Resources for Sexual Assault, Dating/Domestic Violence or Stalking

Getting Medical Care

If you go to a hospital after a sexual assault, you may be offered care from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). A SANE is a specially trained nurse who can:

• Check your health and treat injuries
• Give a medical‑legal exam
• Collect forensic evidence (if you choose)
• Test for date‑rape drugs and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

About the SANE Exam

A SANE exam can help collect evidence that may be useful if you choose to report the assault to law enforcement. The decision to have a SANE exam is completely up to you.

Please know:

• A SANE exam is not required to report an assault to WSU.
• You can still get help and support even if you choose not to have the exam.

Timing and Important Tips

If you want a SANE exam, it is usually best to go to a hospital emergency room, as soon as possible, within 5 days of the assault.

Before the exam, if possible:

• Do not shower, bathe, or change your clothes
• Keep any items (like clothing) that could be evidence

These steps can help preserve evidence, but you can still get care even if you have already done these things.

What to Expect During a SANE Exam

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will explain your options and support you during the exam. You are always in control and can choose what steps you agree to. This may include collecting samples, taking photos of injuries, or other evidence. Nothing is done without your consent.

You may be asked if you want to report to the police. You do not have to report to receive a SANE exam. Evidence can still be collected and safely stored if you choose not to report right away.

A victim advocate may be available to help explain your options and connect you with resources.

The SANE exam is free. Treatment for other injuries may be billed to insurance. A victim advocate can help with payment options.

If you think you were drugged, tell the SANE nurse as soon as possible. Some drugs leave the body quickly. Testing may include urine or blood samples and is also free. Alcohol is the most common substance used in these situations. You do not need drug testing to report to WSU.

After evidence is collected, you can choose whether it is shared with law enforcement with your name or anonymously.

After the exam, you may be offered emergency contraception, medication to prevent STDs, and, in some cases, HIV prevention medication.

Concerned About Stalking? Take SHARP

The SHARP (Stalking and Harassment Assessment & Risk Profile) is a free, confidential online tool that helps you understand your situation. Answer a short set of questions to:

• Learn about common stalking risk factors.
• Get personalized safety suggestions.
• Validate what you’re experiencing.

SHARP does not predict the future, but it can help you make informed decisions and connect with support resources. Start the SHARP Assessment

A protection order or a restraining order can be obtained that would order another person to remain a certain distance away from you at all times and prohibit any contact or communication. If the recipient of a protection order or restraining order breaks those rules, he/she would be subject to disciplinary actions.  Please note, restraining orders are useful in some situations, but they rely on the recipient to follow the order (typically, out of fear of further disciplinary actions), some risk of contact still remains. Information on obtaining a protection order or restraining order can be found at the links below.

Washington Law Help describes the step by step process to File for a Protection Order in Washington State.

• Before you begin, it may be helpful to talk to an advocate regarding the process and any safety concerns. Find an advocate near you.
• Start gathering documentation to prove your story and file with the petition. This could include police reports, texts, emails, pictures, medical records, etc. Be aware these documents will be shown to the other person and will be made public.
• Fill out the Washington Petition for Protection Order online or print a copy from Washington Courts to complete by hand. Find help for filing in Latah County, Idaho at the link.
• Once completed, the Petition for Protections Orders can be filed in person or electronically at your District or Superior court. Contact your county clerk for more infromation on filing electronically.
  • File electronically in Whitman County
  • File online in King County

If you need help navigating the process to obtain a restraining order, a legal or victim advocate can assist you.

Sexual Violence Law Center, provides statewide legal assistance and representation for survivors.

Domestic violence victims and their children can temporarily access safe and secure shelters in their region.