We start by believing
We have adopted Start by Believing, a public awareness campaign designed to improve response to sexual assault in our communities. Knowing how to respond to disclosure of sexual assault is critical and our staff have received training.
If you were sexually assaulted or are unsure whether you were, please call us at 734-764-8320. Options include:
- A sexual assault exam with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) that includes evidence collection
- A sexual assault exam with a clinician who can talk with you about what kinds of services you may need, e.g. testing and preventive care for sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy, etc.
About the exam
- The exam is best done as soon as possible after the assault and must be done at least 120 hours (5 days) after the assault, the time limit for evidence collection.
- Please call ahead at 734-764-8320 so we can prepare for your visit and make you as comfortable as possible.
- There is no charge for the exam. Anyone affiliated with U-M is eligible for the exam at UHC.
- Reporting the assault to law enforcement and collecting evidence is your choice. If you decide you do not want to report or collect evidence, you are still eligible for an exam and treatment. You also can wait to decide about reporting for up to three years, but you will need to make a decision to collect evidence at the time of the exam.
- If you are interested in evidence collection, please try to refrain from activities listed below. However, we understand that these recommendations may be difficult to follow and you should do what you feel is best to take care of yourself.
- Refrain from washing or bathing.
- Refrain from eating or drinking.
- Refrain from urinating.
- Refrain from changing clothes (bring new clothes to wear after the exam), or if you do change, bring your old clothes to the exam for collection.
- If you have already done any of the above, you are still eligible for evaluation, treatment and evidence collection if desired.
- Going to UHC may be more convenient and more familiar for you than seeking care in the hospital emergency department. However, we are not able to offer these exams on weekends or after hours. Please go to the U-M emergency department or wait until UHC is open.
- If you were drinking or using other drugs, you will NOT get in legal trouble. Individuals seeking health care for sexual assault are protected under Medical Amnesty in the State of Michigan.
- We can arrange for a trained advocate to be present to help you make the best decisions for yourself. If you are a U-M student, faculty or staff, your advocate would be from Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC). For anyone else, your advocate would be from SafeHouse Center.
- The exam can collect evidence that may be used in legal processes, if you choose. Reporting the assault to law enforcement is your choice.
- You can have an exam and treatment without reporting.
- You also can decide later if you would like to report. If evidence is collected, it will be retained for three years.
- In compliance with the Clery Act, colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs are required to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information. These reports do not include identifying information.
U-M Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC)
- Housed within Student Life, SAPAC is a close partner of UHC around sexual assault prevention and survivor support
- SAPAC offers free, confidential support and advocacy services for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment
- Services available for University of Michigan students, faculty, and staff
- Located on the 4th floor of the Michigan Union
- Provide both virtual and in-person services Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Make an appointment by calling (734) 764-7771 or filling out an appointment request form
- For urgent crisis matters, contact 24-hour crisis line at (734) 936-3333
- Visit sapac.umich.edu for more information