Safe Support After Assault

Forensic Nurse Examinations and HAVEN's START Team for Sexual Assault & IPV Survivors

Facing the aftermath of sexual assault or intimate partner violence (IPV) can be overwhelming. At Haven, our Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team (START) comprises specially trained forensic nurses with advanced degrees. They collaborate with first response advocates to offer trauma-informed, comprehensive medical forensic exams and emotional support for victims of sexual assault (SA) and intimate partner violence (IPV), including cases involving strangulation. Whether you've experienced recent assault or strangulation, HAVEN is here with 24/7 access to compassionate, expert care.

About Sexual Assault and Strangulation Exams


At Haven, our forensic examiners create a safe and relaxed environment for survivors. We understand the importance of providing survivors with choices Facing the aftermath of sexual assault or intimate partner violence (IPV) can be overwhelming. At Haven, our Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team (START) comprises specially trained forensic nurses with advanced degrees. They collaborate with first response advocates to offer trauma-informed, comprehensive medical forensic exams and emotional support for victims of sexual assault (SA) and intimate partner violence (IPV), including cases involving strangulation. Whether you've experienced recent assault or strangulation, HAVEN is here with 24/7 access to compassionate, expert care.  
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Jeaninine Jacopec, HAVEN’s Forensic Nursing Director, shares how survivors receive compassionate, personalized care. Click the image to learn more about HAVEN’s impact.

Compassionate and Confidential Care by Forensic Examiners

At Haven, our forensic examiners create a safe and relaxed environment for survivors. We understand the importance of providing survivors with choices:
Advanced Training: Our forensic nurses are highly trained professionals with advanced degrees.
Comprehensive Care: Offering medical forensic exams and emotional support for victims of sexual assault (SA), intimate partner violence (IPV) and strangulation.
Available 24/7 by Appointment: START services are accessible around the clock, ensuring support is available whenever needed.
Collaboration: Working closely with first response advocates to provide a holistic support system.
Trauma-Informed: Our approach is compassionate and sensitive to the trauma experienced by survivors.
Time-Sensitive Examinations: For cases involving evidence collection, our team understands the urgency and conducts examinations promptly.

Comprehensive Care Includes:

At Haven, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive and supportive care to survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

Medical Attention:

  • Detailed Medical Forensic Exam: Thorough examinations for evidence collection and a holistic understanding of the survivor's condition.
  • Our team provides immediate medical care tailored to individual needs. 
  • For effective evidence collection, examinations are most beneficial within 120 hours (5 days) of sexual assault and within 30 days for IPV strangulation.
  • Survivors can speak with a nurse without completing an exam or choose to complete only parts of it. At HAVEN we empower survivors to make decisions based on their needs.

Confidentiality and Independence:

  • Separate from Law Enforcement: The Medical Forensic Exam is independent of law enforcement involvement.
  • No Charges or Fees: There is no cost associated with the services provided by the Safe Therapeutic Assault Response Team.

Detailed Medical Forensic Exam:

Thorough examinations for evidence collection and a holistic understanding of the survivor's condition.

Prophylactic Medication:

  • Administered as indicated for the survivor's well-being. Certain medications need to be started within 72 hours following an assault, emphasizing the urgency of our care.

Inclusive Approach:

  • All Ages Supported: Examiners collect evidence from child, adolescent and adult victims.
  • Court-Tested Expertise: Our examiners are trained to provide factual and expert court testimony.