Free 24/7 Hotline: 951-686-7273
Free 24/7 Hotline: 951-686-7273
Free 24/7 Hotline: 951-686-7273
I Was Sexually Assaulted, What Should I Do?
First Steps After a Sexual Assault
I Was Sexually Assaulted, What Should I Do?
First Steps After a Sexual Assault
I Was Sexually Assaulted, What Should I Do?
First Steps After a Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)
If you are a parent or a legal guardian of a minor, and you are aware of the abuse of any children under 18 years of age, you are required by law to report the incident to law enforcement. All NORA advocates are mandated reporters, and information given about activity regarding abuse or assault of a minor will be reported to law enforcement.
If you wish to get a forensic exam without reporting to law enforcement, please note that all medical staff are mandated reporters, and will involve law enforcement when there is disclosure of sexual assault.
If you wish to have the person who assaulted you prosecuted, you can choose file a report with law enforcement, who will launch an investigation. Reporting is encouraged for most acute cases. You have the right to call NORA and speak with an advocate first.
1
Collect Evidence
Immediately after an assault, if possible, do not bathe, shower, go to the bathroom, clean dried blood, put on makeup, or change out of clothing. This is important for preserving evidence — especially DNA evidence. If you have any immediate injuries that need to be assessed, you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room first before getting a forensic exam.
If you have already changed clothes, put the clothes worn during the assault in a clean paper bag and bring those clothes with you to law enforcement or the forensic exam room. Clothes include any underwear or undergarments you may have been wearing.
Do not use plastic containers such as plastic bags, as the chemicals from the plastic may damage DNA evidence.
You may choose to bring additional clothing to change into, but if you are not able to, NORA advocates will provide sweatpants, t-shirts, and toiletries.
2
File a Report With Law Enforcement
If it has been more than 5 days since your assault, it is recommended to directly contact law enforcement in the city where the assault occurred to file a report. If it has been 5 days or less, you may go to a go to a specialized hospital that conducts forensic exams and request an Unrestricted Reporting Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) to initiate an investigation.
Law enforcement will conduct interviews with you and the assailant. Law enforcement can also assist you in accessing the forensic exam and medical care, if you haven't already received it.
You have the right to have a NORA advocate and a support person of your choice present at any interview by law enforcement authorities, district attorneys, or defense attorneys. If you would like an advocate present, please inform law enforcement.
3
Arrive at the Hospital
If it has been 5 days or less since your assault, law enforcement will likely approve a forensic exam. While you can obtain a forensic exam after 5 days from your assault, results may not be as accurate. Forensic exams are provided only at specialized hospitals, such as the Sexual Assault & Forensic Evaluation (SAFE) clinic at the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Medical Center in Moreno Valley. While the forensic exam will be offered at no charge, treatment for injuries or other health concerns, such as strangulation and prescriptions for HIV medication, may still be subject to billing to insurance.
4
Get a Forensic Exam
Before the exam, you will be asked to sign a consent form and about the details of the assault. The forensic exam can take between 2 to 4 hours in total to complete. During the exam, evidence will be collected through clothing, swabbing for DNA evidence, photographs of bruising, a pelvic exam, and blood and urine samples if necessary. A new change of clothing and medication to prevent STDs and pregnancy are provided if needed.
You have the right to have a NORA advocate and a support person of your choice present during forensic examinations. If you would like an advocate present, please inform medical staff. Law enforcement will not be present during forensic examinations.
5
Track SAFE Kit Status With Crime Lab
Once the forensic examination is complete, a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kit will be sent to the relevant Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) regional crime laboratory. The crime lab will conduct analysis of the DNA samples provided from the forensic examination. Qualifying DNA profiles will then be uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) within 120 days. Once the analysis is complete, the results will be sent back to law enforcement, where it is combined with all of the other evidence found. To check on the status of your SAFE Kit, you may go to kitstatus.doj.ca.gov and enter your Kit Number.
If you wish to have the person who assaulted you prosecuted, you can choose file a report with law enforcement, who will launch an investigation. Reporting is encouraged for most acute cases. You have the right to call NORA and speak with an advocate first.
1
Collect Evidence
Immediately after an assault, if possible, do not bathe, shower, go to the bathroom, clean dried blood, put on makeup, or change out of clothing. This is important for preserving evidence — especially DNA evidence. If you have any immediate injuries that need to be assessed, you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room first before getting a forensic exam.
