Medical Resources

Medical Treatment

After an experience of unwanted sexual contact, you may consider seeking medical treatment, such as:

STI treatment and testing and/or discussing the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a health professional
- Preventive treatment for certain STIs can be most effective within 1-3 days of the sexual contact
- Find more information about post-exposure prophylaxis (preventative treatment for HIV) such as where to find it and how to pay for it
Forensic exam to collect potential physical evidence and determine additional necessary treatment (also called a sexual assault forensic exam, or ‘rape kit’) Learn more about the Forensic Exam.
- A forensic exam may be conducted up to 5 days after the incident
- To preserve evidence one should not shower, bathe, brush teeth, or change clothes before visiting a hospital for a forensic exam
Discussing the risks of pregnancy resulting from a sexual assault and/or contraception methods and alternatives with a health professional
- Preventive treatment for pregnancy can be most effective within 1 day of the sexual contact
- Find places to obtain preventive treatment near you

Having someone with you

You can have a support person (or people) of your choice such as a friend, family member, or advocate accompany you throughout the medical care process. You can also speak with the USF Title IX office and request a support person from USF to accompany you.

You can request an advocate from San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR), regardless of your gender, to assist you in the medical and/or police reporting process by calling the 24-hr crisis hotline at (415) 647-7273, or find the crisis center nearest you to request an advocate – Support in the Bay Area.

Medical Centers

USF Campus Health Promotion Services
Administrative offices where you can learn more about medical treatment and/or book appointments at one of the available student health centers. No actual medical treatment is provided here.

Email: [email protected]
Address: 2130 Fulton Street, University Center 5th floor, San Francisco CA 94117

San Francisco General Hospital - Emergency room
SF General Hospital is the only area medical center that conducts forensic exams (also called ‘rape kits’, see Forensic Exam for more information). The emergency department can also address other pressing medical issues. USF offers transportation to students who choose to go to SF General Hospital for a forensic exam and/or medical treatment as a result of unwanted sexual contact or sexual assault.

Address: 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110

Dignity Medical Group (DHMG) Health Services
All USF students registered for credit hours may visit Dignity Health Medical Group (DHMG) clinics during regular business hours regardless of their health insurance plan. There is no co-payment to students for the office visit; however, the students’ health insurance will be billed for office visits. Students with Aetna insurance may get treated at no cost by DHMG Health Services. (Students with an HMO insurance plan may desire to seek treatment at Kaiser Permanente.)

Provides sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and gynecological care. Free for all students currently registered in credit hours. Students not currently registered in credit hours (ex. summer or winter sessions) may use the clinic, but they or their insurance are responsible for all expenses. Bring student ID and insurance.

Forensic Exam

What is it?

The Sexual Assault Forensic Exam, also called a ‘rape kit’, is an exam that checks for and documents physical evidence of sexual battery, sexual assault, or rape, and may be conducted up to 5 days after the incident. To best preserve evidence, one should not bathe, shower, brush teeth, or go to the bathroom until after the forensic exam. Evidence from a forensic exam can be used in prosecuting sexual assault cases through the criminal justice system.

Where can I get a forensic exam?

The San Francisco General Hospital ER is the only location in San Francisco that administers forensic exams. You may request a ride and/or escort to San Francisco General Hospital from University of San Francisco Public Safety or Title IX Office (up to 5 days after the incident), or the San Francisco Police Department (within 72 hours of the incident).

San Francisco General Hospital ER

Address: 1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 206-8000

How forensic exams work:

A sexual assault nurse examiner, (SANE) or doctor will begin the exam by asking about your medical history and health, and may ask about characteristics or details of the assault. A physical exam will be performed and samples from various parts of the body may be collected to test for DNA. A toxicology test may also be done to test for drugs in the system, and clothing may be kept as evidence. At the hospital they may ask for your insurance, however, there is no charge for a rape kit and you do not need to provide insurance.

Will the police be notified that I got a forensic exam?

When a patient comes in for a forensic exam, the nurse is required to call San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), and a uniformed officer will be sent to the hospital. You may request to the nurse that SFPD not send an officer to the hospital, in which SFPD will still be called, but your name or identity will not be shared. You may still decide to report to police in the future and do not have to speak with police at the hospital if you do not want to.

How forensic exams are used:

After the exam, the doctor or nurse will document the findings in a medical record, which can later be subpoenaed to assist in the legal process.

Having someone with you:

You can have a support person (or people) of your choice, such as an advocate, friend, or family member accompany you throughout the medical care process. You can also speak with the USF Title IX office and request a support person from USF to accompany you.

You can request an advocate from SFWAR to assist you in the medical and/or police reporting process by calling the 24-hr crisis hotline at (415) 647-7273.

A forensic exam may also be referred to as sexual assault evidence collection kit, sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kit, sexual offense evidence collection kit (SOEC) kit, or physical evidence recovery kit (PERK).