Victims/survivors are encouraged to seek medical care for injuries as well as testing/treatment for sexually transmitted infections (if relevant) from licensed medical care providers. Given the importance of collecting evidence if a crime may have occurred, it is encouraged (but not required) to obtain a forensic Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam, conducted by specially trained professionals. This exam can only be done in certain locations, not any hospital. The closest location to obtain such an exam from the Fort Lauderdale/ Davie Campus is the local sexual assault center, and it is ideal to call the 24-hour helpline to speak to their confidential staff and discuss resources and services:
Nancy J. Cotterman Center
2995 North Dixie Highway
Oakland Park, Florida 33334
954-761-RAPE (7273) - 24-hour helpline
Services provided at the center include crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, accompaniment, information and referrals, and forensic medical exams for victims of sexual assault and survivors of child abuse. A forensic medical exam can be conducted even if the victim/survivor has not reported the crime to the police (if the victim is 18 years old or older). Victims are encouraged to seek an exam as soon as possible, within 120 hours following sexual violence. Some evidence may be able to be collected even after that time. Victims are encouraged to seek out confidential resources which can offer counseling and other services related to mental health care and processing traumatic events.
Individuals outside of Broward County can contact one of the following:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673)
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network)
- Regional Campus resources