SAFE Center

01/16/2026

Your support is helping complete renovations for Iowa’s first SAFE Center (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Center)

Creating a trauma-informed space where survivors have direct access to specialized medical care following a sexual assault is essential to starting the healing and recovery process.

Survivors deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we’re leading the way in changing the future of care for the victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. 💜

01/01/2026

An overview recap. Notice the difference from the 2020-2021 statistic of 28 Iowans per day to now over 100 Iowans per day seeking services.

We don’t believe the numbers have drastically increased in the crime being commited, rather, we believe that Iowans are learning that specialized services exist for sexual assault care.

Change is coming.

01/01/2026

More than 100 Iowans per day are seeking services for sexual assault care. We know this is under reported.

Services around the state are limited.

Change is coming.

01/01/2026

Did you know…

“If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury from a violent crime, the Crime Victim Compensation Program may be able to help. The program helps victims with certain out-of-pocket expenses related to injuries from violent crime. It is funded entirely by fines and penalties paid by criminals (not by taxpayers).

The program pays for crime-related expenses such as medical care, counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses (when costs are not covered by insurance or other sources). The program can also pay for crime-scene clean-up, replacement of clothing held as evidence, replacement of security items, child or dependent care, housing/shelter expenses, relocation expenses and travel.”

https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/crime-victim-compensation

12/27/2025

Thank you Scheels! What an honor to be selected as recipient of your holiday social nomination.

If you are considering your end of year donations please keep the SAFE Center of Iowa on your list. We currently have a matching $250,000 campaign and your support is critical!

Nearly 40,000 Iowans saught out limited services in 2023!!

SAFE Center of Iowa is a 501(c)3 entity. Donations can be made via mail or online.

Mailing address is: 3200 Grand Ave, Ste 400 / Des Moines, IA 50312.

Online donations can be made here: https://safecenteriowa.com/donate/

Reach out with any questions: admin@safecenteriowa.com

12/18/2025

What We Hear Most Often…

“I didn’t know this existed.”
“I didn’t know I had options.”

We’re here to change that.

12/16/2025

If you have evidence collection done thru a sexual assault exam, specifically a DFSA or suspected drug facilitated sexual assault, this is where it goes to be tested ⬇️

The Toxicology Section within the Iowa DCI Crime Lab is responsible for testing urine and blood samples for the presence of alcohol and illicit substances.🧪 Samples are submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout Iowa, typically related to OWI investigations, sexual assaults, weapons offenses, and death investigations. Samples are tested for alcohol and/or drugs utilizing various instrumentation methods such as a LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatograph Tandem Mass Spectrometer) and LC-qTOF (Liquid Chromatograph Quadrupole Time-of-Flight). Try saying that 5 times fast!

12/14/2025

Sexual Assault Exam — FAQs

Q: Do I have to report to law enforcement to get an exam?
A: No. In Iowa, you can receive a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam without filing a police report. Your medical care is separate from any legal decision.

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Q: What is a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam?
A: It’s a medical exam completed by a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) to address your health needs, document injuries, and—if you choose—collect evidence. It is patient-led and trauma-informed.

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Q: Is the exam painful?
A: The exam is done gently and at your pace. You can stop, pause, or decline any part at any time. Nothing happens without your consent.

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Q: How much does it cost?
A: There is no cost to you.
Sexual assault exams, medications, and related care are covered in Iowa through victim assistance programs.

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Q: Can I bring someone with me?
A: Yes. An advocate is part of the care provided alongside the SANE nurse. You may also have a support person if you choose.

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Q: Will I receive medications?
A: Yes, if you want. Medications to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and address other immediate medical needs are available at no cost.

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Q: What if I’m not sure I want to report right now?
A: That’s okay. Evidence can be collected and stored while you take time to decide. You do not have to make legal decisions during your exam.

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Q: Can I talk to law enforcement just to ask questions?
A: Yes. You may speak with law enforcement for information only without starting an investigation unless you consent, except in situations of mandatory reporting (which are explained case-by-case).

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Q: Is my visit confidential?
A: Yes. Your privacy matters, and your information is protected.

