Have you or a loved one been sexually or physically assaulted? You're not alone. Contact 269.687.1880.
What is Sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any sexual act in which a person is forced to engage against their will. This may include unwanted touching by a stranger or someone you know. It can happen anywhere, at any time of the day. It is very important to get a medical forensic exam after a sexual assault even if you don’t think you have any wounds or if the assault occurred a while ago.
Every two minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. In Berrien County, more than 300 children (16 years and under) and 40 adults (over age 17) reported being sexually abused or assaulted in 2014. These numbers are only a glimpse into the number of sexual assaults in our community and country. Less than half of people report their assault.
Spectrum Health Lakeland offers a Forensic Care & Advocacy team of highly-trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) available 24 hours a day to care for those who have been sexually assaulted and can help survivors begin the healing process.
A referral is not needed and services are available for patients of all ages.
Private, safe, and tender care
Our team is here to help anyone affected by assault – not only right after, it happens, but also days or weeks after. We provide care designed to meet each patient’s medical and emotional needs, with services based on preference:
- Injury care
- Crisis intervention
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) testing and medications
- Pregnancy prevention and testing
- Safety planning
- Evidence collection (if wanted)
- Help with law enforcement agency communications
- Connections to free counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and housing aid
What should I expect during my visit?
In all types of care we will meet with you to discuss any questions or concerns you might have for yourself of your child. We will talk one-to-one with you to get a complete medical history and assess you or your child's needs, which may include a physical exam. The length of the visits may vary, depending on your needs. Our nurses and advocates care for one patients at a time and provide the services you need without making you feel rushed.
What happens after a visit?
Our advocates and nurses are here to continue supporting you. Our team will work with you to connect you with information to continue care through the health system and our community partners.
We're here for you
If you have been sexual assaulted and need urgent care our staff is available 24 hours a day to treat patient in the emergency departments at:
Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital
31. N. St. Joseph Ave | Niles, Mi 49120
Spectrum Health Lakeland Watervliet Hospital
400 Medical Park Dr. | Watervliet, MI 49098
Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph
1234 Napier Ave | St. Joseph, Mi 49085
If you have injuries and need immediate care; call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
If you need a non-urgent exam or you were sexually assaulted more than five days ago free follow up care is available for all ages at the Children's Advocacy of Southwest Michigan. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 269.687.1880.