Sexual assault can have both immediate and long-term health effects. Immediate concerns often involve fear of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections. However, many people do not realize the long-term effects sexual assault can have on one’s physical and mental health. Sexual assault and incest can be the root of many, serious health problems. Sexual assault is truly a public health concern for our society.

Research shows that stressful childhood experiences can impact a person’s health later in life. Sexual assault and incest have an especially profound effect and have been part of this research. One prominent study, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, a collaboration of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente, may be the largest scientific study of its kind. The Study examines the relationship between childhood trauma and behavioral outcomes later in life.

For years, victims of sexual assault have been forced to wait long hours in the emergency department before receiving a forensic exam. The development of sexual assault forensic examiner programs (SAFE) and sexual assault response teams (SART) has changed this and improved care for victims. A number of hospitals and communities in Pennsylvania have SAFE/SART programs.

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception (EC) is high dose birth control pills that can be used after a sexual assault or unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

Do I have to pay for the forensic exam and medications I receive at the hospital?