Sexual Assault Exam
& Evidence Collection Process
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault happens when you are forced into sexual contact against your will. It may be called a
variety of names including rape, incest, molestation, sexual violence, marital rape, date rape, or
others. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, at anytime, anywhere. It is not your fault.
Sexual Assault is a Crime
Perpetrators of sexual assault can be anyone; an acquaintance, date, relative, stranger, friend, or
spouse. Sexual assault is a crime of power, not lust, done to hurt and humiliate another.
Your Options
You have done the first thing to begin your recovery. You have come to a safe place, where people
are here to help. If you have any questions at anytime, someone is available to answer them.
Making decisions after a sexual assault is often upsetting and confusing. In addition to making
decisions about who to tell, you may be struggling with your medical and legal decisions. You have
the right to have someone of your choosing remain with you at all times during the law enforcement
questioning and the medical exam. A sexual assault advocate and a social worker will offer to speak
with you and the advocate can remain with you throughout your time here in the emergency
department.
Medical Treatment
If you choose to have a sexual assault examination and to have evidence collected, a nurse will ask
you some questions about the assault, some of which may be difficult. These questions may include:
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When was your last voluntary sexual contact?
Do you know the person who raped or sexually assaulted you?
Have you ever had consensual sex with this person before?
Had you been using drugs or alcohol?
Are you currently using birth control?
None of these questions are intended to imply that it is your fault. You are not to blame for this
assault. These questions help document the circumstances and events of the assault. They also help us
provide the best medical care for you.
After the paperwork is completed, a sexual assault nurse examiner or a doctor will begin the evidence
collection and medical exam, which can include:
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Asking you to undress. Your clothes may be kept as part of the evidence collection. If you did
not bring additional clothing to wear home, you may call a friend or family member to bring
clothing, or the hospital can supply you with replacement clothing to wear home.
Checking for injuries. Depending on your injuries, x-rays or photographs may be taken.
Because much of the evidence of the assault may be on your body, it is important that a broad
range of specimens is collected, including specimens from your fingernails, samples of pubic hair,
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swabbing the inside of your mouth, vagina for a woman or penis for a man, and anal area. These
are routine parts of the examination that occurs for every rape survivor.
A blood sample may be drawn.
The opportunity to discuss any concerns with the nurse or physician about pregnancy and
sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
The option to take medicine to prevent sexually transmitted infections (specifically for gonorrhea
and chlamydia) and to be screened for Emergency Contraception Pills.
Remember you can choose whether or not to have these services. You can change your mind at
anytime. If you have any questions at anytime, someone is available to assist you.
Legal Issues
In Ohio, the crime of sexual assault is a felony offense. The hospital staff is required by Ohio law to
call and inform law enforcement (police or sheriff) that a felony has taken place, however this can be
done without using your name if you so choose. We encourage you to talk with the police/sheriff so
that they will have on record the fact that this crime has taken place, however, this decision is yours.
Talking with the police/sheriff does not mean that you have to pursue prosecution (going to trial).
If you choose to report this crime to law enforcement, the police officer or detective may ask some of
the same questions that the medical staff asked as well as additional questions. They will need the
date, time, and location of the assault as well as other details of the crime. Some of these questions
may be difficult, however none of them are meant to imply the assault was your fault.
Remember, you have the right to decide if you want to speak with law enforcement. You also have
the right to have someone of your choosing remain with you during police/sheriff questioning. If
you choose to report the assault, any evidence collected will be turned over to the police/sheriff.
Payment
Neither you nor your health insurance will be billed for any costs associated with this sexual assault
evidence collection exam. However, additional medical treatment beyond the sexual assault exam
and forensic evidence collection will be billed to you or your health insurance. If your health
insurance does not cover this, you may be eligible for a refund through the Victims of Crime
Compensation Program (refer to the enclosed application for more details). If you receive a bill for
this exam, please call the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio at 614-566-4770 for
further assistance. If you have additional questions regarding payment, please call the Sexual Abuse
Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program of the Ohio Attorney General at 1-800-582-2877 or 614-4665610.
