Care of aggravated sexual assault victims - within 7 days after assault.

Up to one week after the sexual assault, the victims of the assault are eligible to receive care in ten special centers. Two centers have been added recently: Neta at Ichilov Hospital and Lotus at Kaplan Hospital.

The centers that are called "acute centers" and are also known by the name "Room 4", "Bat Ami," "Room 10," or "Tenneh" – provide a response 24/7.  The centers have designated teams that are trained to treat sexual trauma cases, and they provide personal and sensitive care.

The centers provide a response 24/7 for both children and adults.

 How do you apply to and reach the acute centers?

It is recommended to go to the centers as quickly as possible after the assault.  Preventative medical care and collection of forensic evidence are more beneficial when they are performed within 72 hours of the time of the assault. It is recommended not to shower before arriving at the acute centers and to go there with the same clothes (even in a plastic bag) worn during the assault.

You should call ahead so that the hospital can get ready to provide the optimal personalized care.

If the event occurred more than 72 hours before you arrive at a center – call the nearest center, and the professional staff will guide you as to when to arrive.

If a victim arrives at a hospital without an acute center, the hospital can immediately refer the victim to the nearest center.

 The Effect of Date Rape Drugs or Other Drugs Abused for Sexual Assault

You might have been drugged if you

• have no memory of a period of several hours
• drank alcohol – the effect on you is different than in previous occasions of drinking alcohol
• wake up somewhere without knowing or remembering how you got there

If you suspect a date rape drug or any other drug was used on you, it is important to go to an emergency ward or acute center right away so that they can take blood and urine samples to test for date rape drugs.

For additional information about the date rape drug and other drugs

What does the care at acute centers involve?

• A preliminary examination by a nurse
• Accompaniment by a social worker throughout the process.  The social worker provides close support for the victim or the victim and family members.  The accompaniment is sensitive and includes explanations concerning the medical process at hospitals and helps to cope with the sexual assault.
• Total medical examination by a doctor, who will provide medical advice in accordance with the victim's physical condition.
• Treatment of physical injuries.
• Contraceptives.
• Prescription medicines, if necessary, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• Blood and urine tests to detect rape drugs (HE) and alcohol.
• Examination to detect foreign material in the body.
• Mental health assessment and providing information on how to get mental care.
• Collecting forensic evidence that will assist the victim in filing a complaint at the police. There are cases where, upon arrival at the acute center at the hospital, there is no desire to file a complaint or undergo an examination for the purpose of collecting forensic evidence.  All medical centers must keep evidence of the assault and thereby give victims time to recover and think this through before filing a complaint.
  In accordance with May 5, 2022 Amendment, legal evidence collected in a kit will be kept in an Israel Police Logistics Center for 50 years.
  The Police cannot use the kit without the victim's prior consent!
  Keeping the kit in a Logistics Center ensures optimal conditions and maximum security.
• It is possible to receive accompaniment from volunteers – apply to the acute center or the police.

Wha​t are the rights of the victims in a medical examination?

• The victim's discretion is protected by law throughout the process.
• The hospital staff must inform the police of every case of sexual violence that they are required to treat – but the patient can reserve the right not to file a complaint and not to give testimony on-site.
• A complaint may be filed at the hospital during admission or at the police station later.
• The victims have a right to receive information about upcoming administrative or medical protocols at every stage of the medical process.
• The victims have a right to accompaniment by a family member, boyfriend or girlfriend, or another caregiver (for example, from Israel Protection Center).
• At every stage of the process, the victim has the right to refuse to undergo examinations that he or she does not feel comfortable with or to stop the examination.

 Where are the Acute Centers?

 Acute Centers

 

Care by ​social workers in the medical centers and the HMO clinics

All hospitals and HMOs in Israel employ social workers who also take care of, among other things, victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.  They may be contacted for consultation. 

In hospitals, you can make an appointment with a social worker, both in hospital wards and outpatient wards and clinics, and also during a visit to the emergency room.

In HMO clinics, you can make an appointment with one of the clinic's social workers, or your doctor or specialist may refer you (according to HMO protocol).  HMO websites have information about how to get a referral to a social worker.

Special services for victims of sexual violence in the mental health system

In cooperation with Social Work Office at the Mental Health Department

Rachely Stern rachely.stern@moh.gov.il

 Treatment at a clinic

Mental health clinic for treating sexual violence victims shortly after an assault.

Ogen Center, the Lev HaSharon Mental Health Center

The clinic provides emotional aid to victims of sexual violence to people who are 18 years of age or older.  Tofes 17 (HMO obligation form) is required.

Telephones: 09-8980427

 The Lotem Long-Term Care Center

A special team of experts who specialized in the care of victims of sexual violence works at the center.

The center provides individuals and groups with special psychiatric therapy for victims of sexual violence over the age of 18.

Referral to care at the Lotem Center may be made independently or through a referral from a doctor or social worker.  However, any person who would like to apply for therapy can call the center on his or her own initiative in order to start the admission process.  It should be noted that even if the applicant satisfies all criteria for care at the center, the professional staff would make an assessment to determine the applicant's suitability for care.  The service is provided by a referral from the HMO with Tofes 17 (HMO obligation form).

Center director:  Dr. Tsiviya Zeligman

Ichilov Hospital, 39 Shaul HaMelech Street, Tel Aviv

03-6974166 available 08:00 – 15:00, email sexualtraumacenter@tlvmc.gov.il

State or HMO mental health clinics with special teams that specialize in treating sexual assault victims.

Referral to care with Tofes 17 only (HMO obligation form).

 Government or Health Fund Mental Health Clinics

 

Special Accompaniment for Birth-Related Sexual Abuse Victims

Birth is an empowering experience and mostly makes you happy over creating a new life and a family.  Nevertheless, studies found that women who had been victims of sexual assault and gave birth were more likely to re-experience trauma and had a painful and a much-complicated birth—special accompaniment and care of victims of sexual abuse who give birth. The service comprises of meetings with a social worker and a nurse in charge of the delivery room during the course of the pregnancy, accompaniment, and support at birth and after birth.

Special Hospital Units for Victims of Sexual Violence

The hospital units are designed for victims of sexual violence who experience an acute mental breakdown and require mental and medical therapy at a hospital.

Emergency wards issue a referral in coordination with the units.

 Hospitals with a hospitalization unit.

 

LeTsidech – Open department for women with all types of trauma. Beer Yaakov Hospital

 ​Outpatient Care

A special outpatient clinic for the care of men and women who suffer from the effects of emotional abuse.

The goal of the program:  intervention and provision of care to patients that experience an emotional crisis so that they can continue the care in the community where they live.

Tofes 17 (HMO obligation form) is required with the referral.