Help is available
Speak with someone today:
WISE Hotline: 866-348-9473 (WISE)
Forensic Nurse Program at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC)
The Forensic Nurse Program at DHMC assists anyone affected by violence, such as:
- Sexual assault
- Human trafficking
- Domestic violence
- Physical assault or strangulation
We work with emergency services partners and members in our community, including:
- Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital
- Dartmouth Health Children's Child Advocacy and Protection Program (CAPP)
- Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
- New London Hospital
Contact us
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Emergency Department
Forensic Nurse Team
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03756
Mobile: 603-306-1845
Main office: 603-650-7247
If you need immediate assistance, please call us or come to the Emergency Room (ER) for options on any care related to sexual assault or concerns about interpersonal violence. You can ask to speak directly with the forensic nurse.
What steps can I take after experiencing sexual assault?
- Dial 911
- Go to the DHMC ER
- Or contact your local ER
At the DHMC ER, we will offer you medical care and sexual assault help tailored to your needs. If you are unsure what to do after sexual assault, arriving at the ER ensures you can discuss options right away, including sexual assault evidence collection and a sexual assault forensic exam.
This may include:
- Nursing assessment / medical exam
- Medications to prevent pregnancy within 5 days of assault
- Medications to prevent HIV (within 3 days of assault)
- Follow-up care and exams
- Medications to prevent sexually transmitted infections
- Referrals to appropriate healthcare providers for care and follow-up
- Referrals to counseling and advocacy, including connecting you with a rape crisis center near you
We will offer you the option to have a medical forensic exam to collect sexual assault evidence. This sexual assault forensic exam is conducted by trained professionals and may include the use of a sexual assault evidence kit if you choose to proceed with sexual assault evidence collection.
Must I report the sexual assault to law enforcement?
No, you can choose not to report the sexual assault to law enforcement.*
If you do not wish to report, the evidence and documentation will be stored anonymously until you're ready. A medical exam and recommended treatments are available regardless of reporting status, and sexual assault help is available whether or not you file a report.
Anonymous sexual assault kits are stored indefinitely, allowing you time to decide whether or not to move forward. If you are uncertain what to do after sexual assault, we can provide confidential guidance and explain how sexual assault evidence collection can be preserved without immediate reporting.
*Must not fall under mandated reporting laws for minors.
What happens during a sexual assault forensic exam?
During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) gathers and documents physical evidence. When you are considering what to do after sexual assault, the FNE can explain how sexual assault evidence collection works and how a sexual assault evidence kit (often called a rape kit) may be used to preserve evidence.
You are always in control of your care and exam, and may stop or restart the exam at any point.
The FNE will explain available options for your medical-forensic care:
- Medical concerns addressed
- Medico-legal documentation
- Forensic photography
- Physical evidence collection using a sexual assault evidence kit
- Follow-up care and services
Our team can coordinate local options and sexual assault help, including advocates who can accompany you during the sexual assault forensic exam.