Supporting Survivors During Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Access to STI Testing

5 min read

This article discusses sexual assault and related health topics, including STI testing.

What is Sexual Assault Awareness Month?

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual observance held each April to raise public awareness about sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. The month also focuses on educating individuals and communities about prevention strategies.

The movement to address sexual violence began gaining traction in the 1970s. In 1971, the first rape crisis center opened in San Francisco. Formal recognition of a dedicated awareness month came in 2001, when the National Sexual Violence Resource Center coordinated the first official SAAM observance. In 2009, President Barack Obama issued a presidential proclamation officially declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The purpose of SAAM is to transform awareness into meaningful action. This includes education, community outreach, policy change, and support for survivors. Each year carries a theme. The 2025 theme is “Together We Act, United We Change,” emphasizing the importance of community-level efforts to prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

Current Sexual Assault Data in the United States

Sexual violence affects millions of Americans. According to available data:

  • An estimated 443,635 people aged 12 and older experience sexual violence each year in the United States.

  • More than 45% of women and nearly 17% of men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetimes, according to the CDC.

  • 82% of women and 42% of men report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault over their lifetimes.

  • Less than half of sexual assault cases are reported to law enforcement.

These statistics highlight why awareness, prevention, and accessible support services remain critically important.

Why STI Testing Matters for Survivors

Following a sexual assault, survivors may have concerns about potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Testing can provide important information and help guide any necessary follow-up care. It is important to note that LabFinder does not provide medical advice. Decisions about when and what to test should always be made with a qualified health care provider.

Many survivors find that having control over their health decisions, including STI testing, supports their overall well-being. Testing is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong timeline. Some STIs may take days or weeks to appear on a test, so a provider may recommend testing at multiple intervals.

How LabFinder Can Help

LabFinder offers a simple, private way to schedule STI testing at thousands of trusted lab and radiology centers nationwide. Here is how we support survivors:

Secure, digital results. Once testing is complete, results are delivered through LabFinder’s secure portal. Users can access them privately and share them with their own provider or with the ordering clinician.

Clinician oversight. LabFinder does not order tests or interpret results. Instead, we work with a network of independent clinicians who can review a user’s needs and, when appropriate, provide a test order. This ensures that every test is medically indicated and that results are reviewed by a professional.

Insurance-first approach. LabFinder helps users maximize the benefits they already pay for. Many insurance plans cover STI testing, especially when ordered by a provider. Users can enter their insurance information on our platform to see estimated costs and available locations.

Easy online scheduling. Survivors can search for nearby labs, compare appointment availability, and book a time that works for them. No phone calls are required unless preferred.

What to Expect When Scheduling

For survivors who choose to pursue STI testing, the process through LabFinder is straightforward:

  1. Visit LabFinder’s STI Testing booking page.

  2. Choose a lab location, and appointment date and time.

  3. Sign up and enter your insurance information to check coverage and estimated costs.

  4. If you do not have an order, our clinician network can help.

  5. Visit the lab for a quick sample collection, typically blood or urine.

  6. Receive secure results online through your patient dashboard within a few days.

Privacy and Confidentiality

LabFinder takes privacy seriously. All personal health information is protected in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Users control who sees their results. The platform is designed to minimize unnecessary data sharing and to give survivors peace of mind about confidentiality.

A Note on Support Services

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, medical care is only one part of the healing process. Confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or online at online.rainn.org. Trained advocates can provide emotional support, answer questions about medical and legal options, and connect survivors to local resources.

Taking the Next Step

LabFinder’s mission is to make lab testing and imaging more accessible, affordable, and convenient. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month and beyond, we are committed to supporting survivors by removing barriers to essential health services like STI testing.

If you have questions about your insurance coverage or need help scheduling a test, visit LabFinder.com. Our platform is designed to guide you through the process with clarity and respect.

Remember: Your health matters. Your privacy matters. And you are not alone.

Disclaimer:
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing a medication or lab-testing plan. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.