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If you or someone you know has been assaulted

Santa Clara University mission church

You don't have to cope alone. Call someone you trust or reach out to one of the resources listed on this website.

Any licensed health care provider in the State of California providing services in a health facility, clinic or physician’s office are required to make a report if they provide medical treatment for a physical condition to a patient whom they know or reasonably suspect is the victim of assaultive or abusive conduct or a firearm injury. The health practitioner is required to make a report by telephone as soon as practically possible, and send a written report to a local law enforcement agency within two working days. The report must contain identifying information such as name and contact information of the person who presented for care. This person will be contacted by the law enforcement agency but the person does not have to comply with any information being sought. The report must be made to the enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the location in which the injury was sustained. This includes any health care practitioners in Cowell Center Health Services.

Reporting to SCU enables the University to respond appropriately to your case and to the broader issues in our community. When you decide, you can report to SCU, the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD), both or neither; there is no time limit for reporting an incident to SCU.

In a sexual violence incident, police and forensic nurse examiners are in the best position to secure evidence of a crime. The preservation and collection of all physical evidence, including clothing, is paramount and should be collected as soon as possible. Prior to their arrival, you can preserve evidence in the following ways to help prepare for a forensic exam:

  • Do not wash the face, hands, brush teeth, bathe.
  • Do not eat or drink.
  • Do not douche.
  • If you change clothes, keep them in a paper bag.

Rapid Medical Evaluation & Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) provides a Forensic Nurse Examiner (a nurse specially trained in collecting physical evidence) who is usually on call 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Call the SCVMC Operator at 408.885.5000 if you want to speak to the Forensic Nurse Examiner. A victim advocate from the YWCA Rape Crisis Center will be contacted to meet you at the hospital. Law Enforcement or Campus Safety Services can provide transportation.

Individuals who have experienced any form of sexual or relationship violence are encouraged but not required to seek medical attention as soon as possible (i.e., within 72 hours) after the assault.  The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides medical and forensic response to victims of sexual assault, 12 years and older, who come into their Emergency Department, 24 hours a day. 

In Santa Clara County, SART examinations are performed at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) in San Jose. Trained medical professionals will address an individual’s medical needs related to the assault as well as collect evidence at no cost to a victim of sexual violence.

SART nurses maintain Counselor/Victim Privilege of Confidentiality as legally required under California Evidence Codes. 

Victims have the option to speak with the police or not. The ability to have a medical-legal exam performed is not dependent upon speaking with the police or filing a police report; however, hospitals in the State of California are required to notify the police if a physical injury has been sustained, and will contact law enforcement. 

751 S Bascom Ave
San Jose, CA 95128

Tel : (408) 885-5000
SART Coordinator Tel, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm: (408) 885-6466 

Alameda County Medical Services and Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)  

Alameda County has two hospitals that provide both forensic exams and medical care. Other hospitals in the county provide medical care only, and are not designated as forensic exam facilities.

Victims have the option to speak with the police or not. The ability to have a medical-legal exam performed is not dependent upon speaking with the police or filing a police report; however, hospitals in the State of California are required to notify the police if a physical injury has been sustained, and will contact law enforcement. 

Highland Hospital
1411 East 31st Street
Oakland, CA 94602

Tel: (510) 437-4800 

Washington Hospital
2000 Mowry Ave
Fremont, CA 94538

Tel: (510) 797-1111