Sexual Assault Response

After a physical or sexual assault, some medical concerns may not immediately be apparent, such as internal injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or pregnancy.

Consider obtaining an exam to protect yourself; emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy and antibiotics can help with infections.

Campus Health offers a variety of options for services for sexual assault survivors, and will let the survivor decide which options they would like to pursue. 

Campus Health has Nurse Practitioners and a Registered Nurse trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) on staff and available between 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F. These providers are specially trained to provide as much choice as possible in the care of survivors. Survivors may choose no services, treatment without exam, treatment and exam but no evidence collected, evidence collection but no treatment, or evidence collection with an exam and treatment.

SANE providers are trained to offer and provide if desired:

• Options for medical care and reporting
• Evidence collection with a sexual assault evidence collection kit
• Testing and screenings
• Medication prescriptions for prevention of infections and pregnancy 
• Coordination of services within Campus Health and/or the community and state.
• Connection to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) providers who can provide confidential emotional support to survivors of sexual assault.

Whichever options the survivor requests - even if that's no treatment - Campus Health will provide information about services available and recommend two follow up appointments, one within a few days and one within a few weeks. 

Any student who is eligible for health care services at Campus Health may be seen for sexual assault services. For those who are not eligible for Campus Health care, we encourage you to contact the Orange Country Rape Crisis Center for options and support.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are available at Campus Health Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

You may do the following:

• Call Campus Health 919-966-2281 and speak with a health advice nurse
• Go to UNC Hospitals Emergency Department where specially trained nurses are available to give immediate care. Survivors are then referred back to Campus Health for follow-up with one of the Campus Health Gynecology SANEs.

Through the Student Government Survivors Assistance Fund, monies are available to help offset medical and mental health expenses incurred by survivors of a sexual assault. These funds are available to survivors who are eligible for health care services at Campus Health. This fund covers medical procedures/treatments, medication prescribed including HIV prophylaxis, mental health services and specialty services if indicated. For more information visit safe.unc.edu. 

You can also read the University Policy on Sexual Assault.