Any evidence collected during the Sexual Assault Medical Examination is held up to 6 months in a confidential file, which is identified only by number and not by name. Fees for the Sexual Assault Medical Examination can be paid directly or through health insurance. The College of the Holy Cross will arrange for payment as necessary. If medical help is sought weeks, months, or years after a sexual assault, a physician will perform a general internal exam for signs of lasting physical damage or trauma. You are strongly encouraged to seek medical assistance within 72 hours as valuable evidence can be collected within that time.
Psychological services are confidential.
All psychologists in the Holy Cross Counseling Center are experienced in counseling survivors of sexual assault. Psychological counseling is intended to help you process your emotions and thoughts related to the sexual assault. The course of treatment is determined by your needs, which may change over time. There can be many goals to treatment, including establishing safety, regaining a sense of control, and attending to any psychological symptoms that may result from this experience. The therapist can also make you aware of your options and help you to make important decisions.