If you have already changed clothes, put the clothes worn during the assault in a clean paper bag and bring those clothes with you to law enforcement or the forensic exam room. Clothes include any underwear or undergarments you may have been wearing.
Do not use plastic containers such as plastic bags, as the chemicals from the plastic may damage DNA evidence.
You may choose to bring additional clothing to change into, but if you are not able to, NORA advocates will provide sweatpants, t-shirts, and toiletries.
2
File a Report With Law Enforcement
If it has been more than 5 days since your assault, it is recommended to directly contact law enforcement in the city where the assault occurred to file a report. If it has been 5 days or less, you may go to a go to a specialized hospital that conducts forensic exams and request an Unrestricted Reporting Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) to initiate an investigation.
Law enforcement will conduct interviews with you and the assailant. Law enforcement can also assist you in accessing the forensic exam and medical care, if you haven't already received it.
You have the right to have a NORA advocate and a support person of your choice present at any interview by law enforcement authorities, district attorneys, or defense attorneys. If you would like an advocate present, please inform law enforcement.
3
Arrive at the Hospital
If it has been 5 days or less since your assault, law enforcement will likely approve a forensic exam. While you can obtain a forensic exam after 5 days from your assault, results may not be as accurate. Forensic exams are provided only at specialized hospitals, such as the Sexual Assault & Forensic Evaluation (SAFE) clinic at the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Medical Center in Moreno Valley. While the forensic exam will be offered at no charge, treatment for injuries or other health concerns, such as strangulation and prescriptions for HIV medication, may still be subject to billing to insurance.
4
Get a Forensic Exam
Before the exam, you will be asked to sign a consent form and about the details of the assault. The forensic exam can take between 2 to 4 hours in total to complete. During the exam, evidence will be collected through clothing, swabbing for DNA evidence, photographs of bruising, a pelvic exam, and blood and urine samples if necessary. A new change of clothing and medication to prevent STDs and pregnancy are provided if needed.
You have the right to have a NORA advocate and a support person of your choice present during forensic examinations. If you would like an advocate present, please inform medical staff. Law enforcement will not be present during forensic examinations.
5
Track SAFE Kit Status With Crime Lab
Once the forensic examination is complete, a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kit will be sent to the relevant Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) regional crime laboratory. The crime lab will conduct analysis of the DNA samples provided from the forensic examination. Qualifying DNA profiles will then be uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) within 120 days. Once the analysis is complete, the results will be sent back to law enforcement, where it is combined with all of the other evidence found. To check on the status of your SAFE Kit, you may go to kitstatus.doj.ca.gov and enter your Kit Number.
If you wish to have the person who assaulted you prosecuted, you can choose file a report with law enforcement, who will launch an investigation. Reporting is encouraged for most acute cases. You have the right to call NORA and speak with an advocate first.
1
Collect Evidence
Immediately after an assault, if possible, do not bathe, shower, go to the bathroom, clean dried blood, put on makeup, or change out of clothing. This is important for preserving evidence — especially DNA evidence. If you have any immediate injuries that need to be assessed, you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room first before getting a forensic exam.
If you have already changed clothes, put the clothes worn during the assault in a clean paper bag and bring those clothes with you to law enforcement or the forensic exam room. Clothes include any underwear or undergarments you may have been wearing.
Do not use plastic containers such as plastic bags, as the chemicals from the plastic may damage DNA evidence.
You may choose to bring additional clothing to change into, but if you are not able to, NORA advocates will provide sweatpants, t-shirts, and toiletries.
2
File a Report With Law Enforcement
If it has been more than 5 days since your assault, it is recommended to directly contact law enforcement in the city where the assault occurred to file a report. If it has been 5 days or less, you may go to a go to a specialized hospital that conducts forensic exams and request an Unrestricted Reporting Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) to initiate an investigation.
Law enforcement will conduct interviews with you and the assailant. Law enforcement can also assist you in accessing the forensic exam and medical care, if you haven't already received it.
You have the right to have a NORA advocate and a support person of your choice present at any interview by law enforcement authorities, district attorneys, or defense attorneys. If you would like an advocate present, please inform law enforcement.
