Emergency medical assistance
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE)
Within 96 hours of an assault, you can get a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) (commonly referred to as a rape kit) at a hospital. Contact the University Police (607-777-2222) or Harpur's Ferry (607-777-3333) to be transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. DSHSC can assist you in getting follow-up medical care after the initial examination.
At the hospital, a Sexual Assault Forensics Examiner (SAFE) nurse will be there to help you. A SAFE nurse is a registered nurse with special training in providing care to people who have been sexually assaulted. This nurse conducts medical forensic examinations and can serve as an expert witness. SAFE examinations can be conducted locally at UHS Binghamton General Hospital and Lourdes Hospital.
Hospital personnel will contact a victim's advocate from the Broome County Crime Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) to be with you and help you through this traumatic event. The advocate can provide support during the medical exam, as well as help with medical, legal, financial and counseling referrals if you wish. You may decline this assistance. For information on advocate services visit our role of an advocate page.
While there should be no charge for a rape kit, there may be a charge for medical or counseling services off campus and, in some cases, insurance may be billed for services. You are encouraged to let hospital personnel know if you do not want your insurance policyholder to be notified about your access to these services.
Decker Student Health Services Center
Medical assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at
Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC), located on the south side of campus near Harpur's Ferry. Call 607-777-2221
to schedule an appointment. DSHSC provides free supportive, confidential nursing,
physical, emotional and psychiatric medical care to students. Evaluation and treatment
of sexually transmitted illnesses, including HIV (with free rapid HIV testing), is
available.
Every victim has the option to seek treatment for injuries sustained during an incident of sexual misconduct, preventative treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and other health services. A medical exam is also an important way for a health provider to properly collect and preserve evidence.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexual contact can transmit Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and may result in pregnancy. Testing for STIs and emergency contraception is available at:
- Broome County Health Department 607-778-3930, 225 Front St., Binghamton, N.Y.
- Family Planning of South Central NY 607-723-5130, 117 Hawley St., Binghamton, N.Y.
Accepts most insurance and offers sliding fee scale billing. - Lourdes Hospital 607-795-5231, 169 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, N.Y.
- UHS Binghamton General Hospital 607-762-2231, 10-42 Mitchell Ave., Binghamton, N.Y.
- UHS Wilson Medical Center 607-763-6611, 33-57 Harrison St., Johnson City, N.Y.
Victim compensation may be available
If the crime is reported, most crime victims incur no out-of-pocket expenses. This
includes expenses for the forensic exam and any necessary prophylactic drugs. The New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) may be able to assist in compensating victims/survivors for health care and counseling services, including emergency funds. More information
may be found by calling OVS at 1-800-247-8035 or visiting the N.Y. Courts domestic violence webpage Staff from the Crime Victims Assistance Center can assist individuals with pursuing
compensation.
You have the RIGHT to an advocate at any time!
There are confidential and private resources available. Binghamton University has
created a list to help you navigate your options. Advocacy is available through the Dean of Students Office (607-777-2804) and from Crime Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) by calling 607-722-4256. Learn more on the Find an Advocate webpage.
