Sexual Assault Program

In Vermont, no matter where you are, no matter who you are... if you have been forced or pressured into having sex, you have the right to free services.

Get Tested. Get Treated. Time Counts...

It is important to seek medical treatment right away. This is because some treatments work best when used as early as possible, and some only work within a certain time period.

HIV: Get screened within 48 hours. During your medical exam, the S.A.N.E. can have you screened for risk of exposure to HIV from the assault. You may be given medication to prevent HIV infection and referred to a local infectious disease specialist. These drugs are powerful, and you must be medically supported for at least 6 weeks while taking them. The medications, treatment and follow-up care are fully paid for. Your insurance is never billed.

STDs: Get screened within 72 hours. The drugs are most effective when taken immediately.

Pregnancy: Get treated within 72 hours. A S.A.N.E can provide you with an emergency contraceptive to avoid pregnancy as a result of sexual violence.

Mental Health Counseling. The Sexual Assault Program at the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services will pay for up to 20 mental health counseling sessions for a victim of sexual violence.

Please contact (802) 241-1250 x 104 for more information.

Need help now?

Call this 24 hour hotline to speak anonymously to a real person

1-800-489-7273

Your Health Matters!

If you are a victim of sexual assault, the Sexual Assault Program of VCCVS can provide you with financial resources for the following services:

Sexual Assault Examination
Screening for sexual transmitted infections (STI) and prophylaxis
Pregnancy testing
Treatment for injuries from the sexual assault
2 follow-up medical care visits
Mental health counseling (up to 20 visits)

At No Financial Cost to You!

If you are under the ae of 18, the sexual assault will be reported to the VT Dept. of Children and Families. If you over the age of 18, the sexual assault does NOT have to be reported to the police.

You have the right...

... to a free medical exam.

After unwanted or forced sex, you might have been hurt in ways that aren't immediately obvious. Even though you may be scared, or feeling other confusing emotions, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You don't have to go to a hospital, but it is highly recommended that the initial exam be done by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (S.A.N.E.). S.A.N.E.s are only available through hospital emergency rooms. You do not have to have health insurance, or give health insurance information to get this exam.

... to request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (S.A.N.E) at the hospital.

A S.A.N.E. can check for injuries that may not be obvious and can perform the medical exam. They can also perform the forensic exam for evidence collection, if you choose to have one. S.A.N.E.s are trained in the medical treatment of sexual violence and will inform you of your options and rights. If a SANE is not available, you can request a care provider of your preferred gender.

... to request an Advocate.

An Advocate is a person who can help you figure out your options, inform you of your rights and provide you with support. You can call 1-800-489-7273 to talk with an Advocate before you decide to go to the hospital, or you can request an Advocate once you arrive at the emergency room or health care center. Everything you say to an Advocate is confidential.

... to a forensic exam for evidence collection.

If you chose to have this exam, the hospital (usually Emergency Room) collect evidence that may be on your clothes and body. Going to the hospital immediately after the assault will help provide the best evidence against the assailant. Try not to eat, drink, wash or change your clothes. If you do change, bring the clothes you were wearing in a paper bag.

... to free follow-up medical care.

In the following weeks, you can get free follow-up exams, including evaluation and testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) at a clinic of your choice. You have the right to privacy during the exam and follow-up care.

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