What To Do If Assaulted
In case of medical emergency or personal safety dangers please call 911. Otherwise, respond immediately to your nearest Emergency Department to seek medical care and request a sexual assault forensic examination.
Receive Medical Care
During a sexual assault, a victim may incur injuries that she/he may not be aware of. It is imperative that a victim receives emergency medical care as soon as possible to be assessed for injuries and other medical concerns. Biological/trace evidence may remain on your body or clothing for up to 96 hours after an assault. When you arrive in the ER you will be informed of your patient right to a forensic exam by a Registered Nurse (SANE) who specializes in the area of sexual assault forensic examinations as well as a Rape Crisis Advocate.
During the forensic examination you will be assessed for injuries along with documentation of events, collection of biological/trace samples, forensic photography, baseline pregnancy screening and given follow up referrals appropriate to your situation and to assess for safety concerns. We will provide you with safe alternatives if needed such as lists of shelters or other safety plan measures during your examination. The examination generally takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. The SANE RN may request your clothing worn to the hospital to preserve evidence that may be present. Replacement clothing will be given to you after the examination if this occurs. Please do not change clothing prior to presenting to the emergency department.
Steps to preserve forensic evidence on your body
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While it is not possible in every situation, it is best to avoid the below items prior to your forensic examnation. It is best to respond immediately to the emergency room to request a forensic exam to be performed.
Prior to exam, use the list below for actions to follow:
-Avoid eating/drinking
-Do not smoke
-Do not urinate/defecate
-Do not take a bath/shower
-Do not change your clothes
-Avoid douching/enema
-Do not brush your teeth
-Do not use mouthwash
-Do not wash your hands
Cost of a Forensic Exam
If you are a survivor of sexual assault and receive a sexual assault forensic examination within 96 hours after the assault you will not be charged for the forensic examination conducted at a local emergency department or medications provided to you aiding in the prevention of certain sexually transmitted diseases that you may have been exposed to during the assault. You may be charged for other medications administered during the course of your treatment or diagnostic testing performed by the emergency room physician if needed. To assist with payment of these expenses you may be eligible to receive funding from the Ohio Crime Victim's Compensation Fund through the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
Forensic Examination Sites
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Brown County
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Mercy – Mt Orab Hospital
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Butler County
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Christ Hospital - Butler County
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Ft Hamilton Hospital
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Mercy - Fairfield Hospital
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West Chester Hospital
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Champaign County
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Mercy Health-Urbana​
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Clark County
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Mercy Health-Springfield Regional​
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Clermont County
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Mercy – Clermont Hospital
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Darke County
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Wayne Healthcare
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Fayette County
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Fayette County Memorial Hospital
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Greene County
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Greene Memorial Hospital
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Indu & Raj Soin Center Medical Center
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Mercy Health - Dayton Springfield Emergency Center
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Premier Health - Beavercreek Emergency Center
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Hamilton County
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Christ Hospital
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Jewish Hospital
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Mercy – Anderson Hospital
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Mercy - Harrison
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Mercy - Rookwood
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Mercy – West Hospital
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Mercy – Queen City
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University of Cincinnati Medical Center
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VA - Cincinnati Medical Center
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Miami County
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Jamestown Emergency Department
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Kettering Health - Troy Emergency Department
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Upper Valley Medical Center
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Montgomery County
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Austin Landing-Premier Health
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Charles H Huber Health Center
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Grandview Medical Center
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Kettering Medical Center
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Miami Valley Hospital
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Miami Valley South Hospital
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Miami Valley North Hospital
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Southview Medical Center
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Sycamore Medical Center
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Wright Patterson Air Force Base
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Preble County
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Preble County Medical Center
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Shelby County
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Wilson Memorial Hospital
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Warren County
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Atrium Medical Center – Franklin
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Franklin/Springboro Kettering Health Center
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Kettering Health-Middletown Location
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Kings Mills - Mercy Health
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Forensic Medical Clinic - Aftercare Services
For patients that receive forensic services and care from SANE of Butler County Forensic Services, we provide compassionate follow up resources for those in need at no cost to patients in our Butler County office. Our dedicated team of Nurse Practitioners provide aftercare services include re-assessment of injuries, STI follow-up as needed and community resource connections. Aftercare medical services are only provided in the clinic for patients that receive forensic medical examinations from our compassionate examiners. This service is designed to bridge the gap in medical care for our patients post forensic examination. To learn more or schedule an appointment with our medical team please click the Forensic Medical Clinic button below: