Immediate Care and Crisis Response

After experiencing a sexual assault, individuals deserve to know that they have choices in how they move forward. Healing, recovery, and finding closure are deeply personal journeys—there is no single 'right' way. Whatever path you choose, please remember: what happened is never your fault. 

After experiencing an incident, your safety and well-being are the top priority. When you're ready, taking the following steps can help support your physical health and preserve options should you choose to pursue a criminal investigation in the future.

If the incident occurred within the last 24 to 120 hours, you may consider:

Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) 
Evidentiary Exam (also known as “rape kits") 

SART Exams could be used to collect DNA evidence if the assault occurred within 120 hours. Specialized sexual assault nurse examiners collect samples from a victim/survivor that may contain DNA evidence to help a potential prosecution.   

These exams are an option for those that would like immediate law enforcement involvement. Evidentiary exams are intended to collect forensic evidence for use in criminal prosecution. An evidentiary exam is an option available by filing a report with law enforcement.

A victim/survivor has the right to have a support person with them and can say no to any part of the exam. 

If a person decides they want a SART, the Advocate can provide more detailed information and help coordinate response with police and the SART nurse. 

To speak with a Safer Advocate, please call (562) 985-4770, M-F, 8am-5pm. You may reach an Advocate after hours by calling the YWCA GLA Sexual Assault Crisis Services at (877) 943-5778. 

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Exam 

A VAWA exam is a SART exam that does not include a police report. These exams may be an option for those that are not ready to speak to and involve law enforcement. Evidence from VAWA exams in California must be preserved for two years in the event that a victim/survivor does want to engage with law enforcement.

Preserving Evidence 

  • Try to avoid showering, bathing, eating, drinking, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth until after you’ve had a SART exam. (If you have already done the actions mentioned above, DNA and other evidence may still be collected from your body.)
  • Save any items of clothing worn at that time of the assault and place each item in a separate paper bag (mold grows in plastic bags.)
  • If you think you were drugged, ask the medical provider to take a urine sample.
  • Write down everything you remember as detailed as possible and save any digital evidence (text messages, video recordings, social media postings, etc.) you may have. 

You are not alone, and support is here for you. 

No matter when or where a sexual assault occurred, a Safer Advocate can assist with safety planning, guidance on reporting, accompaniments to medical exams or law enforcement interviews, or accessing supportive measures.