Program Overview
The SAFE Clinic provides a variety of exams intended to help survivors of sexual and physical assault. The exams are voluntary and conducted at no cost to the patient.
Services
Sexual Assault Examination (SART) exam
This is exam is intended for individuals who have been forced, coerced or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity. This could include marital, partner, date or acquaintance rape; incest; child sexual assault; statutory rape; ritual abuse; or sexual exploitation. Survivors of sexual assault can have a SART exam within 120 hours (five days) from the time of assault. Pregnancy tests, prophylaxis medication and tests for sexually transmitted infections are provided at no cost. Survivors are connected with advocates from community groups who provide support and assist with any questions they may have.
Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA) / Restricted Reporting Exams
Survivors of sexual assault who do not want to report the incident can participate in a restricted reporting exam. These exams can be conducted up to 120 hours (five days) after the assault. Pregnancy tests, prophylaxis medication and tests for sexually transmitted infections are provided at no cost. Survivors are connected with community group advocates.
Forensic Assault Examination (FAX)
A physical assault survivor can request a Forensic Assault Examination (FAX), where forensic evidence is collected, up to 120 hours (five days) from the time of assault. Survivors of this kind of assault are also connected with advocates.
Domestic Assault Forensic Examination
A domestic violence survivor can have this type of exam conducted up to 120 hours (five days) from the time of the assault and the SAFE team provides community and legal resources to help survivors.
How the SAFE Clinic Responds to Strangulation
Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of violence. Unconsciousness can occur within seconds and death within minutes. When perpetrators choke (strangle) their victims, not only is this felonious assault, but it may be an attempted homicide. Strangulation is an ultimate form of power and control where the batterer can demonstrate control over the victim’s next breath. It can have devastating psychological effects or a potentially fatal outcome.
- Riverside University Health System – Medical Center is one of the only hospitals in the region with established strangulation protocol to ensure patients are medically safe.
- Recent patients have had a stroke, a carotid artery dissection, and a brain aneurysm – none of these would have been found without RUHS following the protocol.
- The impacts of strangulation can manifest up to seven days after the assault.
- Lack of exterior injury does not mean that internal injuries are not present.
How to Get Support
Contact the SAFE Clinic at (951)486-5514 to inquire about services.