Medical Attention and the Importance of Preserving Evidence
In cases of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, complainants are encouraged to preserve physical evidence that may assist in proving the alleged criminal offense occurred or that may be helpful in obtaining a protection order. The decision to make a formal complaint or criminal report does not have to be made at this time. However, following these procedures will help preserve this option for the future.
To properly preserve evidence, ensure the incident area is not disturbed. The individual should not bathe, urinate, douche, brush teeth, or drink liquids. Clothes should not be changed. If clothes have been removed, place original clothing in a paper bag. (Plastic bags may damage evidence.) For crimes of stalking, the individual should preserve all instances of unwanted communications (texts, e-mails, social media posts) and keep a log of unwanted phone calls. For crimes of dating violence or domestic violence, pictures of injuries should be taken.
If you have been assaulted, you are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention at an area hospital and take a full change of clothing, including shoes, for use after a medical examination. It is recommended that a physical exam be conducted within 72 hours of the assault. Participating in a sexual assault forensic exam does not require the individual to press charges. This action keeps the option open. (Individuals under the age of eighteen should be aware that, as a minor (child), their parent(s) or legal guardian may have the right to obtain information from their medical records.) Lancaster General Hospital and Penn State Hershey Medical Center provide a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). The hospital staff can assist with treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and other health services.
Contact either of the following for immediate law enforcement assistance for any crime of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking:
- Elizabethtown Police Department -Dial 911
- Campus Safety – 717.361.1111 (24/7 Emergency Hotline)
Campus Safety can arrange transportation to a local hospital or local police department if requested. You have the right to report, and the right to not report, to law enforcement a crime of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking that you have experienced. You also have the right to decline to notify law enforcement of a crime of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking if offered the option.
Medical Care
Lancaster General Hospital
Lancaster General Hospital has a multidisciplinary team of professionals that work with individuals that have been sexually assaulted or sexually abused, including nurses that are trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. These nurses have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in medical forensic care for individuals that have experienced sexual assault of abuse. The team strives to assure that the response to a patient who has been sexually assaulted is patient-centered and compassionate, and ultimately may provide potential evidence to be used in the investigation of sexual assault. Advocates from the Lancaster YWCA are available to accompany individuals to Lancaster General Hospital. Individuals receiving an sexual assault forensic exam can opt to pay with their health insurance or may be able to utilize the Victim Witness Compensation fund (kept confidential and not a part of the patient’s health record)
Lancaster General Hospital
Emergency Room
555 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-544-5122
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Penn State Hershey Medical Center has a multidisciplinary team of professionals that work with individuals that have been sexually assaulted or sexually abused, including nurses that are trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. These nurses have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in medical forensic care for individuals that have experienced sexual assault of abuse. The team strives to assure that the response to a patient who has been The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg maintains an office at the Medical Center which includes a dedicated Domestic Violence Medical Advocate. Trained advocates are available to accompany individuals to Lancaster General Hospital. Individuals receiving an sexual assault forensic exam can opt to pay with their health insurance or to utilize the Victim Witness Compensation fund (kept confidential and not a part of the patient’s health record)
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Emergency Room
500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
717-531-8333 (main line)
717-531-5188 (Domestic Violence Medical Advocate)
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Sycamore Square
99 Masonic Drive, Suite 101, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
Phone: 717-689-4243 (Etown College students call 717-588-1059 to be connected during business hours)
Counseling
Elizabethtown College Counseling Services
The Counseling Services staff has extensive experience in college counseling and is committed to providing high quality services in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental atmosphere. All services are free of charge for full-time, traditional program students.
If you wish to speak confidentially with the College counselor after business hours and prefer not disclose any information about yourself or the incident to Campus Safety or other College personnel, please call 717.361.1111 and request to speak with a confidential counselor. The Counselor-on-Call will respond to you directly, and if requested, will come meet with you in a confidential campus location or meet you at a local hospital.
Staff Counselors are not required to disclose any information about a report of sexual misconduct or sexual violence to the Title IX Coordinator or any other College official without your permission.
Elizabethtown College Chaplain
The College Chaplain is available during regular college business hours for confidential consultation and pastoral care. They respond to those from all religions and also those from non-religious backgrounds, providing support in time of difficulty, listening with an open heart, and seeking possible ways to think about the big questions of meaning and purpose that often arise in times of great joy or tragedy.
The College Chaplain is not required to disclose any information about a report of sexual misconduct or sexual violence to the Title IX Coordinator or any other College official without permission.
Office of the Chaplain
Baugher Student Center, BSC 253
717-361-1260
Lancaster YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center
The YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center (SAPCC) provides counseling and support to all individuals that have experienced sexual assault or sexual violence. All services are free and confidential. Staff or trained advocates are available 24 hours a day. SAPCC provides short-term counseling, information and referrals, legal and medical advocacy, accompaniment to hospitals, police departments, and court proceedings as requested, assistance in obtaining sexual assault forensic exam medical services, and support groups.
Lancaster YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center
110 N. Lime St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-393-1735
717-392-7273 - 24-Hr Sexual Assault Hotline