I Need Medical Care
Seeking Medical Care: You Are Not Alone
If you are experiencing sexual or domestic violence, seeking medical care can be an important step toward safety, healing, and support. Medical professionals are trained to recognize the signs of abuse and can help connect you with the resources you need. Remember, your safety is the priority. You decide what options protect you, ensure your privacy, and whether to involve law enforcement or social services.
If you’re worried about going to an appointment because the person causing harm insists on going with you, know that there are still ways to ask for help. If you are able to safely disclose what is happening, medical staff can involve an advocate to support you or, if you choose, contact law enforcement. What happens next is guided by your decisions.
If you have experienced a sexual assault, you may request or the medical staff may tell you that you can have a forensic medical exam, also known as a "SANE exam or rape kit." This specialized exam is conducted by trained medical professionals and can be an important option for documenting injuries and collecting evidence, whether or not you decide to report the assault to law enforcement. You can learn more about this process below.
Your health and safety matter. You deserve compassionate care and access to resources that support you on your own terms.
Keep reading to learn more about what to expect and how to find help near you.
Find a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
Anyone in Kansas who experiences a sexual assault may request a forensic examination or sexual assault nurse examination (SANE) be performed. If you are looking for a SANE please review the map below. If you have been sexually assaulted and need someone to talk to please know you can contact your local DV/SA Program (linked to service provider map) or reach out to SafeLine KS for 24/7 confidential support: 1-888-363-2287 or text SAFE to 847411.
Understand that while most Kansas hospitals will be able to perform a SANE if you seek care at an emergency room, we recommend you check this list first or contact your
local advocacy program.
"I am not sure if I was sexually assaulted and worried about what happens if I go to a doctor."
What Happens During a SANE and What Are My Rights?
A medical forensic exam can be more involved than what we are used to seeing on TV shows. You play an active role in deciding whether you want the exam, talk to law enforcement and how to proceed with your case once evidence has been collected.
Learn about
medical forensic exams, some details on how medical staff support survivors, and how an advocate can support you during your visit. We also include information on costs and your rights as a survivor and law enforcement involvement.
Have Been Sexually Assaulted?
If you are not sure if what you experienced was sexual assault or what to do about what happened to you - please take a moment to review some guidance on consent and sexual activity and your how an advocate can support you through your questions
Contact an Advocate for Help
The trained Victim Advocate can work with you during this process of connecting with a SANE program and getting a forensic exam (SANE). An advocate can also talk with you about your options for ongoing support, and connect you with other resources like law enforcement and community services. Advocates will listen and respect you and your dignity and ensure your decisions are respected.
Kansas SANE Programs - Map Index
SANE Resources
List compiled by Kansas Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence, April 2024.
For corrections or additions, please contact the Training Team at 785-232-9784 or trainingteam@kcsdv.org.
Using the Map to find a SANE Resource:
- You can search by city or county
- Our list is ordered according to the numbers on the map, but you can use the keyword search to jump immediately to any location
All SANE resources listed in the map and index are available to victims and survivors of sexual violence who wish to receive a forensic exam (also referred to as a "SANE exam" or "rape kit." Please check each entry for the city, phone number, and location details. These are medical facilities and you will need to inform the staff you are seeking medical care related to a sexual assault or sexual violence.
If you would like to have an advocate present for the medical exam, you can contact a sexual assault advocacy program via the "Find Help" page or you can tell the medical staff that you would like them to call an advocate for you. You have the right to have an advocate present during the exam. Please review your rights during a forensic medical exam. Agreeing to or requesting a forensic medical exam related to a sexual assault or experiencing sexual violence does not require you to report the incident to law enforcement. You can speak with an advocate and/or medical personnel about involving law enforcement but the choice is yours.
All SANE resources offer language and accessibility services for survivors who need assistance.
All communications with an advocate are confidential. If you are unable to reach an advocate at a program and you would like one present for your medical exam, you can contact SafeLine KS Helpline at 1-888-363-2287 or text SAFE to 847411.
