SAFE no longer provides forensic sexual assault exams at Eloise House, but our advocacy services remain available 24/7.
Forensic sexual assault exams continue to be available through local hospital emergency departments. SAFE advocates are available 24/7 to provide emotional support, answer questions, offer medical accompaniment, and help individuals understand their rights and options.
You have the right to receive a forensic sexual assault exam regardless of whether you choose to report to law enforcement. The decision to report is yours, and an advocate can help you understand your options.
To reach an advocate, call the SAFEline at 512-267-7233.
Read SAFE’s full statement here.
SAFE’s Sexual Assault Advocates
SAFE’s Eloise House offers 24/7 free sexual assault advocacy support and crisis intervention.
Eloise House operates in coordination with the SAFEline, which provides confidential, pressure-free conversations via phone, text, or chat to discuss available options. All services through SAFE are free and confidential.
SAFE’s Sexual Assault Advocates provide emotional support and help explain available options, which may include safety planning, counseling referrals, reporting to law enforcement, and other support services.
Advocates operate independently from police, medical systems, and the legal system. Their role is to help individuals understand their rights and navigate available systems, and to coordinate community resources and follow-up support.
Forensic sexual assault exams are available through hospital-based medical providers, who can address immediate medical needs and collect forensic evidence. Under Texas law, individuals have the right to receive a forensic exam at any hospital—no police report is required.
For forensic exam support and dedicated care, individuals may also connect with Brave Alliance at 512-738-8817. An advocate can help talk through whether an exam feels right and support next steps.
For the most effective evidence collection, individuals are encouraged—if possible—to avoid changing clothes, showering, brushing teeth, eating or drinking, or using the bathroom before the exam. However, an exam can still be performed even if these activities have already occurred.
If you think that you may have been sexually assaulted, there are options. Rape is never your fault, no matter the circumstances.
