FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS

SEEKING MEDICAL CARE

Why Do I Need Medical Care?
If your rape occurred within the last 48 hours, and if you are willing to make a report to the police, you can receive medical treatment at your local hospital emergency room and have that visit paid for by the State of Arkansas. If the rape occurred more than 48 hours ago, it is still very important for you to seek medical attention. The following information focuses most intensively on the hospital emergency room visit, however, there is relevant information for anyone seeking medical treatment at any time following the assault (for minors, there is no time limitation if the examination is required in the opinion of the examining physician).

It Is Important To Seek Medical Care For Several Reasons:

1. Evaluation and possible treatment for physical injuries you may or may not be aware of.

2. Evaluation and possible treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy. (Medications may be given to prevent some sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Hormone prescriptions for pregnancy prevention must be taken within 72 hours of the rape. Please discuss any medical information in this booklet with your physician).

3. Collection of evidence for possible future legal proceedings. Evidence should be collected as soon as possible, within 48 hours. In some instances evidence may still he collected within 72 hours of the rape. A decision about whether or not to file charges can be made later, but you will only have this very time-limited opportunity to collect evidence. Without physical evidence, legal cases are often weakened.

Before Seeking Medical Attention At The Hospital Emergency Room:

1. If possible, contact someone who can accompany you to the hospital or meet you there--a friend, family member, rape crisis volunteer, or police officer.

2. Do not shower, bathe, douche, eat, drink, smoke, clean up, urinate, or change your clothes, as this will destroy evidence. If you have already changed, place the clothes that you were wearing in a paper bag and bring to the hospital. If you must urinate let the nurse know as soon as possible so she can collect the specimen. If you have already done any of these things, evidence may still be collected. Don't assume that all evidence has been destroyed.

3. Take an extra set of clothes with you to the hospital. The clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault may be collected as evidence. Your ORCC advocate will provide you with clothing if needed.

What Can I Expect From The Doctors And Nurses?

  • Prompt and courteous attention.
  • Answers to your questions.
  • Explanations of the procedures as they are being done.
  • Choices regarding the exam and treatment.

What Will The Exam Be Like?
The medical examination will include the following:

1. Medical history--information regarding your general health and gynecological history will be obtained; this information helps to guide the physical exam and treatment measures.

2. Physical examination--a systematic and thorough general examination will be done to check for physical injury. The examination will also include some laboratory tests.

3. The sexual assault examination includes a pelvic and rectal exam.

4. Treatment--after being examined, the physician will discuss the findings and treatment options available to you.

What Will Be Asked Of Me?
You will be asked to:

  • Sign consent for examination.
  • Sign consent for collection and release of evidence.
  • Disrobe and put on a hospital gown.
  • Respond to questions to the best of your ability.
  • Give permission to call a rape crisis for advocate support (you may decline the offer if you so choose).

What Are My Rights?
As a patient you have the right to:

  • Refuse any part or all of the evidence collection exam and still receive treatment for possible STD's and/or pregnancy.
  • Call your personal physician to attend to you or to ask for another doctor or nurse (although this could result in lengthy delays).
  • Privacy during the medical exam and evidence collection, including the exclusion of law enforcement officers. You may choose to include or exclude any of the following persons; family members, a friend, or your ORCC advocate.
  • An explanation of each test and procedure.
  • Strict medical confidentiality.
  • Reimbursement for rape related medical expenses may be available as long as the rape is reported to law enforcement agencies and a medical examination and treatment occur within 48 hours of the rape. ORCC can assist you with the claims process.
  • Examine and/or receive an explanation of the bill incurred, regardless of the source of payment.
  • Gentleness and sensitivity during your medical examination.
  • Feeling the normal reactions of fear, confusion and anxiety.

HOW WILL I PAY FOR THE HOSPITAL VISIT?
Under Arkansas law (through the Sexual Assault Examination and Reimbursement Program), rape victims may have the following medical expenses paid for by the state if the following criteria are met:

Conditions For Reimbursement:
1. Rape is reported to law enforcement officials before or while at the hospital; the rape only has to be reported -charges do not have to be filed.
2. Medical examination/treatment occurs within 48 hours of the assault.