Sexual Assault Support
If you need help, please call our 24-hour Hotline: 205-323-7273
Our Rape Response and SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) programs work together to address the needs of survivors through medical-forensic examinations, counseling, advocacy, legal advocacy, and community education.
A SANE is an experienced Registered Nurse with specialized training to perform ethical, compassionate, and objective medical-forensic examinations. Often, this includes evidence collection, preventative medications, STI testing, and referrals. SANE’s provide non-judgmental, patient-centered, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, high-quality care to all survivors of sexual violence. The Crisis Center has a SANE on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Rape Response advocates are available to accompany survivors of sexual violence during the medical-forensic examination at the SANE facility or the hospital, to the police station, and to court. Advocates provide emotional support and objective, knowledgeable intervention on behalf of the survivor, making sure they have the necessary information about each system to make critical decisions. The advocate provides individualized support to ensure that the survivor’s rights are upheld. If a client wishes to file a police report, the advocate will support them throughout the law enforcement and criminal justice proceedings.
Our Rape Response program offers services for the families, friends, partners, or spouses of survivors; prevention education programs to schools, civic organizations and other public groups; and information and referrals to other services in your area.
While sexual harm can impact anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, certain populations that are at higher risk: college-age women, people in the LGBTQ+ community, people with limited English proficiency, and people with disabilities, for example. We strive to be a safe and affirming space for all people.
- When seeking Rape Response/SANE services, please let us know if you require any accommodations.
- We offer real-time translation services.
- You may choose to share your pronouns, and we will use your chosen name, if different from your legal name.
- We will never ask you invasive questions about your sexual identity or consensual sexual activities, and survivors may choose how much or how little to disclose about their sexuality and gender identity.
You are not alone. We’re here to help.
If I call, who will talk to me?
Our 24-hour hotline is answered by trained staff of the Crisis Center and Rape Response program. With each call, the needs of the caller are assessed and appropriate referrals are made.
When can I use Rape Response services?
- Some survivors of sexual violence go months or years without reporting their rape or seeking medical attention. Individuals often contact Rape Response when they do decide to seek help in dealing with their assault. Our Rape Response program provides trauma-informed support for survivors throughout the healing process, including short-term crisis counseling, referrals to community resources, and a safe, compassionate link to the criminal justice system through legal advocacy and SANE services.
What are the requirements to use SANE services?
- Generally, the assault must have occurred within the past 72 hours. Exceptions can be made under certain circumstances on a case-by-case basis up to 120 hours. Preventative medications can be given within 5 days of the assault. You must be at least 14 years old. Clients younger than 14 are seen at Children’s of Alabama. You must be medically stable (nothing broken, no uncontrolled bleeding or other serious injuries or medical concerns). Those who are medically unstable or pregnant must be seen in the hospital by our SANE. We will coordinate with your medical team and perform the exam in your hospital room.
Why should I call Rape Response/SANE instead of just going to an emergency room?
The SANE program provides individualized care in a secure, comfortable, private facility away from the busy emergency room. By utilizing our facility, the amount of time spent waiting for a medical-forensic examination can be reduced significantly, as you are our sole focus. Every survivor will be accompanied by a Rape Response advocate who is there to support you every step of the way. The SANE will perform a head-to-toe physical exam, collect DNA evidence, document injuries, administer preventative medications for STIs and pregnancy, test for STIs and pregnancy, make individualized referrals, and help connect you with other healthcare providers, as needed. It is best to have the exam as soon as possible after the assault. You do not have to file a police report to have an exam.
Do I have to pay for SANE services?
- No, all of our services are free. The Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission pays for the examination. You may also be eligible for reimbursement of other expenses incurred from the assault. Your Rape Response advocate will help you with this process.
Do I have to make an appointment to see a SANE?
- Please call the Rape Response hotline at 205-323-7273 if you are in need of SANE services.
What will happen when I arrive at the SANE facility?
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- The survivor, along with any friends/family, and law enforcement (if filing a police report), are received at our secure facility. The Rape Response advocate will meet you on arrival and is there to support you. They will answer any questions you have about the exam process and will remain with you the entire time. Once you are ready, the interview will begin. The interview is designed to gather basic demographic and health information, obtain your consent, and listen to your story of what happened during the assault. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and make individualized choices about the exam process. Once the interview is complete, the client, advocate, and SANE will move to the exam room. Our exam room is equipped with state-of-the-art evidence collection equipment that is not available in local emergency rooms. Our equipment provides the maximum level of comfort and privacy for survivors. After the exam, preventative medications are administered along with individualized discharge and follow-up planning. You will have the option to shower and brush your teeth. New clothing will be offered to you regardless of whether you choose to submit your clothing as evidence or not. Once you are ready to leave, the advocate will ensure that you get to a safe place. The Rape Response staff will follow-up with you within 72 hours of your visit, unless otherwise requested. Individual counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and medical follow-up appointments are discussed to aid in your healing process.
Are you interested in counseling, legal advocacy, or support groups?
Please use this form to contact Rape Response staff if you are interested in counseling, legal advocacy, or support groups. This contact form should NOT be used for emergencies or immediate needs. If you are experiencing an emergency or have an immediate need, please call our 24 hour hotline at 205-323-7273 or 1-800-656-HOPE. Learn more about our support groups HERE.
National Sexual Assault Legal Hotline
567-SHATTER is the free national legal hotline for all victims of sexual harassment, assault, and rape to access a reputable legal team to learn their options for justice. Directed by the Take Back The Night Foundation, the Hotline is staffed 24/7 by trauma-informed legal experts specializing in victim advocacy to best support victims when they call.
Hotline: 567-SHATTER (567-742-8837)
Funding for this project provided by DOJ, ADECA/LETS 15-VA-SA-029, SASP 15-SA-VS-001, ADPH, The United Way of Central Alabama and The Junior League of Birmingham.
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