Sexual Assault Support
Sexual Assault is a crime of power and control. The term “sexual assault” refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent. Unwanted sexual activity can take an immeasurable toll on the victim’s physical and mental health.
If you are a sexual assault survivor, we know it can be very difficult to ask for help. Even so, we highly encourage you to reach out to an advocate who can provide individualized support. UNC has advocates available 24/7 to support survivors. This program is called ASAP (Assault Survivors Advocacy Program). If you would prefer to speak with an advocate from an off-campus organization, you can reach one by contacting SAVA (Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Center), an off-campus advocacy support organization serving Northern Colorado. Advocates can help you with choices, including decisions about healthcare and reporting.
In the wake of a sexual assault, we encourage survivors to access one of the following two types of medical care. All care is confidential. Accessing care through either of the options below does not require you, at any time, to participate with either a law enforcement investigation or a criminal justice response.
Accessing Care
A SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exam is a specialized medical evaluation conducted by a nurse with advanced training in sexual assault cases. It involves a thorough head-to-toe assessment, evidence collection (including DNA swabs and photographs) and may include preventative care like testing for sexually transmitted infections and emergency contraception. The exam also includes documentation of injuries, safety planning, and referrals for follow-up care and support.
Banner North Colorado Medical Center Emergency Department is a 24/7/365 facility that has committed to providing these forensic sexual assault examinations to UNC community members. These exams can also be found at some other emergency medicine facilities.
The University Health Clinic can provide a non-forensic medical examination to assess and care for injuries, test for pregnancy, provide emergency contraception and test for sexually transmitted infections. However, you should be aware that the University Health Clinic does not provide forensic examinations (also called sexual assault nurse exams, or SANE exams) in which evidence is collected.
Visit the ASAP website for more information about the choice to seek a forensic examination.
Need Immediate Assistance?
UNC Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance
UNC Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance Website | 970-351-4899
ASAP is here to help.
You may have questions, we're here to answer them.
What is sexual assault? What is date rape? What if I am a victim of sexual assault? For more information on sexual assault, visit the UNC Assault Survivors Advocacy Program.