Police Involvement

Police Involvement

All Illinois hospitals are mandated reporters. That means that we are required to tell police when we treat a patient for sexual assault. We do not release any information that could identify you without your consent.

If and when you report the sexual assault to the police is up to you. You have options:

  • You can talk with police at the hospital.
  • You can ask the SANE nurse to speak with police on your behalf. A detective will contact you in the next few days.
  • You can choose not to speak with the police and not have us share any identifying information.

If you consent to release your name to the police, you can choose to have the evidence sent to the Illinois crime lab for testing.

If you do not consent to releasing your name or you do not give permission to test the evidence, the police will store the kit.

  • If you were 18 or older at the time of the assault: They will store it for at least 10 years.
  • If you were younger than 18 at the time of the assault: They will store it for at least 10 years or until you turn 28 (whichever is longer).