STAR is a program that provides sexual assault exams within 72 hours of a sexual assault
Serving Montgomery, Autauga, Butler, Crenshaw, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Perry, and Wilcox Counties.
The exam is conducted by a trauma informed, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). A victim advocate will be present at the time of the exam to provide emotional support. One Place Family Justice Center also offers a Crisis Counselor that will provide follow ups and counseling sessions for up to 8 sessions.
Resources & Information for Law Enforcement
If it is determined that a victim has no major injuries warranting a hospital visit, call the crisis hotline to schedule a sexual assault exam (334-213-1227). Exams can be conducted 24/7, and need to be conducted within 72 hours of the assault. Any time outside of that timeframe, lessens the chance of collecting viable samples of DNA.
For evidence preservation, encourage the victim to not change clothes, eat or drink (if oral assault has occurred), and use the restroom as little as possible. If using the restroom, encourage the victim to not wipe.
If an oral sexual assault occurs, it is suggested that the exam be conducted 6-12 hours after the assault.
If the victim was sodomized with a foreign object/finger, or vaginally penetrated by the foreign object/finger, there must be presence of saliva for the nurse to collect evidence.
The exam will include a pregnancy test, administer medications for trichomonas, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If necessary, an emergency contraceptive pill is administered.
The exam will include a victim advocate to provide support for the nurse and the victim.
The victim can then schedule sessions with the on-site crisis counselor, who is able to provide up to 8 crisis sessions.
The victim has the option to disclose their name, or remain anonymous, entering as Jane Doe, when getting an exam, until they are ready to press charges.
At any point in time the victim can choose to not complete the exam, or any procedure during the exam.
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams, Follow-up Case Management and Counseling Is Available Free of Charge. One Place Is One of Only Two Pediatric (Younger Than Age 12) Facilities in the State of Alabama.
What to Expect
First, call the STAR Crisis Line at 334.213.1227. Upon calling you will be guided to a "safe location" for assistance. At the location, a Sexual Assault Response Advocate, the Volunteer or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator and a Case Manager will meet you when arriving. The team will direct you throughout the confidential and private facility. A Sexual Assault Response Advocate is here to support you and answer any questions about the SANE/forensic examination process. From this initial meeting, until the total forensic examination is completed, the Sexual Assault Response Advocate will be at your side offering support.
Upon the arrival of the SANE nurse, a brief interview will be conducted. The interview is designed to gather basic information about you and to determine the specifics of the sexual assault. During this process, you may ask any questions. After the interview, you, the Sexual Assault Response Advocate and SANE Nurse will begin the process for your examination room.
The examination room is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that is not available in local emergency rooms. The examination room and equipment are designed specifically to maintain the maximum level of comfort for the survivor, provide the necessary medical treatment, and collect the required forensic evidence.
After the examination is completed, you will have the option to shower. Often, the survivor’s clothing is retained as forensic evidence. Clothing is provided to you, if this is the case. After the exam and/or shower, the Sexual Assault Response Advocate will ensure that you get to a safe place. Follow-up by Case Management staff is done with you within 72 hours of your visit, unless otherwise requested. Counseling, legal advocacy and support groups are discussed to aid in your healing process.
Avoid activities that could potentially damage evidence
Avoid Bathing, Showering, Using the restroom, Eating or drinking, Changing clothes, Combing hair, and Cleaning up the area
It’s natural to want to go through these motions after a traumatic experience. If you have done any of these activities, you can still have an exam performed. You may want to bring a spare change of clothes with you to the hospital or health facility where you’re going to have the exam.
In most cases, DNA evidence needs to be collected within 72 hours to be analyzed by a crime lab—but a sexual assault forensic exam can reveal other forms of evidence beyond this time frame that can be useful if you decide to report. Place your belongings, including the clothes you were wearing, in a paper bag to safely preserve evidence. If you have questions about the time frame, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or talk to your local sexual assault service provider – One Place Family Justice Center's Standing Together Against Rape (STAR) program representatives.
Sexual Assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim
A person can also be a victim of Partner rape, also known as spousal rape or marital rape, is a type of rape involving a person's partner or previous partner (no matter whether the partners are married).
Sexual Assault Includes rape, attempted rape, sexual coercion, sexual contact with a child, incest (sexual contact between family members), fondling or unwanted touching above or under clothes. Sexual assault can also be verbal or visual. It is anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.
Sexual assault covers a wide range of unwanted behaviors
exual assault covers a wide range of unwanted behaviors—up to but not including penetration—that are attempted or completed against a victim's will or when a victim cannot consent because of age, disability, or the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sexual assault may involve actual or threatened physical force, use of weapons, coercion, intimidation, or pressure and may include— Intentional touching of the victim's genitals, anus, groin, or breasts; undesired exposure to pornography; Voyeurism, or peeping exhibitionism (when someone exposes himself or herself in public); sexual harassment or threats; Forcing someone to pose for sexual pictures; and public display of images that were taken in a private context or when the victim was unaware.
Rape is a violent crime involving sexual acts forced on one person by another
Rape is a violent crime involving sexual acts forced on one person by another. Rape is technically defined as forced penetration (with any body part or object) including anal, vaginal or oral intercourse. Rape is illegal and while the term "rape" specifies penetration, other sexual acts not involving penetration, when forced on someone, are also illegal.