Submitted by 360admin on Thu, 05/04/2023 - 11:37

S.A.F.E.

About

The "Sexual Assault Forensic Exam" (SAFE) Clinic works with advocacy, law enforcement, the crime lab and the district attorney office to bring justice to our community; we are here 24- hours a day, 7 days a week for our community.

Our Team

The SAFE Clinic is in a private, safe setting with a multidisciplinary staff that is dedicated to help the residents of the County of Riverside 24- hours a day, 7 days a week.

Forensic Medical Director: Sophia Grant MD

SAFE Clinic Nurse Coordinator: Yvonne Bennett, RN, BSN, JD, SANE-A, SANE-P

Forensic Nurse Examiners: All our Forensic Nurses are specialty trained to provide care and support.

Pharmacy: Provides pregnancy prophylaxis medication, as well as the medication(s) (with the exception of HIV medication) to treat STI’s at little to no cost to the patient.

Advocacy: Riverside Area Rape Crisis, and REACH

Social Worker: Can help provide necessary resources needed to help support our patients.

The RUHS Difference

Strangulation has only recently been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence. RUHS is one of the only hospital in the region that has a Strangulation Protocol to ensure the survivor is medically and physically healthy.

Our Services

All examinations are conducted at public expense (no cost to patient). Participation in any examination is voluntary.

Sexual Assault Examination (SART) SART exam. A Sexual assault is when a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity. Types of sexual violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual abuse, date and acquaintance rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism.
  • A Survivor of a sexual assault can have a SART exam within 120 hours (5 days) from the time of the assault.
Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA) / Non- Reporting Exams
  • A Survivor of a sexual assault that does not want to report the event is considered a non-reporting exam; survivors can have an exam within 120 hours (5 days) from the time of the assault.
  • Pregnancy test and prophylaxis medication at no cost.
  • Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) as well as medications to treat STI’s at no cost to the patient. 
  • We provide an Advocate to help people through this process
Forensic Assault Examination (FAX)
  • A Survivor of a forensic assault can have a FAX exam within 120 hours (5 days) from the time of the assault.
  • We provide community, legal, and advocacy resources to help survivors through this process
  • Pregnancy test and prophylaxis medication at no cost.
  • Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) as well as medications to treat STI’s at no cost to the patient. 
  • We provide an Advocate to help survivors through this process
Domestic Assault Forensic Examination
  • A Survivor of a domestic violence can have an exam within 120 hours (5 days) from the time of the assault.
  • We provide community, legal, and advocacy resources to help survivors through this process
Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of violence. Unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. When perpetrators choke (strangle) their victims, not only is this felonious assault, but it may be an attempted homicide. Strangulation is an ultimate form of power and control where the batterer can demonstrate control over the victim’s next breath: it may have devastating psychological effects or a potentially fatal outcome.
  • Riverside University Health Systems is one of the only hospitals in the region that has a strangulation protocol to ensure you are medically safe.
  • Recent patients have had a stroke, a carotid artery dissection, and a brain aneurysm– none of which would have been found without RUHS following the Strangulation Protocol
  • Effects of being strangled can manifest up to 7 days after the assault
  • Lack of exterior injury does not mean there is no internal injury
Contact Information

Riverside University Health Systems is located at: 26520 Cactus Avenue Moreno Valley, CA 92555. Our telephone number is (951) 486-5514 or you can call the main number at (951) 486-4000 and ask for the SAFE Clinic.

What Should the Survivor Expect

If you have any medical needs, you will be seen in the Emergency room prior to your forensic exam:

  • Consent, medical history & history of events will be documented.
  • Cotton swabs will be used for evidence collection based on your history.
  • Photographs may be taken of any injuries related to the assault.
  • Females may receive a speculum exam if needed based on history of the assault
  • Anoscope exam maybe needed, based on history of the assault
  • Blood and Urine will be collected if needed based on history
  • STI/HIV testing and treatment will be done if needed based on your history
  • Pregnancy testing and emergency contraception will be offered based on your history
  • Patient advocacy, social services, and pharmacy will also be available during your visit.