3
Arrive at the Hospital
If it has been 5 days or less since your assault, law enforcement will likely approve a forensic exam. While you can obtain a forensic exam after 5 days from your assault, results may not be as accurate. Forensic exams are provided only at specialized hospitals, such as the Sexual Assault & Forensic Evaluation (SAFE) clinic at the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Medical Center in Moreno Valley. While the forensic exam will be offered at no charge, treatment for injuries or other health concerns, such as strangulation and prescriptions for HIV medication, may still be subject to billing to insurance.
4
Get a Forensic Exam
Before the exam, you will be asked to sign a consent form and about the details of the assault. The forensic exam can take between 2 to 4 hours in total to complete. During the exam, evidence will be collected through clothing, swabbing for DNA evidence, photographs of bruising, a pelvic exam, and blood and urine samples if necessary. A new change of clothing and medication to prevent STDs and pregnancy are provided if needed.
You have the right to have a NORA advocate and a support person of your choice present during forensic examinations. If you would like an advocate present, please inform medical staff. Law enforcement will not be present during forensic examinations.
5
Track SAFE Kit Status With Crime Lab
Once the forensic examination is complete, a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kit will be sent to the relevant Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) regional crime laboratory. The crime lab will conduct analysis of the DNA samples provided from the forensic examination. Qualifying DNA profiles will then be uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) within 120 days. Once the analysis is complete, the results will be sent back to law enforcement, where it is combined with all of the other evidence found. To check on the status of your SAFE Kit, you may go to kitstatus.doj.ca.gov and enter your Kit Number.
Service Area :
Alberhill, Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Cherry Valley, Corona, Coronita, De Luz, Eastvale, Edgemont, El Cariso, El Cerrito, French Valley, Gavilan Hills, Glen Valley, Good Hope, Highgrove, Home Gardens, Homeland, Juniper Flats, Jurupa Valley, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Hills, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Lakeview, March Air Reserve Base, Mead, Valley, Meadowbrook, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta Hot Springs, Norco, Nuevo, Ortega Hills, Pechanga, Perris, Poppet Flats, Riverside, Romoland, San Gorgonio, San Timoteo Canyon, Sun City, Sunnymead, Temecula,Temescal Canyon,Twin Pines, Warm Springs, Whitewater, Wildomar, Winchester, Woodcrest
Free Services
24/7 Hotline & Advocacy
951.686.7273
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 am - 5 pm
Location
1845 Chicago Avenue, Suite A
Riverside, CA 92507
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this site are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the agency or the funding agencies.
Service Area :
Alberhill, Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Cherry Valley, Corona, Coronita, De Luz, Eastvale, Edgemont, El Cariso, El Cerrito, French Valley, Gavilan Hills, Glen Valley, Good Hope, Highgrove, Home Gardens, Homeland, Juniper Flats, Jurupa Valley, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Hills, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Lakeview, March Air Reserve Base, Mead, Valley, Meadowbrook, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta Hot Springs, Norco, Nuevo, Ortega Hills, Pechanga, Perris, Poppet Flats, Riverside, Romoland, San Gorgonio, San Timoteo Canyon, Sun City, Sunnymead, Temecula,Temescal Canyon,Twin Pines, Warm Springs, Whitewater, Wildomar, Winchester, Woodcrest
Free Services
24/7 Hotline & Advocacy
951.686.7273
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 am - 5 pm
Location
1845 Chicago Avenue, Suite A
Riverside, CA 92507
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this site are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the agency or the funding agencies.
Service Area :
Alberhill, Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Cherry Valley, Corona, Coronita, De Luz, Eastvale, Edgemont, El Cariso, El Cerrito, French Valley, Gavilan Hills, Glen Valley, Good Hope, Highgrove, Home Gardens, Homeland, Juniper Flats, Jurupa Valley, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Hills, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Lakeview, March Air Reserve Base, Mead, Valley, Meadowbrook, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta Hot Springs, Norco, Nuevo, Ortega Hills, Pechanga, Perris, Poppet Flats, Riverside, Romoland, San Gorgonio, San Timoteo Canyon, Sun City, Sunnymead, Temecula,Temescal Canyon,Twin Pines, Warm Springs, Whitewater, Wildomar, Winchester, Woodcrest
Free Services
24/7 Hotline & Advocacy
951.686.7273
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 am - 5 pm
Location
1845 Chicago Avenue, Suite A
Riverside, CA 92507
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed on this site are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the agency or the funding agencies.