Remember to CALL FIRST!

YWCA Rape Crisis Line: 776-RAPE (776-7273)

Directions to YWCA - see map

Highway Route

Take the East Beltline (1) north to I-96 west (3); quickly veer left for I-196 to Grand Rapids . Take the Ottawa/downtown exit (4). Go south to Fulton , turn east (left) on Fulton (5) to Sheldon, turn right on Sheldon (one-way south).

City Route

Take Lake Drive (2) northwest from Calvin, follow it all the way to Fulton (keep right when Wealthy and Cherry both angle to the left). Go left (west) on Fulton (6) to Sheldon and turn left on Sheldon (one-way south).
MAP

What Happens When You Call the Rape Crisis Line?

During weekday work hours, you call will be referred to a nurse at the YWCA Sexual Assault Program. At night and on weekends, your call is answered by Cornerstone, our community's crisis hot-line. In any case, it is the Nurse Examiner Program at the YWCA Sexual Assault Program that provides on-call response to survivors of sexual assault, and to whom you will be able to speak.

A volunteer advocate will be paged for you. This advocate is specially trained in rape crisis response and is there for your emotional support or to answer any questions you may have.

What Does the Medical-Legal Exam Involve?

The examination is similar to a general OB/GYN (or pelvic) exam. The overall purpose is to check for injuries and to gather evidence from your body following standard procedures in the Forensic Evidence Kit. Whether you are male or female, the exam includes taking specimens from the part of the body which was assaulted including internal and external genital areas. Additionally, samples are usually obtained from fingernails, hair, and mouth. All signs of injury will be documented. Pictures may be taken of noticeable trauma to the body. 

The nurse examiner will discuss with you your risk of pregnancy and offer post-rape contraception (morning after pill). 

The Nurse Examiner Program at the YWCA Sexual Assault Program offers a physical examination and the Forensic Evidence Kit without charge to victims of sexual assault. The exam is performed by a female nurse specially trained in forensic nursing and rape response. By calling the hotline number, personnel will be dispatched to meet you at the YWCA, located at 25 Sheldon SE (see map). You may also schedule an appointment during regular weekday hours, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Take along a change of clothing because you may wish to turn over your clothes as evidence to the police and they will not be returned. (This usually does not include coats or shoes.) If you have already changed your clothing, place the clothing you had on at the time of the assault in a paper bag, preferably one item per bag.

What About Testing for STD's and HIV?

If you are seen at the YWCA Nurse Examiner Program, you will be given preventive antibiotic treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). To discuss what STD testing is appropriate for your situation and for information on how and where it is available, contact Calvin Health Services (526-6187) or the Kent County Health Department STD Clinic (336-2435). 

back to top