Get Help Now
If someone has hurt you or someone you love, get to a safe place quickly.
If possible, call 911 or our local hotline.
1-800-7WE-CARE
(793-2273)
If you have been sexually assaulted
Consider Your Options
When did the assault happen?
When it comes to a forensic medical exam, the sooner it is conducted, the more—and higher quality—evidence can be collected.​​​
Less than 120 Hours (5 days) ago
There is still a chance to collect DNA evidence. Call the police where the assault occurred. The police will escort you to the nearest hospital with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program or other appropriate facility if major trauma is involved.
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Over 120 Hours (5 days) ago
​Even if the window for a forensic exam has passed, medical attention may still be an important step if you are experiencing bleeding, physical discomfort or any other abnormal symptoms. Although they cannot collect forensic evidence, you can still file a police report if you so desire.
Survivors who choose to undergo a forensic medical examination at a hospital are entitled to have a state-certified advocate accompany them. The Crisis Center of Southeast Texas provides this service 24/7 at no cost. Our trained advocates are dispatched as soon as we are notified by the hospital that a survivor has arrived or is en route. Advocates remain present throughout the exam, offering emotional support and critical information to the survivor, as well as to any accompanying friends or family members.
Reporting & Non-Reporting Options
Adults
For individuals over the age of 18 who arrive in the 120 hour window, please note that there is a Non-Report option. This option does not involve the police in any way. Victims who choose this option are able to complete the medical exam and the forensic evidence exam with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. The evidence potentially collected in the forensic evidence exam will be stored for 5 years, in case the victim decides to make a corresponding police report.
Minors
For minors (anyone younger than 18) who have been sexually assaulted, the incident MUST be reported to law enforcement under Texas’ mandatory reporting laws.
Hospitals have mandatory reporting obligations for victims who are under the age of 18, over 60, or disabled. Please call the hotline 800-793-2273 to find out more.