For Strangulation Survivors

Due to the extreme danger of strangulation, you may be seen in the Emergency room prior to your forensic exam. The Emergency Room visit may be billed to your insurance. Specific photographs of your neck, eyes, ears, and throat may be taken. Neck measurement documentation, Safety planning, and danger assessment documentation, if needed.

Health Care Provider Resources

How to care for a patient that was sexually assaulted:

  • Start by believing the survivor.
  • Be patient.
  • Prior to the Forensic exam, preserve evidence by not allowing shower, bathe, eating or utilize cleansing cloths.
  • If they change into a hospital gown, place their clothing in a paper bag for evidence preservation.
  • Do not ask your patient what occurred if it is not medically necessary.

If you have any questions, please contact the Safe Clinic (951) 486-5514.

Patient Resources

Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center

For support in Hemet and San Jacinto, please contract REACH:

Cahuilla Consortium

SAFE-T database Portal

Superior Court of California; County of Riverside  

Riverside Superior Court Self-help Services

Family Justice Centers you can expect a private consultation with a confidential victim advocate, who will serve as your guide to help you identify services and options that meet your needs; they provide advocacy and support services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child/elder abuse and services for youth who are at risk.

California Victim Compensation Board work to reduce the impact of crime on victims’ lives. They reimburse crime-related expenses, connect victims with services and support, and do all they can to inform and empower victims.

 

VINE is a free, secure, and confidential way to access custody status and criminal case information. Register for notifications and stay informed.

My Plan

            https://myplanapp.org/

2-1-1

  • Provides assistance in connecting people with important community resources and volunteer opportunities in Riverside County. 2-1-1 also provides callers with information about, and referrals to, health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. 

Alternatives to Domestic Violence is a private, nonprofit organization serving western Riverside County, California, with a range of services aimed at breaking the cycle of physical and emotional violence within families and the wider community.

Start by Believing:

Frequent Asked Questions FAQ

How long does a Forensic exam take?

Expect to be at the hospital for 2-4 hours, depending on the exam and extent of injuries.

How do I get the results of my Forensic Exam (Rape Kit)?

Your kit may take 4 months or more to be resulted, you would receive the information from the law enforcement agency that took the report.

To track your forensic evidence kit, contact the California Department of Justice Victims’ Services Unit at 877-433-9069, by email at victimservices@doj.ca.gov or visit the Department of Justice SAFE-T database portal at: https://kitstatus.doj.ca.gov/.

How do I know if my assailant is in custody?

If you know their name, you can obtain this information on: Vinklink.vineapps.com/state/CA

How can I plan to keep myself safe?

MyPlan helps people determine if an intimate relationship is unsafe and if so, develop an action plan for safety. Download the app myPlanApp.org

What to do if you or someone you know are a victim of human trafficking?
  • Riverside Human Trafficking taskforce at 855-758-3733
  • Not in Riverside County? Call the national human trafficking hotline at:  888-373-7888
What should I do if I am a victim of a sexual assault?
  • Go to a safe place.
  • Seek medical attention if needed.
  • In an effort to preserve evidence, if possible, DO NOT: Change clothing, take a shower, wipe or clean dried blood, and don’t put on make up to cover injury.
  • Notify the police or come to the hospital.
What should I do after my Forensic exam?
  • Do not speak to your attacker.
  • Take some time to care for yourself.
  • Contact the advocate center for counseling and other resources.
  • Riverside Area Rape Crisis: (951) 686-7273
  • REACH (833) 475-8326 (San Jacinto / Hemet)
  • Contact the law enforcement agency where you reported for case updates.
  • The forensic nurse set up a follow up phone call with you during your exam. Between now and then if you think of any questions write them down.
 What if I was strangled but I do not want a Forensic exam?
  • Effects of being strangled can manifest up to 7 days after the assault
  • Lack of exterior injury does not mean there is no internal injury
  • We encourage you to go to the RUHS Emergency Department and tell them you were strangled so they can follow the strangulation protocol to ensure you are medically safe.
  • Recent patients have had a stroke, a carotid artery dissection, and a brain aneurysm– none of which would have been found without RUHS following the Strangulation Protocol
  • Studies show that if a victim of domestic abuse is strangled, the chances of being killed by their abuser increases by 700%