Santa Clara Valley Healthcare SAFE Program Reminds College Students of Resources Available for Sexual Assault Survivors

Santa Clara County, Calif. – Santa Clara Valley Healthcare’s (SCVH) Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) program is reminding university and college students of current dangers during campus Red Zones – the unfortunate time early in the fall semester/quarter when the majority of campus sexual assaults take place. During this time when classes begin through Thanksgiving is when 50% of campus sexual assaults occur across the country. Current statistics estimate around 25% of undergraduate women will experience sexual assault and about 7% of undergraduate men, 13% of all graduate and undergraduate students. 

SAFE provides adult and adolescent survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence client-centered care, empowering survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence (IPV), human trafficking or gender-based violence to make informed choices that best suit their needs. Survivors are encouraged to call 408-793-SAFE (7233) or visit www.SantaClaraSAFE.com for help. 

The process at registration is confidential and discreet, utilizing a secure QR code, and it is entirely up to the survivor if they want to include law enforcement. In 2024, the SAFE team has already assisted more than 500 survivors. Sexual assault survivors deserve high-level, compassionate care as they work through a very difficult time and everyone needs to know the resources available to them to help heal physically and emotionally in the manner best suited for them.

“We want to create awareness for the community that help is available and they are not alone,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “Survivors can reach out for emotional support long after the incident. Many times, there is a delayed reaction after a traumatic event.”

The program for adults and adolescents is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and increases local community access to secure, confidential areas for examinations, treatments and evidence collection at SCVH and other area hospitals. The care is provided by trained healthcare professionals who provide compassionate support tailored to the survivors’ needs. 

“Our staff is specifically trained to understand each individual situation to guide them in their care in a trauma informed way,” said Anna Anton, SAFE Nurse Manager for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. “The SAFE Program works closely with confidential advocates, who provide in-person and ongoing support after an exam.”

Access to the SAFE program is currently available in Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz County at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San José, Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy, and Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

“SJSU is collaborating with county health officials on this outreach effort because we cannot shy away from difficult topics such as sexual assault. Important resources such as SAFE must be shared because while we will do all we can to ensure the safety of our students on campus, we must also ensure that they have the support - including counseling, education and care - they require,” said Catherine Voss Plaxton, Associate Vice President, Health, Wellness and Student Services, San José State University.

The SCVMC SAFE Program is a team of highly trained and qualified healthcare providers who provide timely, non-judgmental, and compassionate care.  Such care includes a medical evaluation, including treatment for sexually transmitted infections, emergency contraception, and evidence collection, including digital imaging, if the survivor chooses. The SAFE team offers referrals for appropriate medical and psychological follow-up, including support and participation in legal proceedings. 

Medical personnel are required to report to the police suspicious injury, however, survivors have the right to choose to get medical care but not to report to law enforcement or participate in an investigation, as well as the right to change their mind and make a report at a later time. 

The Program also provides the following guidance for what to do if a person is assaulted;

• Get to a location where you are out of danger;
• Contact a trusted support person for help, which may include a sexual assault or domestic violence advocacy agency;
• SAFE exams for sexual assault may be provided up to 10 days after sexual assault;
• SAFE exams for domestic violence or intimate partner violence may be provided up to 14 days after assault; and 
• Seek counseling and support.

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About Santa Clara Valley Healthcare

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH), California's second-largest County-owned health and hospital system, is comprised of three acute care hospitals, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, O’Connor Hospital, and St. Louise Regional Hospital, along with a network of primary and specialty clinics. SCVH emphasizes quality care, research, teaching, innovation, and most importantly, a focus on coordinated, compassionate and patient-centered care for every patient. SCVH is the home for the County’s Custody Health Services department, providing medical attention to those under our care. Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and excellent service to everyone in Santa Clara County, regardless of their social-economic status or ability to pay.

Contact: Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Media Relations, (408) 568-3122, [email protected]