Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are registered nurses who receive specialized education and training to perform the examinations. Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello has trained SANEs who can provide free and confidential examinations for survivors. 

Many hospitals throughout the state of Idaho also have trained SANE nurses on staff. Find out where you can get a sexual assault examination in the state of Idaho.

The cost of this examination is covered by the Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program and insurance will not be billed. 

What to expect at the hospital

The decision to report the crime is entirely yours. You have time to decide. The process of going through the examination gives you a chance to safely store any evidence should you decide to report at a later time. 

***If you are a minor, the person performing the examination may be mandated to report the crime to law enforcement. 

You have the choice to stop, pause, or skip a step at any time during the examination.

The examination will include collection of DNA evidence if the survivor chooses. 

What else will be included in the examination?

Survivors will receive:

• Needed medical attention
• Emergency contraceptives
• STI preventative treatment

What can I do to prepare for a sexual assault examination?

If possible try to avoid:

• Bathing
• Showering
• Using the restroom
• Changing clothes
• Combing hair
• Cleaning up the area

Family Services Alliance in Pocatello offers advocacy services for survivors working with medical personnel. Please visit RALIANCE's directory of programs to find a list of other local agencies serving survivors. 

Research shows that getting help and support soon after a traumatic event can help promote more effective treatment and healing. You may choose to reach out to a trusted friend or family member, and/or seek support from a counselor or other mental health or medical professional. 

RAINN National Helpline 1-800-656-HOPE is confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can provide support and information on medical and reporting options. 

Reporting is always up to the survivor. 

You can report the crime to:

• ISU Campus Public Safety, the Pocatello Police Victim's Services, or the local police department in your area.
• Title IX - If a survivor reports to Title IX, then an investigation may be launched. Title IX may also be able to make necessary accommodations for the students involved including rearranging class schedules, housing assignments, or campus employment, if necessary. For more information about reporting procedures and policies of Title IX please read the Policy on Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Non-discrimination and the ISU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report 2021. 

Even if you choose to not report the crime to Public Safety or the Title IX office, you can still get help and support from medical and mental health providers who fall under the “Confidential Resources Designation.” This includes counselors and healthcare professionals who are serving students in the context of a client/practitioner relationship. They are not mandated to report the sexual assault to the police or to the Title IX office.  

**Counselors and medical professionals are mandated to report incidents of child abuse, suicidal intention, and homicidal intention. 

*** All other staff and/or faculty at ISU does not fall under the “Confidential Resources Designation” and they are legally mandated to report to Title IX. 

Campus Resources

Currently enrolled ISU students are eligible for free individual and group counseling and biofeedback services through the ISU Counseling and Mental Health Center. Telehealth and in-person services are available and offices are located at the Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Meridian campuses. 

ISU's Pocatello Counseling Clinic also provides individual, couple, and family counseling at minimal costs to community members and Idaho State University faculty, staff, and students. 

***Counselors and healthcare professionals at ISU that serve students in the context of a practitioner/client relationship fall under the “Confidential Resources Designation.” This means that they are not mandated to report the crime to police or the Title IX office, except in cases of child abuse. Please visit the Title IX office for more information about reporting policies and procedures. 

The ISU Gender Resource Center offers Intervene Bystander training and other events throughout the school year. This training provides strategies and ideas for helping bystanders step in and intervene to prevent sexual assault and other crimes from occurring. Please read Staying Safe on Campus for more ideas on how you can keep yourself and others safe. 

Community Resources

Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho (Pocatello & Soda Springs) offers a variety of support services at no cost including a 24-hour Crisis Hotline (208) 251-HELP (4357), emergency shelter, counseling and play therapy, victim advocacy, and support groups for survivors of abuse. 

To find a rape crisis center in your area you can search RALIANCE's directory of local programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 territories. Please visit the directory of programs in Idaho to find more information about local Idaho agencies serving survivors.  

• Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673). Calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline gives you access to a range of free services including:
• Confidential support from a trained staff member
• Support finding a local health facility that is trained to care for survivors of sexual assault and offers services like sexual assault forensic exams
• Someone to help you talk through what happened
• Local resources that can assist with your next steps toward healing and recovery
• Referrals for long term support in your area
• Information about the laws in your community
• Basic information about medical concerns
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)  provides information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. Learn essential information about sexual assault and ways to heal from sexual violence. 
• End Rape on Campus provides support and survivor resources to all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault including LGBTQ, international, and undocumented survivors. Resources for friends and parents of survivors are also provided. 
• The Army of Survivors provides support and resources for athletes at all levels who have experienced sexual violence. 
• MaleSurvivor provides an online community for men who have experienced sexual assault or abuse to come together to find support, information, and hope. MaleSurvivor facilitates dialogues among survivors and provides educational resources to help empower men. 
• Idaho Legal Assistance provides civil legal services for survivors of sexual violence throughout Idaho. Services available include those that will enhance survivor safety and privacy, ensure access to education, and help survivor’s navigate complex immigration, housing, public benefit, employment, and criminal justice system involvement related to victimization.