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Resources for Survivors
of Sexual Assault
Emergency
Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) 24-Hour Rape Helpline
If the Helpline is busy and you need immediate attention, call:
For immediate medical attention, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call
(614) 267-7020
(614) 566-5056
911
Sexual Assault
Columbus Police Department Sexual Abuse Squad
(614) 645-4701
Columbus Urban League (free support and education for African American clients)
(614) 257-6300
Mt. Carmel Crime & Trauma Assistance Program
(614) 234-5900
(free individual counseling & support groups for survivors of sexual assault & other crimes or traumas)
OSU Counseling and Consultation Services (free counseling services for OSU students)
(614) 292-5766
Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) (connects to nearest rape crisis line)
(800)656-4673
Sexual Violence Education and Support (SVES) - Student Wellness Center
(614)-292-4527
provides free long-term advocacy for OSU students and prevention education on campus)
Riverside Behavioral Health (24-Hour mental health services)
(614) 566-5056
Victim Witness Assistance Program – Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office
(614) 462-3555
Domestic Violence
CHOICES (24-Hour hotline, shelter for women and children; TTY # 224-4663)
Columbus Police Department
Turning Point (shelter for women & children, Marion County; TTY #740-383-1169)
(614) 224-4663
(614) 645-4545
(800) 232-6505
Child Sexual Abuse/Assault
Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center
Franklin County Children’s Services 24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline
Huckleberry House (shelter for teens; TTY# 294-8748)
Teen Line - Suicide Prevention Services 24-Hour Hotline
Affirmations (counseling; accepts private insurance-sliding scale)
(614) 722-3279
(614) 299-7000
(614) 294-5553
(614) 294-3300
(614) 445-8277
Financial Assistance
Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program (Toll-free at 1(877) 584-2846)
(614) 466-5610
Other Assistance
Asian American Community Services (support for Asian American clients)
Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization
(advocacy for gay/lesbian survivors; Toll-free at 1(866) 86-BRAVO)
Capital Care Women’s Center Inc. (pelvic exams, abortion, birth control)
Columbus Health Department (anonymous STD/HIV testing; TTY# 645-7041)
FirstLink 24-Hour Information & Referral Services (TTY# 341-2272)
Ohio AIDS, HIV and STD Hotline (9am-7pm) TTY # 1(800) DEAFTTY
Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio (Toll-free at 1(800) 230-PLAN
Senior Line - Suicide Prevention Services 24-Hour Hotline
Suicide Prevention Services 24-Hour Hotline
Women’s Outreach for Women
(support services for women, sensitive to needs of Latina & lesbian survivors)
(614) 220-4022
(614) 294-7867
(614) 268-2273
(614) 645-7772
(614) 221-2255
(800) 332-2437
(614) 224-2235
(614) 294-3309
(614) 221-5445
(614) 242-1284
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Resources for Survivors of Sexual
Assault Who are OSU Students,
Faculty or Staff
 OSU Medical Center Emergency Department
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293-8333
Grant Medical Center Emergency Department
566-9270
Riverside Methodist Hospital Emergency Department
566-5321
Doctor’s West Hospital Emergency Department
429-6050
Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Emergency Department
898-4000
Mount Carmel East Emergency Department
234-6030
Mount Carmel West Emergency Department
234-1862
Student Health Center
292-4321
Consider seeking medical attention and/or evidence collection by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
especially if the assault occurred within the last 72 hours. Accompaniment by a trained volunteer advocate who
can provide emotional support, crisis-intervention, and referrals is available at the emergency departments
listed above. Student Health Services at OSU can provide confidential information and services concerning
sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
OSU Police Department
292-2121
Columbus Police Department Sexual Abuse Squad
645-4701
Consider filing a report with the OSU Police Department if the assault occurred on campus. If the assault
occurred off-campus, you may contact the Columbus Police Department Sexual Abuse Squad or the local
police with jurisdiction. If you choose to speak with a police officer or detective, this does not mean that you
must pursue charges or that the case will go to trial. Please refer to the last page of this packet for the OSU
Police Department Survivor’s Rights Guarantee.
OSU Counseling and Consultation Service
292-5766
Faculty/Staff Assistance Program
292-4472
Free, confidential counseling services are available to students, faculty and staff at any time in the recovery
process.
 Student Judicial Affairs
292-0748
OSU has a disciplinary hearing process for incidents of sexual misconduct involving OSU students. This
process can be discussed with the Director of Student Judicial Affairs without filing a complaint.
 Sexual Violence Education and Support (SVES) - Student Wellness Center

292-4527
Located within RPAC, the Student Wellness Center provides a number of support services including:
advocacy for those who have/are experiencing sexual assault, stalking or relationship violence. Working
with SARNCO, SVES can provide support for those working with the criminal justice, judicial affairs
processes or any university issue/office, as well as those who use the Student Health Center. The Student
Wellness Center also provides anonymous HIV testing free, as well as other sexual health and wellness
issues.
OSU Student Advocacy Center
292-1111
This program can assist you with academic, housing, and financial concerns.
