Columbia University Health Services

The examiner asks questions regarding your general health. If you are female, you are asked about your menstrual history, use of birth control, and most recent occurrence of consensual intercourse.

The examiner asks a more detailed question about the sexual assault. This information is used to guide the physical exam to make sure that any injured areas are evaluated and that any potential evidence is collected and documented in the medical record.

The examiner conducts a head-to-toe examination looking for areas of tenderness, swelling, bruises, and cuts or scrapes. If any of these types of injuries are present, you may be asked for consent to photograph these injuries.

The examiner conducts a visual examination of the external genital area. If injuries are present, the examiner may use a colposcope (a microscope with a camera that can magnify and take pictures) to document the injuries. The photographs taken with the colposcope will be part of forensic evidence.

The examiner collects forensic evidence as part of the examination. This includes samples taken from various parts of your body that will be put into the evidence collection kit. The examiner will also collect your underwear and any other clothing that might be used as evidence because of rips, stains, or debris.

The examiner will conduct an internal pelvic bimanual examination.

Finally, the examiner will discuss your risk factors to pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. If you are at risk, preventive medications and emergency contraception will be offered. 

Survivors have the right to refuse any or all parts of the examination.

Go Ask Alice! is the health question and answer Internet service produced by the Alice! Health Promotion Program. If it's on your mind, it's probably on Go Ask Alice!

Questions

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program (SVPRP) provides comprehensive and integrated education, support and advocacy about sexual and relationship violence. The program supports survivors and fosters individual and collective action to end sexual and relationship violence. For more information go to the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program.

The Barnard Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center provides peer counseling and advocacy services for survivors and co-survivors of sexual and relationship violence. For more information go to the Barnard-Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center.

Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Misconduct 212 854 1717

Barnard Health Services 212 854 2092 

Barnard clinician on-call 212 666 5838

Barnard Furman Counseling Services 212 854 2092 

Barnard Public Safety 212 854 3362 

Counseling & Psychological Services 212 854 2468

Primary Care Medical Services 212 854 7426

Columbia University clinician-on-call for after-hours health concerns 212 854 9797

Columbia University Public Safety 212 854 2796  

Nightline (10pm-3am) 212 854 7777

Morningside Campus University Ombuds Office 212 854 1234

Columbia University Medical Center Campus 212 305 3400 

Columbia University Medical Center for Student Wellness 212 304 5564 

Columbia University Medical Center Mental Health Services 212 795 4181 

Columbia University Medical Center clinician-on-call 212 305 5549

Medical Center Campus Public Safety x99 or 305-8100

Columbia University Medical Center Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action 212 854 5511