Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program at UPMC in South Central Pa.

The U.S Department of Justice reports that 293,000 women are raped or sexually assaulted every year. That’s one rape occurring every two minutes. If you or a loved one are the victim of sexual assault, you will receive the supportive care you need at any UPMC Pinnacle Emergency Department.

UPMC Pinnacle's SAFE Program addresses one of the most serious and underreported crimes, giving survivors of sexual assault one on one care that you deserve. A specially trained forensic registered nurse, called a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), will provide you with a compassionate, comprehensive medical legal examination. She will collect forensic evidence that will assist law enforcement and district attorneys to investigate and prosecute the person(s) who assaulted you. She will also test and treat for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.

Four out of five assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. It's OK if you don't want to talk to law enforcement right away (or ever). The SANEs at UPMC Pinnacle will walk you through your options so you can make the best decision for yourself. Regardless if you want to speak with law enforcement, the trained SANEs will collect crucial evidence that can later be used if you do want to pursue with an investigation.

Research indicates that some evidence can be collected up to 120 hours (five days) after an assault. At any point you are ready to receive help a SANE or medical provider will be able to help you. It's OK to not know what you want, a SANE is always available to discuss your options.

What You Should Do Following a Sexual Assault

If possible, do not change, shower or eat/drink following your assault. If available, bring an extra pair of clothes and come directly to the any UPMC Pinnacle Emergency Department.

When You Arrive

A SANE will be summoned to provide your medical care.

A representative from the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, Carlisle, or Hanover will be notified, so you immediately have the option of using services offered by a Rape Crisis Center advocate.

Your SANE will provide emotional support, treat your physical injuries, collect physical forensic evidence and photography of injuries, and administer preventive treatments for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy according to established medical protocols. All survivors are offered follow-up medical care and referral to law enforcement, the Rape Crisis Center, and other community agencies providing crisis intervention, psychological care and support for victims and their loved ones.

If you have been assaulted do not hesitate to get help. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For more information, call us at 717-782-5205. 

Locations

Emergency Room at UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic
Located at Medical Sciences Pavilion
4300 Londonderry Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Phone: 717-657-7295

Emergency Room at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg
Located at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg
111 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-782-5256
Fax: 717-782-5311

Emergency Room at UPMC Pinnacle West Shore
Located at UPMC Pinnacle West Shore
1995 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: 717-988-1065
Fax: 717-221-5531

Emergency Room at UPMC Carlisle
Located at UPMC Carlisle
361 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17015
Phone: 717-249-1212

Emergency Room at UPMC Hanover
Located at UPMC Hanover
300 Highland Avenue
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-316-2000

Emergency Room at UPMC Lititz
Located at UPMC Lititz
1500 Highlands Drive
Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-625-5500

Emergency Room at UPMC Memorial
Located at UPMC Memorial
1701 Innovation Drive
York, PA 17408
Phone: 717-849-5730