HEART Project (Sexual Violence Recovery)

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical attention, call 911.

• If you have been sexually assaulted, you could benefit from receiving a medical
  forensic exam performed by a forensic nurse.
  
  
  • A forensic nurse is a nurse or nurse practitioner with specialized training in treating patients who have experienced sexual assault and other forms of interpersonal violence.
    
    
  • A medical forensic exam includes a physical exam, evaluation for risk of
    sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, and prophylactic
    treatment, as indicated.
    
    
    • A medical forensic exam can also include evidence collection, if you wish.
      
      • If you choose, a sexual assault evidence collection kit (SAEK) may be also performed by a forensic nurse during your medical forensic exam. Collection of the SAEK includes talking about the assault to the extent needed to perform the exam and collect specimens, assessing and documenting injuries including photo documentation, swabbing the skin, collecting clothing, and taking blood and urine samples, when indicated.
  • If you would like to have a SAEK performed during your sexual assault health
    exam:
    
    • Seek care as soon as possible after the assault. Some medical
      interventions following sexual assault are time sensitive. Whether
      you seek care at an emergency facility or the Student Health
      Center, we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible. We are here to help.
      
      
    •  To the extent possible, avoid changing your clothes (including any undergarments), removing feminine hygiene products (such as pads or tampons), showering, brushing your teeth, drinking liquids, or eating food, as these steps may remove potential evidence.
      
      
    •  Even if you have already removed clothes, showered, etc.,
      evidence may still be present and you can still choose to have a
      SAEK performed during your health exam.

You are in complete control of which aspects of the SAEK are performed. You can also choose to begin the exam and then stop at any time. Our forensic nurses are dedicated to respecting your decisions about your healthcare and your body.

• If it has been less than 5 days since you were assaulted, seek care at the seek care at
  the USA Health Freestanding Emergency Department. Services are available 24/7.
  
  • 181 Hillcrest Road Mobile, Alabama 36608
  • (251) 341-3800

 

• If it has been more than 5 days since you were assaulted, seek care at the Student
  Health Center during regular hours of operation. Walk-in appointments are available,
  or you can schedule an appointment.
  
  Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  Closed Saturday, Sunday and school holidays

• Whatever the situation or circumstances, you will have an advocate on your side to guide you through resolution and recovery. Advocates provide emotional support and resources, attend meetings and hearings, and assist in coordinating services (i.e., filing a police report, medical treatment, academic assistance, alternate housing assignment, counseling services, etc.).
  
  
• Upon obtaining care from HEART at the Student Health Center, a patient liaison will
  contact an advocate who will meet you at the Student Health Center to provide
  support and help you navigate next steps in your recovery.
  
  
• You can also contact a support advocate without seeking care at the Student Health Center. Advocates are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week by calling 251- 460-7151 (during regular office hours) or (251) 753-5440 (after office hours).

Upon obtaining care from HEART at the Student Health Center, you will be offered the option of reporting your experience to law enforcement. Filing a report with the police is optional. If you choose to report to police, a HEART team member will assist you in contacting the USA Police or contact the USA Police on your behalf with your permission. An officer trained in responding to reports of sexual assault will respond and meet with you at the Student Health Center, if you wish. An advocate will be with you each step of the way and available to offer support while you file a police report.

You can also choose to file a report with law enforcement without seeking care at the Student Health Center by either calling the USA Police at (251) 460-6312 or by using the LiveSafe app. Download the app.

If the incident occurred off campus, you can file a report with the Mobile Police Department. USA Police can assist you in filing a report with the Mobile Police Department, even if the assault occurred off campus.

Remember, advocates and other members of HEART are available to assist you in filing a report with law enforcement and navigating the legal process.

Upon obtaining medical forensic care, you will be offered the option of reporting your
experience to law enforcement. Filing a report with the police is optional. If you choose to report to police, a forensic nurse or advocate will assist you in contacting the USA Police or contact the USA Police on your behalf with your permission. An officer trained in responding to reports of sexual assault will respond and meet with you, if you wish. An advocate will be with you each step of the way and available to offer support while you file a police report.

You can also choose to file a report with law enforcement without seeking care at the Student Health Center by either calling the USA Police at (251) 460-6312 or by using the LiveSafe app.  Download the app.

If the incident occurred off campus, you can file a report with the Mobile Police Department. USA Police can assist you in filing a report with the Mobile Police Department, even if the assault occurred off campus.

Remember, advocates and other members of HEART are available to assist you in filing a report with law enforcement and navigating the legal process.