SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
Treatment, Prevention & Options
Seeking medical treatment following sexual or interpersonal violence is a critical step in ensuring your mental and physical health and preserving evidence.
In an emergency for an ambulance dial 911. On-campus, you may contact University police 333/631.632.3333 if you require a ride to the SANE Center at Stony Brook University Emergency Department.
On-Campus/SBU Options
SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Center
The SANE Center program exists at hospitals throughout New York and is located in SB University Hospital ED (Emergency Department). At the SANE Center, victims of sexual and interpersonal violence can access free confidential and private medical care and forensic examination 24/7 for up to 108 hours (4.5 days) following an incident.
The SANE nurse will conduct a forensic examination of the patient, cataloging evidence of physical or sexual abuse that may be used in a court case or police proceedings. Additionally, the SANE nurse will conduct a forensic interview, asking the victim about the incident (s) of abuse. Evidence will be preserved for at the hospital for at least 20 years unless the patient directs SBUH to surrender it to the police.
Student Health Service
Student Health Services provides primary health care services to all Stony Brook University students at no additional cost. The staff at Student Health includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, health educators, and laboratory technologists who are dedicated to providing quality medical care. See the Student Health Services website for more information and to access the Wolfie Health Portal.
Stony Brook Medicine
Stony Brook Medicine includes the Stony Brook University affiliated hospitals (Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Long Island State Veterans Home), the schools in our Health Sciences Center (Medicine, Dental, Health Professions, Nursing, Social Welfare, and Public Health), and more than 200 community-based healthcare settings throughout Suffolk County. See the Stony Brook Medicine website for more information and to find a provider.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS provides psychological and psychiatric services to students at no additional cost. To make an initial consultation appointment, use CAPS' online self-scheduler. You may also contact CAPS at (631) 632-6720 to schedule an appointment or to address a mental health crisis and speak with a counselor immediately. Students can also call the CAPS Crisis Line directly at (855) 509-5742 and speak to a licensed mental health counselor anytime, day or night.
Off-Campus Options
Additional SANE Centers Available in Suffolk County
Patchogue, New York 11772
Riverhead, NY 11901
Non Stony Brook Medicine affiliated health professionals are available throughout Suffolk County. Cost for these services will be impacted by your access to health insurance and/or your ability to pay.
Why is Medical Attention Important?
Physical Injuries: A sexual assault can cause physical injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and tears. Seeking medical treatment can ensure that these injuries are treated appropriately and that any potential infections are prevented.
STI Prevention: Sexual assault can also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Seeking medical treatment can help to prevent the transmission of STIs by providing access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or other preventative measures.
Pregnancy Prevention: If the sexual assault involves penetration, there is a risk of pregnancy. Seeking medical treatment can provide access to emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Mental Health Support: A sexual assault can have a profound impact on a person's mental health. Seeking medical treatment can provide access to mental health services, including counseling and therapy, to address the emotional and psychological trauma of the assault.
Legal Options: Seeking medical treatment can also be important for legal purposes. Medical records can serve as evidence in a criminal case and can help to support a victim's claim in civil court.
You have the right to make a report to University Police, local law enforcement and/or state police or choose not to report; to report the incident to the University, to be protected by the University from retaliation for reporting an incident; and to receive assistance and resources from the University.
N.Y. Educ. Law 129-B §6444
Stony Brook offices and employees who cannot guarantee confidentiality will maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible. The information you provide to a non-confidential resource will be relayed only as necessary for the Title IX Coordinator to investigate and/or seek a resolution.
N.Y. Educ. Law § 129-B §6446
At Stony Brook University, we value all students, employees, and job candidates as unique individuals, and we welcome the variety of experiences they bring to our institution. As such, we have a strict non-discrimination policy. It is the policy of Stony Brook University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.