Center Of Hope For Sexual Assault Survivors

Sexual assault leaves survivors feeling isolated, scared and unsure where to turn. The thought of seeking help can feel overwhelming or even impossible. Yet it is often the first step toward recovery and, in some cases, justice.

The Center Of Hope Is Here For You

Franciscan Health’s Center of Hope offers one-on-one care and medical forensic exams from a specially trained nurse after a sexual assault. All services are free, from the initial exam to safe discharge and follow-up resources. We are here to walk alongside survivors and help you find hope during one of the most challenging times in your life.

Center of Hope services are available at Franciscan Health emergency departments (Lafayette, Indianapolis, Mooresville, Rensselaer, Chesterton, Crown Point, Dyer, Hammond and Michigan City) and other locations in Indiana. If you or someone you know needs Center of Hope services, visit a Franciscan Health emergency department (ED).

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute pays for all Center of Hope services. You do not need to have insurance or pay for anything related to your visit.

Who Can Seek Care From The Center Of Hope?

The Center for Hope is for women, men, teens and children who have experienced:

• Domestic violence
• Human trafficking
• Intimate partner violence
• Rape
• Sexual abuse

Coming in for a medical forensic exam after a sexual assault takes courage. We’re here to make the experience as calm and supportive as possible. All exams and conversations at the Center of Hope are confidential, and we won’t do anything without your clear consent.

What Is A Medical Forensic Exam?

A medical forensic exam helps collect and preserve evidence after a sexual assault and also supports your medical and emotional recovery. Ideally, it happens as soon as possible after the assault. Indiana law requires the collection of evidence within 120 hours (five days) to use in a police report. (Watch a video to learn more about what to expect in a medical forensic exam.)

Survivors can choose to report the sexual assault as a crime, but they don’t have to.

It’s good to have the evidence just in case. The lab that processes the evidence can store it for up to a year, giving you time to decide.

Common Questions About Medical Forensic Exams

It’s normal for people who have experienced sexual assault to deal with a range of emotions. The Center of Hope team is here to support you and provide you with accurate information.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the exam.

I took a shower and changed out of the clothes I was wearing. Can I still get an exam?

Yes. We can still perform the medical forensic exam, even if you have:

• Showered
• Changed your clothes
• Eaten food
• Used the bathroom

However, it’s best not to shower before a medical forensic exam. If possible, bring the clothing you were wearing with you. And feel free to eat and go to the bathroom before you come. Those activities will not affect the exam.

What if it’s been more than a day since the assault?

The Center of Hope can provide medical forensic exams hours, days and even years after a sexual assault.

Remember, the evidence is only valid in court if collected within 120 hours of the assault. Why consider an exam if more than 120 hours have passed? An exam can offer important health information — and provide peace of mind in the healing process.

If the exam is for a child, how do you keep them safe?

Our experienced, compassionate team specializes in helping children and adolescents who have experienced sexual assault or sexual molestation. We work closely with the Indiana Department of Child Services and law enforcement to protect and support these survivors and preserve their safety, dignity and legal rights.

Details About The Medical Forensic Exam

When you arrive at the emergency department, our top priority is to make sure you don’t have any life-threatening injuries. The care team may do medical tests or an imaging study (like an X-ray).  

Next, you’ll meet a forensic nurse examiner. She will guide you to a private area for the exam. When you are ready, the exam will begin. It will include:

The exam is gentle and should not cause pain. You’re in control throughout the process. The nurse collects evidence with care, always respecting your comfort and consent. You can even collect some evidence with guidance from the nurse if that makes you more comfortable. And you can opt out of any part of the exam or end it early if you want to.

Depending on your medical needs and the scope of the exam, your visit to the Center for Hope may last two to six hours or more.

State-of-the-art technology captures “invisible” injuries

We use advanced technology called Cortexflo to photograph injuries that may be invisible to the eye. This “crime cam” uses special filters to capture images of “invisible” bruises and even handprints. Such evidence can be a game-changer if you decide to report the assault. It helps prosecutors create a stronger case against the attacker.

We Will Keep You Safe

Your safety and peace of mind are important to us, and we take concrete steps to protect both. During your visit, we will:

Our Center of Hope team can also help with non-medical concerns, such as finding a safe place to stay.

Specially Trained Forensic Nurse Examiners Are Here To Help You, And They Care

Forensic nurse examiners are passionate about helping sexual assault and abuse survivors. We have completed at least 40 hours of classroom training and 60 hours of clinical work under the supervision of more experienced forensic nurse specialists. All of us at the Center of Hope care deeply about helping survivors regain control of their lives after an assault. If you want to pursue justice, we’ll support that too.

What Happens To Your Evidence Next

After your exam is complete, we seal all evidence, including the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault, if available. A law enforcement officer collects the sealed evidence and delivers it to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for processing. You can use the lab’s tracking system to follow the process. The lab will send results to the law enforcement officer working on your case.

If you do not report the assault to law enforcement and remain anonymous, the evidence will remain in the lab for up to a year.

We Can Provide Follow-Up Care

You can return to the Center of Hope any time for follow-up care and support. The ICJI will compensate follow-up care, including mental health services and testing for sexually transmitted infections, for up to 30 days post-assault, but we can continue to follow up with survivors for as long as needed to help them on their path of recovery.

Help Is Always Available — No Matter When or Why

The Center of Hope is here for anyone who has experienced sexual violence. No matter when the assault occurred or what your circumstances are, we will listen to you, believe you and support your next steps. We care about your well-being and are ready to help.