Emergency Care for Sexual Assault Survivors

Each survivor of sexual assault is unique in their feelings and the way they respond to trauma. At UM Shore Regional Health, an experienced team of nurses are trained to respond to the needs of all survivors of sexual violence.

Members of the UM SRH’s Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) Program consider the physical and emotional effects of your trauma to re-empower and assist you in beginning your healing process. Care is provided at UM SRH's emergency departments in Cambridge, Chestertown, Easton and Queenstown; in a safe, confidential environment at no cost to the patient. This exam is a way to confidentially document injuries and collect evidence of sexual assault. 

The complete evaluation includes:

• A physical exam
• Evidence collection
• Treatment and evaluation of any injuries
• In-person advocacy

Steps Following an Assault

Time is of the essence. The sooner you present 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.

STD and HIV Testing

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

For survivors interested in HIV testing, you will be given a referral to speak with your PCP, a clinic or the health department.

Locations

Emergency Center at UM Shore Regional Health at Cambridge | 443-225-7501

ER at UM Shore Medical Center - Chestertown | 410-778-3300

ER at UM Shore Medical Center - Easton | 410-822-1000

UM Shore Emergency Center - Queenstown | 410-827-3900

Consent and Confidentiality

Your exam is completely confidential and you are allowed to opt-out of any part of the exam. Survivors ages 13 to 18 may consent to an exam without a parent's consent. Survivors ages 12 and under should have a parent or guardian present.

Evidence is held up to 75 years should you ever want to make a report at a later time.