 The Office of International Education
292-6101
This office assists with incidents involving international students and scholars.
 24-Hour Rape Helpline
267-7020
Provided by the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio, this hotline can provide anonymous
support and information.
 Residence Halls
If you live in a residence hall, your hall director, assistant hall director, or residence advisor can assist in
identifying additional resources.
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Common Reactions,
Support Services, and
Follow-Up Care
Common Reactions
Sexual assault or rape can be one of the most painful and upsetting things that can happen in
someone’s life. You should not be surprised if your emotions bounce back and forth between
wanting to run away and wanting to harm the person(s) who has hurt you. Here is a list of common
feelings and reactions that teen and adult survivors of sexual violence have reported:
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Wondering “why me?”
Fear
Anger or rage
Numbness or emptiness
Stomach or headache
Difficulty sleeping
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Disbelief
Shame
Betrayal
Sense of loss
Loss of control
Nightmares
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Guilt
Inability to concentrate
Withdrawal
Panic
Reluctance to go to
school/work
You may find yourself constantly thinking about the sexual assault or refusing to think about it
at all. All of these feelings and reactions are normal. Give yourself permission to take as long
as you need to heal and recover and remember that no matter what the circumstances of your
sexual assault, it was not your fault.
Things You Can Do
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Breathe. When we get scared, we stop normal breathing. Try to relax and take deep breaths.
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Honor your experiences. Appreciate yourself and your strength for having survived.
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Be patient with yourself. It takes time to heal feelings and emotions.
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Reassure yourself. These feelings are natural. Many people who suffer from a trauma feel
this way.
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Address immediate concerns, particularly medical and legal issues. Identify all your
choices and options.
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Find healing helpers. Look for people (therapist, clergy, friends) who can guide, support,
and coach your healing.
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Go to a support group for survivors. Survivors are wonderful allies. It is very powerful to
share your healing journey with others who understand what you are going through.
Contact your local rape crisis center for a support group nearest you.
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Educate yourself about sexual assault. Read books or contact your local rape crisis center to
get information about the common myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual assault.
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Be aware of people and places that make you feel unsafe.
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Seek help in creating a safety plan that addresses your needs and concerns. Advocates of
the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) at the Emergency
Department or on the 24-Hour Rape Helpline (614-267-7020) can help you to develop a
safety plan that feels comfortable to you. Below are some things to consider when safetyplanning:
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Brainstorm what options are available to you if confronted by a violent/abusive
person in each room of your home, your work place, and even your car. Is there
a room with a lock on the door that you could run to? Is there a phone you could
take with you?
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What are things in each room of your home or your work place that you could
use to buy some time (items you could throw, things you could use to hit the
violent/abusive person with) until you could get away?
Is it possible to put additional or new locks or dead-bolt locks in your home? Ask
the advocate at the Emergency Department or on the 24-Hour Rape Helpline
(614-267-7020) for information about locks that can be obtained free of charge.
What options do you have to draw attention to a violent situation? If at home, is
there a neighbor you could alert? Can you set up some signal, for example, four
knocks on a shared wall means call 9-1-1? Could you have a code word that
would mean, “don’t leave,” if you were out with friends and did not want to be
left alone?
Could you consider taking a self-defense class? A good self-defense class should
provide verbal and physical defense skills in an affirming and supportive
atmosphere.
Support Services
It is important that you have support to help you express and deal with these feelings. Don’t be
afraid to talk with someone about your feelings and experiences, particularly with someone
trained in issues of sexual assault and rape. Crisis counseling after an assault can make a
difference. Your local rape crisis center is a great resource for support and they can also help
you with legal and medical questions. With time and understanding, these feelings and
experiences will subside. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Follow your inner feelings about the people you trust with your emotions. Do not be afraid to
question what they say and how they act towards you. Choose someone who will understand
your experience and feelings. This person will allow you to take as much time as you need for
your recovery.
The Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) offers a 24-Hour Rape
Helpline, which provides emotional support, accurate information on sexual assault issues, and
appropriate referrals. 24-Hour Rape Helpline: (614) 267-7020, or toll-free via RAINN: 1-800656-HOPE
Law Enforcement Investigation
A law enforcement officer (police/sheriff) may contact you, whether or not the perpetrator is
prosecuted (goes to trial). You may have one or more follow-up interviews with a detective and
will have to discuss the details of the assault again. The time and place of the interview will
depend upon your physical and emotional condition. It will also depend upon the police
department policies about follow-up interviews. If at anytime you feel uncomfortable as to why
a certain question is being asked, you have the right to ask for an explanation. Remember, you
have a right to have someone of your choosing (friend, or Sexual Assault advocate) with you
during the police interview in the hospital, and can request this as the investigation progresses
as well.
