Harris Health’s Forensic Nursing Program is dedicated to providing compassionate and sensitive care for patients who are victims of interpersonal violence—sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking.
Unfortunately, one in three women and one in six men are survivors of sexual violence. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, you are not alone. Our forensic nursing team is here to help you.
For survivors
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sexual assault is NEVER the victim’s fault. In an emergency, call 911.
Harris Health’s forensic nursing services are available 24/7. If you are a victim and need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE)-ready facility. Visit the Texas Department Health and Human Services website for information for sexual assault resources.
For healthcare providers
If you are a medical facility and need to refer a patient to one of Harris Health's SAFE facilities for a forensic exam, contact the Harris Health Transfer Center at 713-873-8601. For general questions that are not urgent, call the Forensic Nursing office at 713-873-2219.
About a forensic exam
First, the emergency center team checks to see if the patient has any injuries requiring immediate attention.
Second, the patient answer health questions and gives details about the event to help guide the forensic nurse examiner in conducting the medical forensic exam. A forensic nurse—also referred to as a sexual assault nurse examinar (SANE)—is a registered nurse who has been specially trained to offer compassionate medical forensic care and advocate on the victim’s behalf. The forensic nurse will guide the patient through the process.
Third, if the assault occurred within the last 120 hours, the forensic nurse will conduct a head-to-toe full-body exam that includes collecting evidence such as hair combings, swabs and clothing. 
Lastly, the team offers treatment and advice for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and concerns about pregnancy.
A patient has the right to decline any part of the exam.
Exams without law enforcement involvement
Adults age 18-64 may have evidence collected without reporting to law enforcement. However, reporting is mandatory for minors, the elderly and mentally disabled adult survivors. The non-report option allows you to have your evidence collected and held at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) crime lab anonymously for up to five years. At any time within those five years, you can choose to report and have your evidence transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for processing.
Payment
There is no cost for the medical forensic exam provided by Harris Health's forensic nursing team. However, you may be responsible for payment of treatment provided by the emergency center. If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible for discounted medical care through Harris Health's Financial Assistance Program. If the assault is reported to law enforcement, the victim may qualify for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses related to the assault through the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program through the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Where to go for care
Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital Emergency Center
1504 Taub Loop
Houston, TX 77030
Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital Emergency Center
5656 Kelley Street
Houston, TX 77026
Community Resources
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse
713-224-9911
Houston Area Women’s Center
713-528-RAPE (7273)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
1-800-656-(HOPE) 4673
Rescue America (trafficking)
713-322-8000
The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
713-473-2801