Exams for Assault Survivors

It can be hard to know what to do, how to feel or what your options are after an assault. At UM Charles Regional Medical Center, we offer examination for all survivors of sexual assault, domestic and interpersonal violence, nonfatal strangulation and child or vulnerable adult abuse.

We are here to ensure you are cared for after an assault, that your care is conducted in a private manner, you are safe and that your needs are addressed.

This service is a way to document your injuries, collect potential evidence of an assault and get recommendations for the most appropriate care. The complete evaluation includes:

• A physical exam
• Treatment and evaluation of any injuries
• Referrals for community-based services - survivor advocacy, counseling and court accompaniment as needed

At UM Charles Regional Medical Center, we offer assault survivor examination services for all ages. You can choose to participate in all of our services or only the parts that you are comfortable participating in. No law enforcement involvement is required when receiving care from our specially trained team. 

Location:
ER at UM Charles Regional Medical Center | La Plata | 301-609-4160

Steps Following an Assault

Time is of the essence. The sooner you present yourself to the emergency department for an exam after an assault, the better. If it is at all possible, please refrain from doing the following:

• Using the bathroom
• Changing clothes
• Bathing or showering
• Eating or drinking
• Brushing your teeth

Even if you have done any of these things, it is still important for you to be evaluated.

For Sexual Assault Survivors

As a part of the sexual assault survivor's exam, you will be offered testing for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and HIV. Preventative medications for STDs will be offered to all sexual assault survivors. Preventative medications for pregnancy and HIV can also be offered in many cases to our sexual assault survivors, but there are timeframe limitations for these medications to be a treatment option.

Follow-Up Clinic 

A follow up clinic appointment is offered to our sexual assault survivors to repeat STD, HIV and pregnancy testing as well as to reevaluate any injuries or social needs you may have.