It is helpful to obtain the names, badge numbers, and phone numbers of the officer(s) who take
the initial report at the hospital. Having this information will enable you to contact them if you
recall additional information about the assault or have questions regarding the status of your
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case. Since not all injury shows up right away, do not be surprised if you discover additional
bruising over the next day or two. If this happens, call the police officer who is handling your
case as she/he may want to take additional pictures.
Follow-up Medical Care
Pregnancy & Emergency Contraception
At the hospital, you may be given a baseline pregnancy test to determine if you were pregnant
at the time of the assault. Only one percent of rape survivors become pregnant as a result of
sexual assault. However, if you are concerned about possible pregnancy contact your
healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can make an appointment
with your local city or county health department or women’s health center. A urine pregnancy
test is recommended three weeks after the assault.
You may also be screened at the hospital to see if Emergency Contraception (used to prevent
pregnancy) is safe for you. Emergency Contraception is not 100% effective. If you have not had
a period within three weeks after your sexual assault exam call your healthcare provider. It is
recommended that you have a follow-up pregnancy test even if you received Emergency
Contraception at the time of your post-assault exam.
What is Emergency Contraception?
Sometimes called the “morning after pill,” emergency contraception is used to prevent
pregnancy immediately after unprotected sex. Depending on when in your menstrual cycle
you had unprotected sex, you could have 1 in 3 chance of becoming pregnant. Emergency
contraception can reduce your risk by 75%.
What is Unprotected Sex?
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Sex without using birth control
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The diaphragm slips out of place
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Rape or sexual assault
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The condom breaks or comes off
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You stopped taking the birth control pills for more than a week or missed almost half of the
birth control pills in the past two weeks
When Do You Use Emergency Contraception?
It is most effective when started within 24 hours of unprotected sex but no later than 72 hours.
Is It Safe and How Can I Get Emergency Contraception?
Twenty years of study by the FDA says Emergency Contraception is safe and effective, but it
isn’t for everyone. Survivors seen at local emergency departments are screened to see if
Emergency Contraception is safe for them. After your sexual assault exam, you will be asked
several questions to see if Emergency Contraception is right for you. If so, you will take the first
dose at the hospital. The second dose should be taken 12 hours later and this information is
detailed on your discharge sheet.
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Are There Any Side Effects?
You may feel nausea and have vomiting, but these symptoms go away a day or two after
treatment. If you vomit within 1 or 2 hours after taking a dose, call your physician, you may
need to repeat the dose.
When Will I Have My Period?
Your next period may start a few days earlier or later than usual. If your period has not started
within 3 weeks, call your physician. Emergency Contraceptives may not prevent an ectopic
pregnancy (tubal pregnancy – the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus).
How Soon Can I Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraception?
You can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex immediately after taking the treatment. Until
you know your HIV status you should use protective measures such as not having sexual
intercourse, or using a male or female condom.
How Will I Pay For It?
This treatment is part of the Ohio Department of Health procedure for the sexual assault exam.
If you are billed for this exam or if you would like more information about crime compensation,
call the Sexual Abuse Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program of the Ohio Attorney General at 1800-582-2877 or 614-466-5610.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
The results of any testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) immediately following the
assault will indicate STIs present prior to the sexual assault (baseline testing). You generally do
not receive any testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) during your sexual assault exam
at the hospital because if tested in an emergency department, the results will become part of
your permanent medical record, which will be confidential but not anonymous. It is
recommended that you obtain anonymous testing for STIs at the health department or an
outside clinic.
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis
Testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be done at the same time during a followup exam. All three of these common STIs are fairly easy to cure with antibiotics. You may not
notice any signs showing that you are infected, and therefore it is important to get a follow-up
exam.
Chlamydia usually has no symptoms for women and quickly disappearing symptoms for men.
If symptoms do occur, as soon as five to ten days after infection, women may experience:
chronic itching, bleeding between periods, heavier bleeding for a longer time, abdominal pain,
fever, painful intercourse and/or urination, or abnormal vaginal discharge. Men may
experience pus or watery/milky discharge from the penis, frequency in urination, a painless
lesion (sore), and/or pain or burning during urination. Similarly, both men and women may
not experience symptoms of gonorrhea for several months. Symptoms may include those listed
above and swelling and tenderness of the vulva for women. Both men and women should be
aware that gonorrhea could exist in the anus and throat.
