A National Protocol for 

Sexual Assault Medical 

Forensic Examinations

Adults/Adolescents 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Office on Violence Against Women

September 2004 

 NCJ 206554

Acknowledgments 

Many individuals contributed their skills and expertise to the development of this protocol. Special 

appreciation goes to Kristin Littel, who served as the primary writer and researcher for the protocol. We 

would also like to thank the Office for Victims of Crime for initiating this project and for providing feedback 

and guidance throughout the drafting process. We are grateful to all of the women and men who gave their 

time and energy to attend the focus groups, participate in the conference calls, and review numerous drafts 

of the protocol; their efforts greatly enhanced the final product.

i 

Foreword 

Sexual violence continues to plague our Nation and destroy lives. All members of society are vulnerable to 

this crime, regardless of race, age, gender, or social standing. When sexual assault does occur, victims 

deserve competent and compassionate care. This first National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic

Examinations provides detailed guidelines for criminal justice and health care practitioners in responding to 

the immediate needs of sexual assault victims. We know that effective collection of evidence is of paramount

importance to successfully prosecuting sex offenders. Just as critical is performing sexual assault forensic

exams in a sensitive, dignified, and victim-centered manner. For individuals who experience this horrendous 

crime, having a positive experience with the criminal justice and health care systems can contribute greatly 

to their overall healing. 

As we have learned in the 10 years since the implementation of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, 

coordinated community efforts are the best way to stop violence against women and hold offenders 

accountable for their crimes. That is why this protocol was designed as a guide for criminal justice and health

care practitioners who respond to victims of sexual assault. Combining cutting edge response techniques

with collaboration among service providers will greatly enhance our ability to treat and support victims as well 

as identify and punish the sex offenders. We hope that this protocol lays the foundation for these efforts. 

iii 

Contents 

Goals........................................................................................................... 1 

Recommendations at a Glance................................................................. 3 

Introduction.............................................................................................. 13 

Background .....................................................................................................................13 

About this document........................................................................................................14 

Use of terms ....................................................................................................................15 

Section A. Overarching Issues ............................................................... 21 

1. Coordinated Team Approach................................................................................ 23 

Dual purposes of the exam..............................................................................................23 

Key responders and their roles........................................................................................23 

Quality assurance measures ...........................................................................................25 

2. Victim-Centered Care............................................................................................. 27 

Patient priority as an emergency case ............................................................................27 

Patient privacy .................................................................................................................27 

Exam adapted to patients’ needs and circumstances .....................................................28 

Issues commonly faced by patients from specific populations ........................................29 

Importance of victim services within the exam process...................................................33 

Presence of personal support persons in the exam room ...............................................35 

Requests for a responder of a specific gender................................................................35 

Explanation of procedures during the exam process ......................................................35 

Integration of medical and forensic exam procedures.....................................................36 

Patient safety during the exam process ..........................................................................36 

Information patients can review at their convenience......................................................36 

Physical comfort needs of patients..................................................................................37 

3. Informed Consent .................................................................................................. 39 

Seeking informed consent as appropriate .......................................................................39 

Obtaining consent from specific populations ...................................................................40 

4. Confidentiality ........................................................................................................ 43 

Scope and limitations of confidentiality............................................................................43 

Building understanding of confidentiality issues ..............................................................43 

Impact of Federal privacy laws ........................................................................................44 

Difficulties in maintaining confidentiality ..........................................................................44 

5. Reporting to Law Enforcement............................................................................. 45 

Making the decision to report .........................................................................................45 

Consequences of reporting ............................................................................................46 

Alternatives to standard reporting procedures.................................................................46 

Promoting a victim-centered reporting process ...............................................................47 

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6. Payment for the Examination under VAWA......................................................... 49 

VAWA provisions related to exam payment ....................................................................49 

Section B. Operational Issues ................................................................ 51 

1. Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners..................................................................... 53 

Specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes .........................................................................53 

Minimum standards for advanced education and clinical requirements ..........................55 

2. Facilities.................................................................................................................. 57 

Obligation to serve patients .............................................................................................57 

Use of specially educated and clinically prepared examiners .........................................57 

Optimal site locations ......................................................................................................58 

Basic requirements .........................................................................................................58 

Patient transfers ..............................................................................................................59 

