Free On-Campus Care for Survivors of Violence at SVSU
Michigan Forensic Examiners (MFE), in partnership with Saginaw Valley State University and the Sexual Assault Center of Child & Family Services of Saginaw, now provides free, confidential medical forensic exams right here on campus — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These exams are for any SVSU student, faculty, or staff member who has experienced sexual assault, physical assault, domestic violence, or other forms of interpersonal violence. You can get care in a private, trauma-informed setting without needing to go to the emergency room or involve the police.
Our goal is to make sure you get the care, options, and support you deserve — without barriers, pressure, or judgment.
Accessing Services On Campus
Getting help is simple, private, and doesn’t require going to the hospital or involving law enforcement.
To request a forensic exam on campus:
📞 Call the 24/7 Crisis Line: 989-790-9118
📍 Say you’re an SVSU student, faculty, or staff member
🧑⚕️ A nurse and advocate will meet you at a private campus location
You can access this service anytime — day or night. There is no cost, no need for insurance, and no pressure to report.
Not sure if you want a full exam? Call anyway. We’ll talk you through your options and support whatever decision you make.
Timing Matters — But It’s Never Too Late to Ask for Help
If you've experienced sexual assault, some medical care and evidence collection is time-sensitive — but support is always available, no matter when the incident occurred.
Here’s what you should know about timing:
Evidence collection is most effective within 5 days (120 hours) of the assault.
Emergency contraception (Plan B) works best within 5 days, but the sooner it’s taken, the more effective it is.
HIV prevention medication (called PEP) must be started within 72 hours.
Drug-facilitated assault testing is most accurate within 72 hours.
What to Expect from a Forensic Exam
If you choose to get a medical forensic exam through MFE at SVSU, your care will take place in a private room on campus, away from the emergency room or police involvement. You’ll be supported by a specially trained nurse (called a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, or SANE) and can also have a victim advocate or support person with you throughout the process.
Here’s what the exam may include — you’re in control every step of the way:
We’ll start with a conversation. The nurse will explain your options and answer any questions. You decide what you want to do.
Injury documentation. If you’re comfortable, the nurse can examine you for any injuries and document them for medical or legal purposes.
Evidence collection. If it’s been within 5 days of the assault, you can choose to have forensic evidence collected (like clothing fibers or DNA). This is entirely optional.
Medical care. We offer emergency contraception (Plan B), antibiotics for STIs, and HIV prevention medications.
Testing for drug-facilitated assault. If you think you may have been drugged, we can perform testing within 72 hours.
Emotional support. You’ll never go through this alone. An advocate is there to support you before, during, and after the exam.
You can say yes or no to any part of the process.
You’re in Control: Confidentiality & Your Rights
We know that reaching out for help after an assault can be overwhelming — especially if you’re unsure who will find out or what happens next. Here’s what you should know:
Your exam is 100% confidential. Your information will not be shared with SVSU staff, professors, parents, or police unless you choose to share it.
You do not have to report to the university or police to receive care.
You decide what happens during the exam. Every step is explained first, and you can say “yes” or “no” at any time.
You can bring someone with you. A friend, family member, or advocate can stay with you throughout the process.
You have the right to support and care — without judgment, pressure, or cost.
MFE nurses are specially trained to listen, believe, and support you. Our goal is to give you back control — one step at a time.
Additional Help is Always Here
Whether or not you choose to have a forensic exam, you’re never alone. These local and campus-based resources are here to support your healing, safety, and rights:
Sexual Assault Center of Child & Family Services of Saginaw
Trained advocates provide free emotional support, safety planning, and counseling.
Website: www.childandfamilysaginaw.org
Phone: 989-790-7500
SVSU Counseling Center
Free and confidential mental health services for enrolled students.
Website: www.svsu.edu/counseling
Phone: 989-964-7078
SVSU Title IX Office
Support with university accommodations and reporting options.
Website: www.svsu.edu/titleix
Phone: 989-964-4068
SVSU Campus Police / Public Safety
Emergency response, campus safety escorts, and optional reporting assistance.
🔗 www.svsu.edu/universitypolice
📞 Emergency: 911 (on-campus)
📞 Non-emergency: 989-964-4141