Testing is the only way to know if you have contracted an infection, which usually requires a
pelvic/genital examination. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. It is
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recommended that you follow-up with a physician, gynecologist, or the health department in
two to four weeks to be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. If you have any of the symptoms
described above, seek medical attention immediately.
The test for syphilis can be done with reliable results in six to eight weeks. A blood test is
usually required, and on some occasions, a pelvic/genital exam may be necessary as well. In
the early stages, women may not experience any noticeable symptoms; testing is the only way
to know if you have contracted an infection. Syphilis can be treated and cured with antibiotics,
especially if diagnosed in the earliest stages.
Herpes and Genital Warts
Tests for herpes and genital warts can be done when symptoms appear. The herpes virus may
show some symptoms soon after the assault. Genital warts may take as long as three months to
appear. If you notice any sores, blisters, or pimples in your genital or anal regions, see your
doctor, gynecologist, or health department immediately.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Because Hepatitis A, B, and C can
be transmitted through infected body fluids like blood, saliva, and semen, sexual assault
survivors may wish to be tested and/or treated. Hepatitis is the only sexually transmitted
infection for which a vaccine exists. The approximate vaccine charges for Adult Hepatitis B are
$40.00/dose, and you need three doses; Adult Hepatitis A is $25.00/dose. There is currently no
vaccine for Hepatitis C. Women who take oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and have
been exposed to Hepatitis should consult a doctor.
Hepatitis A: Symptoms for this type of Hepatitis may include: fatigue, nausea, fever or
chills, jaundice (yellow skin), abdominal pain, dark urine, and/or light colored stools.
Ordinarily, no treatment is needed because symptoms usually last only about 4 weeks.
If you have been exposed to Hepatitis A you can be treated with an injection of Immune
Globulin within 2 weeks at the local health department.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B can be very serious, causing liver damage, cirrhosis of the liver,
liver cancer, and can lead to death. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, dark urine, lightcolored stools, and jaundice (yellow skin). It can be treated with anti-viral medication,
but there is no known cure for Hepatitis B. If you have been exposed to Hepatitis B you
can be treated with an injection of Immune Globulin within 2 weeks at the local health
department.
Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C can be very serious, causing cirrhosis of the liver and liver
cancer. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, dark-urine, light-colored stools, and jaundice
(yellow skin). Chronic Hepatitis C can be treated with anti-viral medicines, which is
effective for about 40% of affected people. However, there is currently no cure for
Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis Immunizations
Hepatitis immunizations are available at the Columbus Health Department, at 240
Parsons Avenue, on Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday
from 10:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 7:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Columbus
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Health Department will see clients ages 13 and older. Clients must have identification to
be seen. For more information call (614) 645-7772.
Hepatitis Immunizations are also available at the following locations.
Call (614) 645-8137 for more information.
 Southside: John Maloney Health Center, 1833 Parsons Avenue, Monday 3:30-6:30
 Barnett Recreation Center, 1184 Barnett Rd., Tuesdays 11am-6: 30 p.m.
 Hilltop Neighborhood Health Center, 2500 Sullivan Avenue, Wednesdays, 11 am-6:
30 p.m.
 Northside WIC office, 1120 Morse Road, Thursdays, 11 am to 6:30 p.m., 3rd Saturday
of each month, 9am to 11:30 am
 Worthington United Methodist Church, 6000 High Street, Worthington, 3rd Tuesday
of each month, 2-4pm
Repeated tests between two weeks and six months after an assault are the only way to know
if you have contracted an STI.
Rape & HIV Infection
When a person is raped, control over what that person chooses to do with his/her body has
been taken away. Sometimes rapists use threats of HIV infection or other sexually transmitted
infections as another way to gain control of their victims. Due to the nature of rape and other
types of sexual assault, it is normal and understandable for a survivor to have fears and
questions about sexually transmitted infections, like HIV. Human Immuno-deficiency Virus
(HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV causes a
breakdown of the immune system. When your immune system is not working, your body
cannot fight diseases and infections normally. AIDS is a set of illnesses that results from HIV
infection.
What is the Chance that I Was Infected with HIV during the Rape?
This is a difficult question to answer. The first question to answer is whether you were exposed
to the HIV virus. Being exposed means that you were in contact with body fluids of someone
who is infected with HIV. If you do not know if the rapist is infected or not, then the next factor
to consider is how HIV is passed from one person to another. The following body fluids can
pass HIV from one person to another: semen (sperm), blood, and vaginal fluids. In order for
HIV to pass from the rapist to you, one of the above body fluids must have gotten inside your
body, and the rapist must have HIV.
