assault is never the fault or responsibility of the person who was harmed.

Following an assault, people who experienced harm may feel shock, disbelief, embarrassment, shame, anger, guilt, or nothing at all. These are all natural reactions.

All feelings are valid, normal, and okay.

Decisions after being harmed can be difficult. Confidential advocates are here to provide resources, information, and support you in whatever you choose.

24-HOUR SUPPORT & RESOURCE LINE 888.640.5311

MEDICAL ATTENTION

Hospital Accompaniment

SARC’s Hospital Accompaniment service provides in-person confidential advocacy, support and education to survivors, ages 14+, and their support persons about options and resources available, and can connect the survivor with follow-up support services.

Advocates respond to hospital locations within Washington County, and if the survivor chooses to have an advocate be with them at the time of an exam.

Hospital Accompaniment is offered if the sexual assault either occurred in Washington County, or the survivor lives, works, attends school, or is otherwise significantly connected with Washington County. Prior to, or upon arrival to the hospital, survivors are encouraged to contact our 24-hour Support & Resource Line at (503) 640-5311 or (888) 640-5311 to request an advocate for hospital response. If the survivor presents at the hospital first, then a trained medical professional, usually a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will contact SARC on the patient’s behalf, if the survivor chooses to have a confidential advocate.

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Temporary service adjustment notice: September 1-November 2, 2023, all in-person hospital response services will be on pause.

If you are with a community partner organization (e.g., SANE, law enforcement, or school) and would like to make a client referral for follow-up services:

  1. Call SARC’s general office line at (503) 626-9100 during regular business hours, 8 am-4 pm, weekdays; or
  2. During weekends or after-hours, please leave a voicemail on our general office line; an advocate will reconnect within the next business day.
  3. You are also welcome to email the client referral information to sarc@sarcoregon.org. Please note in the subject line that this is a client service request.

If you are a survivor or someone impacted by sexual assault:

  1. Confidential advocates are here to provide resources, information, and support you through our 24-Hour Support & Resource Line.
  2. If you would like to receive follow-up support from SARC, and live, work, or attend school, or the incident occurred in Washington County, please reach out through SARC’s general office line at (503) 626-9100, weekdays 8 am-4 pm, or leave a voicemail and an advocate will connect with you the next business day.
  3. You may also drop-in for advocacy services with an on-site SARC Case Manager at the Family Justice Center of Washington County. The FJC is located at 735 SW 158th Ave #100, Beaverton, OR 97006. Case Managers are available for walk-in advocacy Tuesday & Wednesdays from 9am-3pm and by appointment Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4pm.

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Types of Medical Exams

Three (3) major types of medical exams are offered for survivors of sexual assault. Depending on the amount of time passed since the assault and the needs of the survivor, certain options may be more appropriate than others.

All of the described exams are no cost to survivors of sexual assault, covered through the Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Fund (SAVE fund). If you have any questions about these options or other medical options for survivors, advocates are available to support 24/7 at (503) 640-5311 or (888) 640-5311.

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 120 hours and wish to report their assault.

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in a hospital setting performs this exam. The exam may include:

  • a thorough physical,
  • the collection of evidence (such as clothing) and,
  • a pelvic exam.

Survivors always have the right to customize this exam based on the experience of the assault and what they wish to complete or not complete.

JANE / JOHN DOE
(ANONYMOUS)

This exam is most appropriate for survivors who have experienced an assault

  • in the past 120 hours,
  • are over the age of 18, and
  • are not sure if they would like to report to law enforcement, but may consider reporting in the future.

Similar to the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (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 experienced a sexual assault 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 the assault and is designed to address the health and wellbeing of the survivor.

ADVOCACY DURING THE REPORTING PROCESS

Reporting a sexual assault may look different for all people and circumstances. Advocates are available to provide information, options and resources during the entirety of this process, such as civil legal resources, protective orders, reporting options and more.

A survivor has the right to advocacy at every point of the process and may request an advocate. 

Advocates also provide in-person emotional support & resources during reports to law enforcement agencies within Washington County. Call the 24/7 Resource & Support Line to request an advocate.

COUNSELING

No cost individual and groups counseling services in English & Spanish for people, aged 15+, who have experienced sexual assault, and either live, work, attend school, or the assault occurred in Washington County.