Medical Attention and the Sexual Assault Exam
If you have been involved in an incident of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct, we encourage you to get a sexual assault medical exam and document any injuries you have sustained. Receiving medical services in no way obligates you to proceed further, but having documentation may be helpful if you decide to take action.
A sexual assault medical exam is:
- confidential;
- conducted by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) who is a registered nurse with advanced training and certification in conducting sexual assault exams;
- preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and evidence collection (if sought); and;
- free of charge.
For additional information, visit this page on Mass.gov.
In preparation for the medical exam:
- preserve all physical evidence of the assault (including clothes you were wearing) and bring to the medical exam in separate paper bags;
- do not bathe until after the medical exam; if you have bathed, you may still receive medical care and an exam; and
- save any texts, phone messages, or other communications from the accused.
Remember: preserving evidence does not obligate you to pursue a criminal complaint or a disciplinary hearing in the future.
We recommend the following SANE-supported hospitals in the Boston area (see further down this page for Berklee NYC and Valencia resources):
- Massachusetts General Hospital: 617-724-4100
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital: 617-732-5636
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: 617-754-2450
- Boston Medical Center: 617-414-4075
Please note: Tufts Medical Center is not a SANE-supported hospital.
Berklee Public Safety can provide emergency transportation to a hospital for emergency medical attention: 617-747-8888
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) has a medical advocacy team that works to provide comfort to survivors throughout the medical examination process by sharing knowledge, offering empowering support, helping survivors talk with medical staff, and ensuring that they have next steps and referrals. Visit the BARCC website to learn more about what to expect during a medical examination and/or evidence collection following a sexual assault, as well as how to contact a BARCC medical advocate: barcc.org/help/services/ma.
Berklee NYC Emergency Services
Berklee NYC
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams:
- Mount Sinai Beth Israel (1st Avenue at 16th St. location, 281 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003): 212-420-5632
- New York Presbyterian (Weill Cornell Campus, 525 E 68th St., New York, NY 10065): 212-746-9414; Emergency Department: 212-746-5026
- One Medical 5 Columbus Circle (5 Columbus Circle, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10019): 888-663-6331
From One Medical's website:
Immediately following a sexual assault, many survivors do not know exactly what they need to do, what care they need, where to go for help, or what services are available. That’s where our virtual care team comes in. Our virtual care team is available 24/7 to help guide a survivor through the next steps, establish a timeline for treatment, and connect them with the right resources, no matter what time of day. For instance, our providers can help someone determine whether they should go to the hospital for a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examination) exam, in which forensic evidence is collected, or come in for an in-office visit with their primary care provider. They can also explain what the SANE exam entails, point someone towards the right hospital to obtain these services, and even call the hospital ahead of time to let them know a patient is on the way. Likewise, if someone chooses to forgo a SANE exam, we can prescribe time sensitive medications right away and help a survivor book the next available in-office visit in order to get any additional medical care they need as soon as possible.
Berklee Valencia Emergency Services
Berklee Valencia
If a sexual assault occurs, the process is a little different in Spain than in the U.S. The assault first needs to be reported to the police or emergency services, and it is they who direct the student to a particular hospital (not always the same one) and then liaise with that hospital to ensure that there is a forensic doctor waiting when the individual gets there. One of the hospitals near campus is La Salud, which is located at C. del Dr. Manuel Candela, 41, Camins al Grau, 46021 Valencia.
- Emergency services (police, ambulance, fire) throughout Spain can be reached on 112.
Berklee Valencia Health and Wellness Support:
The number for Berklee Valencia Health and Wellness support is +34 960 130 131 (roaming permissions required for non-Spanish carriers). Through this number students will be able to access a number of health and wellness services. Specifically in situations of this nature, they will be able to reach out-of-hours and urgent mental health support from our on-call counselor (extension #1, available 24/7) and also reach a member of the Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion team (extension #5, also available 24/7).
