Hours of Service
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Patient Eligibility
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln students
Services Covered By Student Fees
- There is no cost for the examination
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is trained in forensics. Their training teaches them how to care for victims of sexual assault, walk them through their options and collect evidence, if the victim consents. The patient must be 18 years or older, and without serious injury, to consent to an exam. Visits with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner are completely confidential.
What is a sexual assault examination?
The purpose of the exam is to collect and preserve evidence in the event that you choose, now or later, to involve law enforcement and to provide you with care after an assault. The exam to collect the evidence is sometimes known as a rape kit or Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK). A healthcare provider who is specially trained as a SANE will conduct the examination. The exam is optional, and you can still receive medical care even if you choose not to have the exam. You may also choose to have only part of the examination and may decline any portion. Collection of evidence can be done up to five days (120 hours) after an assault.
What should you do before coming in for an examination?
What happens during a sexual assault examination?
- Immediate care - Addressing any injuries that need immediate attention
- Medical history - You will be asked about your previous medical history as well as the details surrounding the assault. The questions may seem very personal, but it is important to be honest with the provider to ensure you get the help you need
- Head-to-toe examination - This part of the exam may be based on your specific experience. It may include a full body examination as well as taking samples of blood, urine, swabs of body surface areas, and hair samples. The SANE performing the exam may take pictures of your body to document injuries and the examination. With your permission, they may also collect items of clothing, including undergarments. Any other forms of physical evidence that are identified during the examination may be collected and packaged for analysis. Remember, you can stop, pause or skip any part of the exam.
- Follow-up care- You may be offered prevention treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and/or pregnancy
What happens if I was using drugs and/or alcohol while I was assaulted? Will you report me?
No, everything you share with the provider is confidential.Do I have to report this to the police?
No, reporting will always be your choice. You can receive treatment and have an exam without having to report it. You also don't have to make a decision about reporting at the time of your exam. If evidence is collected during your sexual assault exam, it will be your choice whether to submit your evidence kit for testing. Your evidence will be kept for one year, and you can choose to submit your evidence for testing at any time within that year.What happens if I want to file a report with law enforcement?
You have four reporting options in Nebraska:- Provide a full report with law enforcement and identify as a victim
- Provide a partial report, which involves identifying as a victim but not involving law enforcement
- Provide an anonymous report, where a SANE collects evidence, but law enforcement is not involved. A victim has 20 years to decide if they want to press charges
- Request medical treatment only, where the victim is treated for any injuries and potential sexually transmitted infections
Where can I go for a sexual assault examination if the University Health Center is closed?
Bryan West Campus Emergency Department2300 S. 16th St. Lincoln, Nebraska
402-481-5142
Learn more about Bryan Health's sexual assault services here.
Who will know that I got an exam?
All visits and medical records are confidential. We cannot release your information without your written consent.Additional Resources
Additional resources are available to you after your sexual assault examination. There are also free and confidential resources on campus to help you or someone you know who has been affected by a sexual assault.
Sexual Assualt Bill of Rights
Those who experience sexual violence have rights given to them in Nebraska Statute.
Rights and resources are available to victims of sexual assault even if you decide not to participate in the criminal justice system or you decide not to get a physical exam.
Learn moreCARE Advocates
The Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE) believes in the strength and resilience of individuals and communities impacted by sexual/relationship violence.
CARE's focus is on supporting survivors and offering educational opportunities for the campus community. The team offers a safe, inclusive, survivor-centered space while providing confidential support focused on individual needs and concerns. If you haven’t already connected with a confidential advocate with the CARE team, consider calling and making an appointment.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS provides free counseling and group therapy sessions for UNL students.
Counseling and Psychological Services is a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and counselors that works collaboratively with Nebraska students to help them explore their feelings and thoughts and learn helpful ways to improve their mental, psychological and emotional well-being when issues arise.
University Police Department
The University Police Department, or UNLPD, is available to provide assistance if you choose to report your sexual assault.
UNLPD works to provide an environment of safety and security, which ensures a peaceful quality of life in the university community.
Meet the Providers
The life experience that inspired me to enter the medical field was when I broke my arm in fifth grade. I clearly remember the nice nurse in the ER wearing Looney Tunes scrubs being so kind and gentle. I knew I wanted to be able to comfort others and make medicine less scary.
I grew up in Lewiston, NE and received my bachelor's in Life Sciences Biology from Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. In December 2013, I graduated from PA school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
I decided to complete the training to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner because when I was seeing survivors, I felt like I didn’t have enough answers to give to patients. I wanted to become more knowledgeable about the laws, resources and options for survivors.
I have now worked at the University Health Center for over six years. I love that every day is different, and I learn all the new, fun trends from my patients. The international students I get the privilege to care for teach me so much about the world and other cultures as well.
When not at work, I enjoy being with my husband, Landon, and our two boys, Oliver and Donovan. Landon, who now works as a physical therapist, and I met during college and have been married for 10 years. We have two cats, Theodore and Walter, whom we adopted from the Humane Society. Our boys adore our cats, and they are the perfect addition to our family. In my free time, I enjoy reading books. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and would challenge anyone to beat me in Harry Potter trivia. I also enjoy reading mysteries with the occasional romance novel.
I grew up in Kansas and currently live in Lincoln with my family. After graduating from UNMC, I spent two years working and living in Guam practicing urgent care and primary care. I also lived and worked in the greater Seattle area practicing emergency and urgent care medicine. I returned to the Midwest to raise my children and be near my family. I'm excited to now be practicing primary care again to get more continuity with my patients! Outside of work, I love to be outdoors, read, travel, and spend as much time as possible with my family.