Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that this may be an overwhelming time. The information below is meant to help answer common questions about what to expect and what options are available to you. If you have additional questions or need immediate assistance, please call our hotline at 205-860-SAFE (7233). We are here to help.
1
What should I do if I have been sexually assaulted?
If you need immediate medical attention - such as for serious injuries, head trauma, strangulation, heavy bleeding, severe pain, or thoughts of harming yourself- call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
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If you do not need emergency medical care, call the SAFE Center hotline. A SANE can meet you at the center, typically within one hour. If you are already at a hospital, call our hotline, and we can coordinate care when possible.
2
What services are provided at the SAFE Center?
​-Forensic Medical Examinations
-Evidence Collection
-Medications to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STI's) after an assault
-Medication to help prevent pregnancy after an assault
-Follow-up care including medical advocacy, counseling and support group services
3
Why is it important to have a forensic exam?
After a sexual assault, it is normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what to do next. The decision to have a forensic exam is always yours, ad you remain in control at every step.
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A forensic exam allows our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE's) to check on you health, treat injurie, and offer medication to help prevent pregnancy and STI's if you choose. The exam can also document and preserve evidence, keeping your options open if you decide to report now or later. Evidence collection is time-sensitive, but in Alabama, there is no current statute of limitations for reporting sexual assault.
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An exam can also connect you with advocacy, counseling, and other support services so you don't have to navigate this alone.
4
What can I expect when I arrive at TSC?
You will be met by a nurse and an advocate. The advocate is there to support you during the exam and connect you with post-assault resources.
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The nurse will begin by asking questions about your health and what happened to guide your care. You remain in control at every step and can choose what you would or would not like to participate in.
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The exam takes place in a private room equipped for forensic medical care. A head-to-toe assessment may be completed, and evidence can be collected if you choose.
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After the exam, you will have the opportunity to shower. All shower items are new and provided, and you will be given new, clean clothes to change into.
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Your advocate will help ensure you have a safe place to go and provide information about any services you may want or need.
5
Do you offer services in languages other than English?
Yes. We have access to professional interpreters 24/7 in over 200 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). Consent forms and discharge materials are also available in Spanish and other commonly spoken languages in our area.
Language should never be a barrier to care. Please let us know if you need an interpreter.
6
How long does the exam take?
The exam generally lasts two to three hours. During this time, you will work one-on-one with a SANE in a private setting. The nurse will talk with you about your health and what happened, complete the exam, and collect evidence if you choose.
7
Is there anything I should avoid before coming to SAFE?
If possible, try to avoid the following before your exam:
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Showering or bathing
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Brushing your teeth
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Using the restroom
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Brushing your hair
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Changing clothes
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Eating or drinking
These activities can affect evidence collection. However, if you have already done any of these things, you can still receive care and should still call us. You will not be turned away.
8
What if I have showered or changed clothes?
If you have showered, changed clothes, or cleaned yourself in any way, you can still receive care. Evidence can often still be collected, depending on the circumstances.
If you have items that were with you during the assault (such as clothing, bedsheets, towels, or other items that may contain evidence), bring them with you if possible. A paper bag is preferred for storing these items, but if you only have a plastic bag, still bring them and let the nurse know when you arrive so they can properly collect and repackage them.
9
What if I am unsure what happend to me?
We encourage you to call the SAFE Center hotline, even if you are unsure what happened. It is common to feel confused or have gaps in memory after a traumatic experience.
A nurse can talk with you about your concerns, assess any medical needs, and help you decide what next steps feel right for you.
10
What is a rape kit?
A rape kit, also called a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit, is a standardized set of materials used during a forensic exam to collect and preserve evidence. The kit itself does not determine whether someone was assaulted — it simply helps document findings and maintain evidence if a survivor chooses to report.
11
Do I have to report to law enforcement or "press charges"?
No. You are not required to report to law enforcement in order to receive a forensic exam or medical care.
We will explain your reporting options and answer any questions you may have. If you choose to report, we can guide you through the process. If you choose not to report, you can still receive care and support.
Under Alabama law, healthcare providers are mandated reporters in certain situations, such as when the survivor is a minor. If a report is legally required, we will explain this to you before moving forward.
For more detailed information, please see the Reporting section under “If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted.”
12
What if I am unsure if I want to involve law enforcement?
It is completely normal to feel unsure. You do not have to decide right away.
In most situations, whether to involve law enforcement is your choice, and you may take time to make that decision. Currently in Alabama, there is no statute of limitations for reporting sexual assault.
Evidence collection is time-sensitive. Most exams are completed within 72 hours of an assault, though certain circumstances may allow for a longer timeframe. Even if you are unsure about reporting, a forensic exam can help preserve your options.
In some situations, such as when the survivor is a minor, Alabama law requires us to make a report. If a report is legally required, we will explain this before moving forward.