Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team

The trauma of sexual assault can be devastating. The Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team coordinates care and services and helps survivors navigate the health care and criminal justice systems.
Request an Appointment
For all requests:
1-800-777-8442

If you have been sexually assaulted and need a medical forensic exam:

Sexual assault is nonconsensual sexual contact, which is any touching of the sexual or intimate parts of another person’s body.  

Sexual abuse, according to Iowa law, is a sex act committed by force on another person against their will. Iowa law uses this term to refer to rape, which is defined as vaginal, oral, or anal sex by force against a person’s will. 

Sexual assault and sexual abuse are crimes, and sexual abuse can be a medical emergency. They cause physical, emotional, and psychological wounds. 

If you are a victim of sexual assault or sexual abuse, it’s important to know that what has happened to you is not your fault — and help is available. 

Responding to a sexual assault: JCSART

The Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team (JCSART), based in the UI Health Care Department of Emergency Medicine, is a coalition of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), emergency department staff, rape victim advocates, law enforcement officers, and prosecuting attorneys. JCSART coordinates the community’s response to sexual assault to help survivors. 

Beginning the healing process following a sexual assault

If you are the victim of a sexual assault or sexual abuse, getting medical treatment as soon as possible is important. A medical forensic exam is often the first step. The exam is performed by a sexual assault nurse examiner, also known as a SANE. These nurses provide victims with immediate, compassionate, and trauma-informed care. They are available 24/7 in the emergency departments at each of our UI Health Care campuses: 

  • North Liberty campus, 701 W. Forevergreen Road, North Liberty, 1-319-485-0900 

There is no charge for the exam. 

What to expect during a medical forensic exam

A medical forensic exam after a sexual assault can include medical care as well as the collection of evidence, depending on your wishes. It is always your decision to participate in as much or as little of the exam process as you are comfortable. At any time, you may withdraw consent, take a break, or end the exam. 

A medical forensic exam may include: 

  • A head-to-toe assessment and treatment of your injuries 
  • Medications to treat or prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 
  • Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy (up to 120 hours after the assault) 
  • Forensic photography to document injuries 
  • Forensic evidence collection (up to 120 hours after the assault) 

An exam can be performed up to 14 days after the assault. However, treatment or evidence collection becomes limited as more time passes since the assault occurred.  

An advocate from the Domestic Violence Intervention Program and Rape Victim Advocacy Program (DVIP & RVAP) may also be present at the exam and can provide additional information and resources

Contacting law enforcement

Consider contacting local law enforcement as soon as possible to make a report and learn about possible next steps available to you is also important.  

Even though reporting is not mandatory, law enforcement can assist you in protection and security, collection and preservation of evidence, and documentation of the assault for possible future criminal charges. 

Evidence can still be collected even if you do not choose to make a report to law enforcement. 

Local police departments and sheriff’s office: 

  • 24/7 dispatcher for all local agencies: 319-356-6800      

Locations and Offices

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