4.3.5 Payment at the Health Center

In many cases, a survivor cannot pay for medical treatment for sexual assault.

Because sexual assault is a crime, many health centers do not charge survivors for receiving treatment.

In cases where survivors may have health insurance, they may not want the health center visit to show up on their insurance record.

Some governments have compensation funds that cover the cost of the forensic exam, medical treatment, counselling and travel to court, among other expenses, but many of these funds are only available if the survivor files a police report.

It’s helpful to understand the situation at the health center you are volunteering at, such as if the survivor is required to pay, this may be something your organization can assist with in various ways.