A number of factors can affect your risk for HIV infection from a rape:
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What was your general health before the rape happened? When you are healthy, your
immune system is strong and better able to fight-off infection. Alcohol, drugs, stress, poor
diet, and lack of sleep can harm your immune system. Infections and sores in the mouth,
vagina or anus can increase the risk that HIV enters your body. These openings create an
entryway for HIV into your body.
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Was the rapist’s weapon a foreign object or body part (e.g. finger) that did not come into
contact with his/her body fluids? If the rapist did not expose you to his/her body fluids,
then your risk of HIV from the rape is low.
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Was the rape vaginal, oral, anal or all types? Anal penetration is thought to be the riskiest,
especially if the skin in the rectum/anus becomes torn. These tears allow HIV to enter your
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bloodstream. Oral penetration is thought to be the least risky, but this is just a guideline. It
can be risky if cuts or sores are present in your mouth. A woman is more likely to be
infected from vagina/penis penetration than a man is. This is because the lining of the
vagina is more sensitive to rips and tears than the penis, so the virus can more easily enter
the woman’s bloodstream.
How many rapists were there? The more rapists there were, the more likely that you were
exposed to someone who is infected with HIV and the greater your risk for infection.
Were there any physical injuries from the rape? The more cuts, tears and openings that are
present, the more the chance exists for infected body fluids to enter your body.
Was a condom or other barrier used? Condoms are good at preventing body fluids from
passing from one person to another.
Did the rapist ejaculate inside you? Although, HIV has been found in pre-ejaculatory fluid,
it is less risky than if the rapist ejaculates inside your mouth, anus or vagina.
Should I Get Tested for HIV?
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Deciding to take an HIV test is a difficult decision. Many people find the idea of HIV testing
to be scary. The decision can be especially difficult after a rape. It can bring up other issues
such as talking about the rape or HIV with sexual partners. You are the only person who
can make this decision, but you are not alone. The 24-Hour Rape Helpline is staffed by
trained volunteers who can listen and assist you (614-267-7020).

By getting tested, you can find out if you have HIV. Although there is no cure for HIV at
this time, treatments are improving. People with HIV are living longer and healthier lives.
Treatments can slow down the virus from spreading and prevent certain illnesses. A test
may also tell you that you do not have HIV. This may help relieve one fear.
What Should I Know about HIV Testing?
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You may want to take an HIV test as soon as possible after the rape. This will tell you if you
had HIV before the rape (a baseline test). This information may be useful in determining if
you may have contracted HIV as a result of the assault.
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You will not be tested for HIV at Grant Medical Center or Riverside Methodist Hospital
unless you request testing at the time of your exam.

To find out if you were infected during the rape, you will need to wait at least 12 weeks
from the date of the rape to be tested. This is because most HIV tests look for antibodies
(your body’s reaction) to the virus. It can take your body as long as 12 weeks to make the
antibodies. HIV testing should be repeated twice, at three months and six months after the
assault, because it can take up to six months for antibodies to show up on the test. Until you
are certain of your HIV status (after a six-month follow-up test), it is strongly encouraged
that you or your partner(s) use condoms to prevent transmission of the virus. In addition,
do not donate blood until that time.

Other types of tests, which look for the HIV virus itself, may be valuable to you. You would
not need to wait as long to find out if you were infected from the rape.
Anonymous & Confidential Testing:
There are two forms of testing that are available: anonymous and confidential. You have a right
to choose which way is right for you. Anonymous testing means your name is not linked to
your blood sample. People who choose the anonymous test are given a number code to bring
back or are asked to call at a specific time to get the test result. With anonymous testing, your
HIV status will not be documented. Confidential testing means your name is linked to your
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blood sample. The test results are protected to a certain extent by state laws, agency policies
and staff commitment to confidentiality. The test results may become part of your permanent
medical record. The health department is also required by law to notify any previous or current
partner(s) of a positive HIV status.
For more information about HIV/AIDS, support and testing locations, call the Ohio AIDS, HIV
& STD Hotline at 1-800-332-2437 or TTY # 1(800) DEAFTTY (9am-7pm M-F, 10am-6pm
Saturday and Sunday), or go online to www.hivtesting.org. For local HIV & STI testing
information, call the Sexual Health Clinic at the Columbus Health Department, at 614-645-7772.
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Information about
Drug-Facilitated
Sexual Assault
There are a number of ways in which the use of alcohol or drugs may contribute to an act of
sexual assault. The drug most often used in sexual assaults is alcohol, which the survivor may
drink by choice. In some cases, the survivor may not be aware of the amount of alcohol in
drinks provided by the perpetrator. Increasingly, cases have been reported in which a variety
of drugs are used by offenders to further impair the ability of the victim to prevent the assault.
