Women's Center for Emergency Care

The 5-bed Women's Center for Emergency Care is set aside for women's health emergencies, especially victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. This private treatment area for female patients provides a safe and secure environment when needed the most.  Specialized care is delivered by physicians and nurses trained to recognize all types of emergencies.

The center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is located away from the noise and traffic of the main emergency department.  The center focuses on treating women with who arrive with obstetrical and gynecological complaints.  They also provide comprehensive care related to women's health issues such as postpartum care, domestic violence and sexual assault.  

The center serves as the primary location for the University of Virginia Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) who provide evaluation and evidence collection for victims of sexual assault.  The program's team consists of Forensic Nurses Examiners with medical direction provided by physicians from the Department of Emergency Medicine.  Consultation is also provided by Pediatric Child Abuse Experts.  The team provides 24-hour-a-day, on-call service to assist victims of sexual assault and they work closely with law enforcement in evidence collection and court testimony.