Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report to the police to get an exam?
No. You can receive a medical forensic exam without filing a police report. You do not have to make every decision at once, and you are never required to decide during your visit.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to the patient for the medical forensic examination. You do not need insurance.
How long do I have to come in after an assault?
If you are considering evidence collection, we encourage you to come as soon as you are able. In most cases, evidence can be collected for up to 7 days (168 hours) after a sexual assault, although some types of evidence have shorter collection windows.
Even if more than 7 days have passed, it is not too late to seek care. You can still receive medical evaluation and treatment, testing, pregnancy-related care, support, safety planning, and connection to community resources.
Whenever you are ready, we are here to help.
What should I bring, and should I change clothes or shower first?
You do not need to bring anything special to receive care. If possible, avoid showering, changing clothes, brushing your teeth, or washing before your exam, as these activities may affect evidence collection.
If you have already showered, changed clothes, eaten, used the bathroom, or cleaned up, please still come. Evidence may still be collected, and you can still receive medical care and support.
If you have already changed clothes, you can bring the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault with you.
Do I need an appointment or a referral?
No referral is needed. For a sexual assault medical forensic exam, go to the emergency department at any of the locations listed under Where to Receive Care, any hour of the day. No appointment is necessary.
At the Family Safety Center Clinic, walk-ins and appointments are both welcome during clinic hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
How old do I have to be?
Sexual assault medical forensic exams are provided for patients age 16 and older. Patients aged 15 and under are seen by our partner Our Kids at 615-341-4911, available 24 hours a day. Please call first.
Evaluations for non-fatal strangulation and other physical interpersonal violence are provided for patients age 18 and older. If you are under 18 and need care after a strangulation, call our SANE office at 615-341-4368 or come to the Nashville General Hospital Emergency Department, and we will help you get to the right place.
What if I was strangled or choked?
Strangulation can cause significant injury even when there are no visible marks on the neck. A medical forensic evaluation is available through the Family Safety Center Clinic for adults 18 and older, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and through the Nashville General Hospital Emergency Department, open 24 hours.
If you have concerning or emergency symptoms, call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical care.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. You may bring a support person of your choosing, and an advocate can be with you during your visit. Connecting you with an advocate is part of the care we provide.
What happens after the exam?
Before you leave, your care team will cover education about your health and what symptoms to watch for, safety planning, connection to additional resources, and coordination of follow-up medical care and support.
Who will know that I came here?
For patients ages 16 and 17, our healthcare team is required to follow Tennessee's mandatory reporting laws.
At the time of your evaluation, your nurse practitioner will explain any reporting requirements that apply to your situation, what information may need to be shared, and what you can expect.