The drug may be added to the victim’s drink without her/his knowledge or administered in a
variety of other ways.
This information is provided to assist you in making a decision regarding whether or not to
provide blood and urine samples that can be used to test for drugs that you may have taken or
been given. The purpose of these tests will be to identify drugs that you did not know you were
ingesting, used by an offender for the purpose of committing a sexual assault. Before
consenting to this testing, you should receive the following:






Explanation of the types of drugs that will be detected by the test.
Information about the likelihood of detecting drugs given the circumstances of your case.
There are a number of factors that make detection of these drugs difficult; a negative test
result does not mean that no drugs were used.
Opportunity to discuss the effect either a positive or a negative test result may have on the
investigation and prosecution of your case.
Opportunity to discuss concerns you may have about other drugs you may have taken
which would also be detected. In a criminal case the test results will be available to the
defense and may become public knowledge, including results related to prescription drugs
you may be taking for medical reasons and any illegal drugs you may have taken
voluntarily, even if unrelated to the assault. This could also potentially lead to the release of
other private information otherwise protected by rape shield laws, such as medical or
mental health concerns.
Opportunity to ask other questions and discuss concerns related to the test.
Explanation of how you will be notified of the test results.
Because of the techniques used to conduct these tests, any drugs in your system may be
detected. All drugs detected by the test will be reported to the law enforcement agency
conducting the investigation and subsequently will be available to both the prosecution and the
defense in the event of a criminal case. Potential drugs that may be detected include but are not
limited to alcohol, Benzodiazepines, GHB, Ketamine, Scopolamine, Amphetamines,
Barbiturates, Cocaine, Marijuana, Opiates, Muscle Relaxants, Antihistamines, and Chloral
Hydrate.
The kinds of drugs used by offenders to facilitate rape can be very difficult to detect. Reasons
for this include the speed with which the drug leaves the body and the fact that, for multiple
reasons, the test may not be done within the ideal timeframe. For all sexual assaults, reporting
may be delayed as victims struggle with issues of self-blame resulting from stereotypes and
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misconceptions about sexual assault and with discomfort or embarrassment about going
through the evidence collection process. Where alcohol and drugs are involved, the victim may
be unconscious or disoriented during the majority of the time that the drug is still in her/his
body, or need time to piece together what happened to them or to recover from the effects of the
experience. Because of these difficulties in detecting the drug, there is a high probability that
even if a drug was used, the test may come back negative. This can be emotionally difficult to
hear and could potentially undermine the investigation. It is important to keep in mind though,
that a chemist or forensic toxicologist could explain these results in court.
Under Ohio law, sexual assault is a serious crime in both the case of intentional administration
of a substance by the perpetrator and in the case of the victim voluntarily consuming the
substance and therefore being in the position of being unable to consent to the sexual contact. If
the victim has voluntarily consumed the substance and the offender knows that her/his ability
to appraise the nature of or control of her/his own conduct is substantially impaired, the charge
would be sexual battery (a third degree felony). The sexual contact would be defined as rape if,
for the purpose of preventing resistance, the offender substantially impairs the other person’s
judgment or control by administering any drug or intoxicant to the other person, surreptitiously
or by force, threat of force, or deception. (Ohio Revised Code 2907.02 and 2907.03)
Reported symptoms experienced by survivors of drug-facilitated rape or sexual assault may
include:






Confusion
Decreased heartbeat
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Impaired judgment
Impaired memory





Lack of muscle control
Loss of consciousness
Nausea
Reduced blood pressure
Reduced inhibition
Symptoms may be similar to severe inebriation and/or those of a surgery patient coming out of
anesthesia. Some of these symptoms are also typical of post-traumatic stress symptoms that
may be present regardless of the use of substances.
Survivors who have voluntarily ingested illegal drugs should disclose this information to
medical or law enforcement professionals at the time that the blood and urine samples are taken
for the drug test. Honesty on this topic will assist in an effective prosecution. Be aware that
engaging in felonious criminal activity may make you ineligible for compensation through the
victims of crime compensation fund.
Pages 1, 2, and 5-14 of this packet are adapted from handouts in the Ohio Protocol for Sexual Assault Forensic and
Medical Examination, developed by the Ohio Department of Health – Division of Prevention, Bureau of Health
Promotion and Risk Reduction: Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Prevention Program, Revised July 2002
14
Law Enforcement
Compliment & Complaint
Information
As the victim of a crime, you have the right to report the crime to law enforcement (police or
sheriff). Law enforcement officers have the responsibility to serve and protect the citizens in the
community, which includes investigating reported crimes.
