Hospital personnel will allow you to have someone with you. In addition to having a friend with you, both UVa Medical Center and Martha Jefferson Hospital will call the Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA) to send an advocate for you if you request this. You can also contact SARA yourself before you go to the hospital. Your interaction with SARA counselors will be kept confidential.

A well-trained advocate can provide emotional support during the examination and report-taking. Your advocate can help to explain medical procedures and the process of evidence collection. This person may also counsel friends or family members who may be at the hospital. The advocate can assist you with follow-up medical and counseling appointments and provide support throughout the criminal justice process.

The University of Virginia hospital has in-house staff trained to provide crisis intervention and follow-up counseling for sexual assault survivors. You may also request to see a hospital chaplain, other clergy, or your own private therapist (if you are currently seeing one). UVa students receive follow-up care through Student Health Services.