Have you or a loved one been sexually or physically assaulted? You're not alone. Contact 269.687.1880.
What is Intimate Partner Violence?
Intimate partner violence is any act or physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or physiological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.
If you or a loved one have been sexually or physically assaulted you are not alone. Contact 269.687.1880. Spectrum Health Lakeland offers a Forensic Care & Advocacy team available 24 hours a day to care for those who have been sexually or physically abused or assaulted and can help survivors begin the healing process.
A referral is not needed and services are available for patients of all ages.
Safe, Private, and Tender Care
Our team is here to help anyone affected by assault – not only right after, it happens, but also days or weeks after. It is very important to get a medical forensic exam after a sexual assault even if you don’t think you have any wounds or if the assault occurred a while ago. We provide care designed to meet each patient’s medical and emotional needs, with services based on preference:
- Injury care
- Crisis intervention
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) testing and medications
- Pregnancy prevention and testing
- Safety planning
- Evidence collection (if wanted)
- Help with law enforcement agency communications
- Connections to free counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and housing aid
What Should I Expect During My Visit?
In all types of care we will meet with you to discuss any questions or concerns you might have for yourself of your child. We will talk one-to-one with you to get a complete medical history and assess you or your child's needs, which may include a physical exam. The length of the visits may vary, depending on your needs. Our nurses and advocates care for one patients at a time and provide the services you need without making you feel rushed.
What Happens After a Visit?
Our advocates and nurses are here to continue supporting you. Our team will work with you to connect you with information to continue care through the health system and our community partners.
We're Here for You
If you have been sexual assaulted and need urgent care our staff is available 24 hours a day to treat patient in the emergency departments at:
Lakeland Hospital Niles
31. N. St. Joseph Ave | Niles, Mi 49120
Lakeland Hospital Watervliet
400 Medical Park Dr. | Watervliet, MI 49098
Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph
1234 Napier Ave | St. Joseph, Mi 49085
If you have injuries and need immediate care; call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
If you need a non-urgent exam or you were sexually assaulted more than five days ago free follow up care is available for all ages at the Children's Advocacy of Southwest Michigan. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 269.687.1863
Teen dating violence (TDV) is a type of intimate partner violence. It occurs between two people in a close relationship.
TDV includes four types of behavior:
- Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
- Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.
- Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally and/or exert control over another person.
- Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.
Teen dating violence also referred to as, “dating violence”, can take place in person or electronically, such as repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online without consent. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship—but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. However, many teens do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends.