University of Kentucky - Student Affairs, University Health Service

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Information on Sexual Assault
Information on Date Rape Drugs
Link to UK VIP Center (Violence, Intervention & Prevention Center)

Definition of Rape:
According to the Kentucky Penal Code, a perpetrator commits a crime of sexual assault when he/she commits a sexual act with a victim without the victim’s consent. “Without consent” includes the victim not being able to give consent, for any reason.

Students who believe they have been raped should take the following steps:
Notify the Lexington Police Department at 258-3600, the UK Police Dispatcher at 257-1616, or go directly to the UK Emergency Department (ER) as soon as possible, where ER staff will contact the police. If you live in a residence hall you should notify your R.A. or Hall Director, have them call the police, and, if possible, go with you to the ER.

In order to preserve evidence please do the following:

Do not change clothes. Bring extra clothes to the ER if possible. Otherwise, ER staff will provide you with sweat clothes. If you have changed your clothes, put the clothes that were worn when the assault took place – including underwear - in a paper bag and take with you to the ER.
Do not shower or bathe.
Do not brush teeth, drink fluids, eat or smoke.
Put any other article that may obtain evidence (such as sheets) in a paper bag and take with you to the ER.

Once in the ER, the victim will first be examined by a physician to evaluate any injuries and to receive appropriate treatment. The victim will then be interviewed by a detective and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). After the interview is completed the victim will be taken to a private room for the rape exam, which will be conducted by the SANE Nurse in order to collect evidence. During this time a counselor from the Rape Crisis Center will be notified. The counselor can sit with the victim as long as necessary, and/or leave information that will help the victim through the recovery process.

The exam involves taking pictures of any injuries, swabbing specific areas with cotton swabs, pulling hairs, and carrying out a speculum exam during which cervical cultures are taken. Pictures may be taken of genital injuries. The victim is always in control and can stop the exam at any point. The victim will be treated for sexually transmitted infections and given the “Morning After” Pill if needed.

Students should obtain a blood test for HIV/AIDS at the Lexington Health Department (call 859 288-AIDS (2437) for an appointment) or the University Health Service (call 323-APPT (2778) . The investigating detective will stay in touch with the victim. Post-rape counseling is available at the Lexington Rape Crisis Center, 859/253-2511 or the UK Student Mental Health Service.

For information on the effects of sexual assault, go to the DC Rape Crisis Center web site.
Click here for more information on Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.