Sexual assault in any form is often a devastating crime. Assailants can be strangers, acquaintances, friends or even family members. Assailants commit sexual assault by way of violence, threats, coercion, manipulation, pressure or tricks. Whatever the circumstances, no one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted.

Child sexual abuse includes any inappropriate sexual activity with a child. Inappropriate touching is the most frequent type of sexual abuse. Others include using a child for sexual films or prostitution, or exposing a child to adult sexual activity.

UPMC Washington Hospital Sexual Assault Program is part of the Washington County Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT team provides services for adults and children and consist of:

  1. The STTARS Program (Sexual Trauma Treatment and Recovery Services)
    STTARS provides counseling, medical and legal advocacy, and education for sexual assault victims and their families and the community. All services are free and confidential. Offices are located in Washington and Waynesburg.
  2. UPMC Washington Hospital Sexual Assault Program
    The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will collect and preserve forensic evidence, offer prophylactic treatment for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and provide resources and referrals.
  3. “A Child’s Place at Washington” – Children’s Advocacy Center
    If the assault involves a child, The Child Advocacy Center conducts forensic interviews for children who are alleged victims of serious physical and sexual abuse. The CAC offers a safe, child-friendly environment. The CAC is located at UPMC Washington Hospital.

For immediate medical attention, report to UPMC Washington Hospital Emergency Department

UPMC Washington Hospital Sexual Assault Program: (724) 229-2106
To report suspected child sexual assault or child abuse, call Childline: 1 (800) 932-0313.

Get to a safe place, away from your attacker. Notify the police immediately, especially if your attacker is still nearby.

Call a friend or family member for support.

Get medical attention immediately. Report to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Do not bathe or douche. Valuable evidence may be washed away.

Save your clothing. It is all right to change clothes. However, save what you were wearing. Place each piece of clothing in a separate paper bag.

Report the incident to the police. It is up to you, but reporting a sexual assault is not the same as prosecuting a sexual assault. Prosecution can be determined later.

Talk with a counselor who is trained to assist rape victims. Call (724) 229-2106 if you need referred to a counselor.

Physical signs: pain in the genital areas, bruising or bleeding in the genital area, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, or a sexually transmitted disease.

Behavioral signs: withdrawn or depressed, sudden weight gain or weight loss, fear of a particular person, an unusual knowledge of sex, or shying away from physical contact.