Compassionate care when you need it most.
If you have experienced a sexual assault, JPS is here to help.
Our specially trained forensic nurses provide medical care, emotional support, and information about your options in a private, respectful environment.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Sexually Assaulted?
What happened is not your fault. Your safety and health are most important.
If you are in danger right now, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If You Are Safe
Get Medical Care as Soon as You Can
A forensic nurse can:
- Check and treat your injuries
- Help with health concerns
- Give medicine to help prevent pregnancy or infections, if needed
- Explain the exam and your choices
You Are in Control
The exam is your choice. We will explain each step before it happens. You can:
- Ask questions at any time
- Say no to any part of the exam
- Stop the exam at any time
Reporting Is Your Choice
If you are 18 or older, you do not have to talk to the police to get medical care. Our team can explain your options and help if you decide to make a report.
Bring Someone You Trust
You can bring a trusted friend or family member with you for support during your visit.
How We Can Help
Your care may include:
- Treatment for injuries and other health concerns
- A health check and exam
- Testing and treatment for infections and pregnancy concerns
- Making a plan to help keep you safe
- Connecting you with advocates and crisis support
- Help finding follow-up medical care and support services
- Talking about your health and what happened
- Collecting evidence, if you choose
- Help making a police report, if you choose
- Required reporting for children, older adults, or vulnerable adults when needed
Our team will work with you to make sure you get the care, support, and information you need.
When you arrive, a JPS team member will take you to a private room. A specially trained nurse will explain what will happen and help you get the care you need.
Where do I go when I arrive?
- Go to the Emergency Department check-in area.
- Tell the staff you would like to see the forensic nurse.
- You do not need to share details about what happened.
- A doctor or nurse may check you for serious injuries and decide if you need X-rays or other tests.
- If you do not need emergency treatment, you will be taken to our private Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) suite. There, the forensic nursing team will care for you in a safe and private space.
What if I showered, ate, or drank?
You should still come in for care. We may still be able to collect evidence for up to 5 days (120 hours) after the assault. Your health and safety are our top priorities.
What if I have already changed clothes?
Please still come in for care. If you can, bring the clothes you were wearing during the assault. Our team can help collect evidence and provide clean clothes if needed.
What if I am not sure a sexual assault occurred?
You do not have to be sure to get help. A forensic nurse can help if:
- Something does not feel right
- You have injuries and do not know how they happened
- You cannot remember what happened
- You think you may have been drugged
- You think a sexual assault may have happened
Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, explain your choices, and support your health and safety.
Myth: If someone was assaulted, they would have fought back.
Fact: People react to fear and trauma in different ways. There is no right or wrong response.
Myth: If someone was really assaulted, they would tell someone right away.
Fact: Many people wait before talking about what happened. Fear, shock, or confusion can make it hard to speak up right away.
Myth: A husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner cannot sexually assault someone.
Fact: Everyone has the right to choose what happens to their body. Sexual assault can happen in any relationship.
Myth: Only strangers commit sexual assault.
Fact: Many people who are sexually assaulted know the person who hurt them. It may be a partner, friend, family member, or someone they know.
Myth: Only women can be sexually assaulted.
Fact: Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Myth: People often lie about being sexually assaulted.
Fact: Most people who report a sexual assault are telling the truth.
Myth: A well-liked or successful person cannot commit sexual assault.
Fact: Anyone can hurt another person, no matter who they are or what they do.
| Organization | Phone Number |
| Emergency Police Assistance | 911 |
| JPS Emergency Department | 817-702-8783 (24/7) |
| JPS SANE Program | 817-702-7263 (voicemail only) |
| JPS Emergency Administration | 817-702-8822 |
| Tarrant County Rape Crisis Center | 817-927-2737 |
| SAFE Haven of Tarrant County | 877-701-7233 |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | 800-799-SAFE |
| One Safe Place | 817-916-4323 |
| National Human Trafficking Hotline | 888-373-7888 or Text BeFree SMS 233733 |