If at anytime during the investigation process you would like to make an official comment on
the actions of an officer, detective, or other employee of the law enforcement agency with which
you are working, you have the right to do so. The information provided below can help you to:


File a compliment when you would like to recognize the excellent service of your law
enforcement officer(s).
File a complaint when you feel that the law enforcement officer(s) takes action that you
perceive to be unfavorable.
The back of this page lists the phone numbers of law enforcement agencies in central Ohio that
you may call to make an official comment. For many of the departments, the number listed is
the main or non-emergency number. For others, the listed number is that of Internal Affairs, the
division responsible for investigating the actions of police officers.
To ensure accuracy, law enforcement recommends that you, as the crime victim, personally
make the compliment or complaint. Most law enforcement agencies can take the compliment or
complaint from another person, but will then contact the victim directly in order to proceed
with any necessary investigation. The Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio
(SARNCO) can help you with this process. Please call the Long-Term advocate Coordinator at
614-566-3933 for assistance or advocacy.
For further assistance or advocacy with your case, please contact the Long-term advocate Coordinator of
the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) at 614-566-3933.
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Law Enforcement Agency
Bexley Police Department
Blendon Township Police Department
Canal Winchester Police Department
Clinton Township Police Department
Columbus Division of Police
Delaware City Police Department
Delaware County Sheriff
Dublin Police Department
Franklin County Sheriff
Gahanna Police Department
Grandview Heights Police Department
Grove City Police Department
Groveport Police Department
Hilliard Police Department
Madison Township Police Department
Minerva Park Police Department
New Albany Police Department
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Ohio State University Police Department
Pataskala Police Department
Pickerington Police Department
Powell Police Department
Reynoldsburg Police Department
Sharon Township Police Department
Sunbury Police Department
Upper Arlington Police Department
West Jefferson Police Department
Westerville Police Department
Whitehall Police Department
Worthington Police Department
Phone Number to File Compliment or Complaint
614-239-8881 main number
614-882-8500 non-emergency number
614-837-7913 main number
614-471-5720 main number
614-645-4880 Internal Affairs complaint line
614-645-4580 compliment line
740-362-1111 main number
740-833-2810 main number
614-889-1112 TTY: 614-761-1027 main number
614-462-3033 Internal Affairs
614-471-8080 main number
614-488-7901 non-emergency number
614-277-1710 non-emergency number
614-836-5301 business number
614-876-7321 TTY: 771-1300 main number
614-836-5354 non-emergency number
614-882-1408 non-emergency number
614-855-7547 non-emergency number
614-466-2660 TTY: 614-644-9861 main number
614-292-2121 Voice/TTY main number
740-927-2021 main number
614-575-6911 main number
614-885-3374 main number
614-866-6622 non-emergency number
614-885-3777 main number
740-965-3946 main number
614-459-2800 main number
614-879-7672 main number
614-901-6450 non-emergency number
614-237-6333 main number
614-885-4463 main number
If the law enforcement agency that you are working with is not listed, or if you need further
assistance or advocacy with your case, please contact the Long-Term advocate Coordinator
of the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) at 614-566-3933.
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Ohio State University Police Department Survivor’s Rights Guarantee
If you feel you are the survivor of a sexual assault on campus, the OSU Police Department
will guarantee you the following:
1. We will meet with you privately, at a place of your choice in this area, to prepare a
Police Report.
2. We will not release your name to the public or to the press during the course of the
criminal investigation, without your consent.
3. Our officers will not prejudge you, and you will not be blamed for what occurred.
4. We will treat you and your particular case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity,
understanding, and professionalism.
5. If you feel more comfortable talking with a female or male officer, we will do our best to
accommodate your request.
6. We will assist you in arranging for any hospital treatment or other medical needs,
including transportation to a local hospital with appropriate survivor services.
7. We will assist you in privately contacting counseling, safety, advising, and other
available resources.
8. We will fully investigate your case and will help you to achieve the best outcome. This
may involve the arrest and full prosecution of the person responsible. You will be kept
up-to-date on the progress of the investigation and/or prosecution.
9. We will continue to be available for you to answer questions, explain the processes
involved (prosecutor, courts, etc.) and to be a listening ear if you wish.
10. We will consider your case seriously regardless of your or any suspect’s race, color,
creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or Vietnam-era
veteran status.
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