Resources
Sexual Assault Advocacy and Support Services
Advocates help survivors determine their own needs in regards to their physical and emotional health, reporting options, and academic concerns. They connect survivors to campus and community services, and provide accompaniment to important appointments (court, hospital, and police) and support throughout the process. WSUPD can also connect you with advocacy services, if desired. The local advocacy group is Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, whose services are free, immediate, and confidential.
Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse
115 NW State St., Room 305a
509-332-HELP (4357)
877-334-2887 (24-hour crisis hotline)
http://atvp.org/index.shtml
Other confidential resources include WSU Counseling and Psychological Services. If you would like to speak with a counselor after business hours, WSUPD can contact the on-call counselor and have them call you directly or a crisis telephone number is provided. Information shared with the counselor will not be provided to WSUPD without expressed permission from you.
WSU Counseling and Psychological Services
Washington Building
Room #302
PO Box 642333
Pullman, WA 99164
509-335-4511
509-335-2159 (crisis services line)
https://cougarhealth.wsu.edu/your-first-visit/
Sexual Assault Examination and Victim Compensation Programs
For immediate care after a sexual assault, you may choose to have a sexual assault forensic exam, sometimes known as a “rape kit,” to preserve possible DNA evidence and receive important medical care.
If you are able to, try to avoid activities that could potentially damage evidence such as:
- Bathing
- Showering
- Using the restroom
- Changing clothes
- Combing hair
- Cleaning up the area
If you have done any of these activities, you can still have an exam performed.
A sexual assault can impact your physical health. You may have injuries and trauma related to the assault that aren’t immediately visible. During an exam you may be able to access treatment for these injuries, receive preventative treatment for STIs, and obtain emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.
The length of the exam may take a few hours, but the actual time will vary based on several different factors.
Sexual assault forensic examinations are free and available at any time of the day and night at the hospital emergency room. Other medical expenses may be compensated through the Washington State Crime Victim Compensation Program, depending on the circumstances.
WSUPD and ATVP can provide you with transportation to the hospital or clinic. There is no requirement to make a police report in order to obtain a sexual assault forensic exam. Victims have a right under law to receive this examination without cost through Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Crimes Victims Compensation Program.
Pullman Regional Hospital conducts sexual assault forensic examinations 24/7. Click here to read about their services.
Pullman Regional Hospital
835 SE Bishop Boulevard
Pullman, WA 99163
to reach their Emergency Department: (509) 336-7359