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💛 You are in control — always.
📣 Follow along as we continue sharing clear, supportive information about sexual assault exams and the services available to every Iowan as the SAFE Center prepares to open.

12/13/2025

“Where Do I Go If I Need Help?”

Right now, Polk County doesn’t have a single place online that clearly answers:
“Where do I go if I’ve been sexually assaulted?”
We’re changing that.
The SAFE Center will be a 24/7, walk-in access point for anyone who needs care, support, or someone to listen.

More details and official opening date coming soon. 💛

Currently in Polk county there is a SANE nurse on call 24/7 365 days a year. Present to any emergency room and a SANE nurse will be called in after a medial screening exam is completed by the ER provider.

Stay tuned for more info coming about services around the state available outside of Polk Co.

12/11/2025

We see people on the worst days of their lives. We often wonder if we make a difference….

Awhile back I did a TikTok video after a hard call.

41k views, 186 comments later… let’s see what the impact is…

12/09/2025

💛 You Don’t Need to Report to Police to Get Care💛

You can receive a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) in Iowa without reporting to law enforcement.
Your medical care and your choices are completely separate from the criminal justice process. ✨

At the SAFE Center, YOU stay in control of what happens next. 🧡

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💬 Talking With Law Enforcement Is Optional

You can choose to speak with law enforcement just to ask questions.
This does not start an investigation unless you want it to. 🙅‍♀️🚓

Here’s what you can do:
• 📞 Talk with an officer for information only
• ❓ Ask what reporting would look like
• 🧭 Learn about your options
• ⏳ Decide later if you want to move forward
• 🤝 Have an advocate with you if you choose to speak with law enforcement — you never have to do this alone

🚨 Law enforcement can only begin an official investigation with your consent,
unless mandatory reporting laws apply (and we can help explain this case-by-case). 📝💛

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💛 Your safety. Your pace. Your decisions.

We’re here to support you — never to pressure you. 🤝✨

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📣 Follow along for clear, simple information about your rights and the choices available to all Iowans seeking care after sexual assault. 💛🌼

12/08/2025

📣 Know Your Rights: Iowa Victim Rights & Reporting Timeframes

At the SAFE Center (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Center), our priority is to provide survivors with clear information, compassionate care, and direct access to the resources they need—without pressure, cost, or any requirement that they report to law enforcement.

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💜 What Most People Don’t Know About Sexual Assault Exams in Iowa

• Survivors have up to 120 hours (5 days) after an assault to receive a medical forensic exam to collect evidence. Up to 30 days for an initial forensic medical exam even if beyond timeframe to collect evidence.
• Exams can still be completed even if the survivor has showered, changed clothes, brushed their teeth, or slept.
• There is absolutely NO cost to the survivor for the exam, evidence collection, or preventative medications.
• A police report is NOT required for adults to receive a medical forensic exam.

• The purpose of the exam is to:
-Address immediate medical needs
-Treat injuries
-Provide mental health support and resources
-Collect evidence only if the survivor consents

Non-reported or anonymous exams allow survivors to preserve evidence while delaying a law-enforcement decision for up to 15 years, within Iowa’s statute of limitations.

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🔹Understanding Victim Rights
➡️https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/sexual-assault-examination-payment

➡️https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/media/cms/SAE_Consent_Form__FINAL_005_A8DE3212833DC.pdf

🔹 Iowa law provides a 15-year statute of limitations for reporting a sexual assault involving an adult survivor (18+).
(No statute of limitation for under 18)
➡️https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/802.pdf

⚠️ Please note: Reporting rules for survivors under age 18 are different and vary case by case.
There are also situations where mandatory reporting laws apply (for example, when minors or vulnerable adults are involved). Even in these situations, the survivor still controls whether they personally speak with law enforcement.

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🕊️ Why This Matters

Our mission at the SAFE Center is simple:
Provide immediate, compassionate trauma informed medical care by specially trained staff and preserve each survivor’s choices.

Your health comes first. Reporting is always your choice—except in situations defined by mandatory reporting laws, and even then, you control your personal participation.

We are here 24/7. You are not alone.