Medical care and forensic evidence collection (rape kit)

Time-sensitive information

Your physical and emotional safety come first and foremost. Make the choices that feel best for you.

After experiencing harm or assault, you may wish to seek urgent medical attention such as treating injuries, checking for injuries that aren't apparent, getting tested for STI exposure, and potentially collecting forensic DNA evidence that can be used for reporting. Some aspects of getting medical attention are time-sensitive (within 72 hours of the incident). You always have the option to contact a confidential advocate for help.

For assistance with your options and/or transportation/accompaniment to medical care after experiencing sexual assault and/or relationship violence, please call one of the following resources:

The closest approved site for forensic evidence collection to UC Berkeley is Highland Hospital (1411 E 31st St, Oakland, CA 94602)

Please note: Medical staff are mandated reporters, meaning that they are required to report to the police any physical evidence of a violent crime (such as bruising, tearing, or bleeding) observed during a physical exam. If you have concerns about reporting, including mandated reporting, contact a Confidential Advocate.

Medical care resources

  • UC Berkeley Urgent Care at University Health Services (UHS) [on-campus]

    • Urgent Care provides medical care to all students, 7 days a week, regardless of insurance status. UHS is not an approved site to provide forensic evidence collection, but its staff can coordinate with Highland Hospital in Oakland for that service. UHS medical costs are covered for student survivors of sexual violence.

    • Contact information: Phone:  510-642-3188
    • UHS Advice Nurse (after-hours medical assistance): 510-643-7197
    • Address:  2222 Bancroft Way (1st Floor)

  • Highland Hospital [off-campus]

    • Highland Hospital provides full emergency care and forensic evidence collection (also known as a rape kit) for sexual assault and relationship violence. Evidence collection costs are covered for survivors of sexual violence. Urgent care is open 24/7.

    • Address: 1411 E 31st St, Oakland, CA 94602

Other community healthcare services

  • Lyon-Martin Community Health Services [off-campus]

    • Lyon-Martin Community Health Services provides medical, gynecological, and mental health care services to trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGI) communities and cis-gender women with specific sensitivity to LGBQA sexual orientation, disability, size, race, ethnicity, and language.

  • St. James Infirmary [off-campus]

    • St. James Infirmary is a peer-based occupational health and safety clinic for sex workers of all genders.

Quick Links

Survivor medical care and forensic evidence collection FAQs

What is forensic evidence collection or a forensic evidence exam (also known as a rape kit)? 

From RAINN: "DNA evidence from a crime like sexual assault can be collected from the crime scene, but it can also be collected from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings. You may choose to have a sexual assault forensic exam, sometimes known as a 'rape kit,' to preserve possible DNA evidence and receive important medical care."

The RAINN website has more detailed information about forensic evidence collection.

For assistance with receiving medical care and/or a forensic evidence collection exam, you can also contact the UC Berkeley PATH to Care Center. For urgent support anytime, please call the Care Line at (510) 643-2005.

Where is there closest place for forensic evidence collection near UC Berkeley?

The closest approved site for forensic evidence collection to UC Berkeley is Highland Hospital (1411 E 31st St, Oakland, CA 94602)

For assistance with receiving medical care and/or a forensic evidence collection exam, you can also contact the UC Berkeley PATH to Care Center. For urgent support anytime, please call the Care Line at (510) 643-2005.

Can I get medical care or forensic evidence collection for sexual assault or relationship violence at University Health Services/ the Tang Center?

  • Urgent Care provides medical care to all students, 7 days a week, regardless of insurance status. UHS medical costs are covered for student survivors of sexual violence.

  • UHS is not an approved site to provide forensic evidence collection, but its staff can coordinate with Highland Hospital in Oakland for that service. 

Can a survivor get transported for free to receive medical care and/or a medical forensic evidence collection?

Please contact the UC Berkeley PATH to Care Center for assistance with free transportation to medical care and/or forensic evidence collection. For urgent support anytime, please call the Care Line at (510) 643-2005.

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