Medical Attention

Medical Attention and the Sexual Assault Exam

If you are involved in an incident of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct, we encourage you to get a sexual assault medical exam and have other injuries documented, whether or not you know your assailant. You may decide later what actions, if any, you wish to take. Receiving medical services in no way obligates you to proceed further.

A sexual assault medical exam is:

  • confidential and free;
  • preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and evidence collection, if sought; and
  • conducted by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) who is a registered nurse with advanced training and certification in conducting sexual assault exams.

Berklee Public Safety can be called for emergency transportation to a hospital for emergency medical attention: 617-747-8888

We recommend the following SANE-supported hospitals:

  • Massachusetts General Hospital: 617-724-4100
  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital: 617-732-5636
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: 617-754-2450
  • Boston Medical Center: 617-414-4075

In preparation for the medical exam:

  • preserve all physical evidence of the assault (including clothes you were wearing) and bring to the medical exam in separate paper bags;
  • do not bathe until after the medical exam; if you have bathed, you may still receive medical care and an exam; and
  • save any texts, phone messages, or other communications from the accused.

Preserving evidence does not obligate you to pursue a criminal complaint or a disciplinary hearing in the future. 

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) has a medical advocacy team that works to provide comfort to survivors throughout the medical examination process by sharing knowledge, offering empowering support, helping survivors talk with medical staff, and ensuring that they have next steps and referrals. Visit the BARCC website to learn more about what to expect during a medical examination and/or evidence collection following a sexual assault, as well as how to contact a BARCC medical advocate: barcc.org/help/services/ma.