Medical/Forensic Exams
What to Expect During a Hospital Exam
After a sexual assault has occurred, seeking medical attention is one of the options that a survivor has. A sexual assault medical forensic exam is a resource for all survivors. There are many misconceptions around going to the hospital after an assault has occurred, but ultimately going to the hospital is about your health and safety.
Treatment may be essential to ensure that there are no physical injuries requiring immediate care. Sexual assault exams can be done on an anonymous basis. An individual may choose to participate in the exam and then, wait to decide if reporting the assault to law enforcement is the best option for them. However, if you are under the age of 18, the medical staff must report the assault to law enforcement. As long as a mandated report is not required,
YOU CHOOSE if you want to report the crime to law enforcement. You also have the right to choose which parts of the exam you want to participate in, and you can refuse care at any time.
After a sexual assault has occurred, seeking medical attention is one of the options that a survivor has. A sexual assault medical forensic exam is a resource for all survivors. There are many misconceptions around going to the hospital after an assault has occurred, but ultimately going to the hospital is about your health and safety.
Treatment may be essential to ensure that there are no physical injuries requiring immediate care. Sexual assault exams can be done on an anonymous basis. An individual may choose to participate in the exam and then, wait to decide if reporting the assault to law enforcement is the best option for them. However, if you are under the age of 18, the medical staff must report the assault to law enforcement. As long as a mandated report is not required,
YOU CHOOSE if you want to report the crime to law enforcement. You also have the right to choose which parts of the exam you want to participate in, and you can refuse care at any time.
Why Should I Go To the Hospital?
- You may have internal and/or external injuries that you are not aware of.
- You may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.
- It is possible for you to become pregnant as a result of the assault.
- The collection and documentation of physical evidence is an important part of the police investigation and prosecution’s case, should you choose to report the assault.
How much will it cost?
You will not be charged for the sexual assault examination. If you do not have insurance, or you decide not to report the assault to law enforcement, the NH Attorney General’s office will cover the cost of the exam. You will not be billed for anything above the insurance coverage limit.
You will also receive a voucher to cover the costs of a follow-up exam.
You will not be charged for the sexual assault examination. If you do not have insurance, or you decide not to report the assault to law enforcement, the NH Attorney General’s office will cover the cost of the exam. You will not be billed for anything above the insurance coverage limit.
You will also receive a voucher to cover the costs of a follow-up exam.
Medical & Forensic Forms
[FPO] Competency in practice is determined by the evaluating clinician and the facility utilizing the SANE and/or by the NH SANE Program Director during a scheduled competency evaluation.
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Become a SANE
[FPO]The Coalition is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Northeast Multistate Division Education Unit, an accredited approver of continuing...
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Connect with an Advocate
[FPO] The Board consists of invited representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the crisis centers...
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