3. Equipment and Supplies ....................................................................................... 61 

Availability of specific equipment and supplies................................................................61 

Cost barriers ....................................................................................................................62 

4. Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit............................................................... 65 

Minimum guidelines for contents .....................................................................................65 

Standardized kits .............................................................................................................66 

5. Timing Considerations for Collecting Evidence ................................................. 67 

Importance of the history and exam findings...................................................................67 

Prompt exam to minimize loss of evidence .....................................................................67 

Availability beyond 72 hours after the assault .................................................................67 

Decisions made on a case-by-case basis .......................................................................67 

Resources for responders ...............................................................................................68 

 

6. Evidence Integrity .................................................................................................. 69 

Policies to dry, package, label, and seal evidence ..........................................................69 

Evidence transfer policies................................................................................................69 

Storage policies ...............................................................................................................69 

 Documentation of evidence.............................................................................................70 

Section C. The Examination Process..................................................... 71 

1. Initial Contact ......................................................................................................... 73 

Consensus among agencies regarding procedures ........................................................73 

Essential activities ...........................................................................................................73 

2. Triage and Intake ................................................................................................... 77 

Priority cases ...................................................................................................................77 

Acute care needs ............................................................................................................77

Alerting examiners...........................................................................................................77

Contacting advocates ......................................................................................................78 

Safety concerns upon arrival of patients at the site.........................................................78 

Immediate medical and mental health interventions .......................................................78

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3. Documentation by Health Care Personnel........................................................... 79 

Completion ......................................................................................................................79 

 Education for examiners..................................................................................................79 

 Mechanisms to ensure accuracy and objectivity .............................................................79 

4. The Medical Forensic History ............................................................................... 81 

Coordination of history taking and investigative interviewing ..........................................81 

Presence of advocates during the history .......................................................................82 

Patient needs addressed prior to and during history .......................................................82 

Obtaining the history........................................................................................................83

5. Photography........................................................................................................... 85 

Extent ..............................................................................................................................85 

Photographers and equipment ........................................................................................85 

Patient comfort and privacy ............................................................................................85 

Explanation of photography procedures .........................................................................86 

Taking photographs.........................................................................................................86

6. Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures ........................................................ 89 

Forensic purpose of the exam .........................................................................................89 

Collecting as much evidence as possible........................................................................89 

Issues related to consent to sexual contact.....................................................................89 

Testing of biological evidence .........................................................................................90 

Exposure to infectious materials and evidence contamination........................................90 

Importance of semen evidence .......................................................................................91 

Addressing patients’ needs and concerns.......................................................................91 

Explanation of exam and evidence collection procedures...............................................91 

Conducting the exam and documenting findings.............................................................91 

Evidence to submit to the crime lab for analysis .............................................................93 

Other evidence ................................................................................................................99 

Medical specimens separate from forensic specimens ...................................................99 

7. Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault ......................................................................... 101 

Training and development of policies ............................................................................101 

Response to voluntary use of drugs and/or alcohol ......................................................101 

Circumstances in which testing may be indicated .........................................................102 

Explanation of testing procedures .................................................................................102 

Collecting samples ........................................................................................................103 

Toxicology labs..............................................................................................................104 

Preservation of evidence and chain of custody .............................................................104 

8. STI Evaluation and Care...................................................................................... 105 

Information on STIs .......................................................................................................105 

STI testing .....................................................................................................................105 

Prophylaxis against STIs ...............................................................................................106 

Followup care ................................................................................................................107 

Concerns about HIV infection........................................................................................107 

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9. Pregnancy Risk Evaluation and Care................................................................. 111 

Probability of pregnancy ................................................................................................111 

Pregnancy testing..........................................................................................................111 

Treatment options..........................................................................................................111 

10. Discharge and Followup.................................................................................... 113 

Medical discharge and followup care ............................................................................113 

Coordination among responders prior to discharge ......................................................114 

 

11. Examiner Court Appearances........................................................................... 117 

Broad education on court appearances.........................................................................117 

Prompt notification for examiners ..................................................................................117 

Pretrial preparation........................................................................................................118

Feedback on testimony .................................................................................................119 

Bibliography........................................................................................... 121 

Appendix A. Developing Customized Protocols: Considerations for 

Jurisdictions........................................................................................... 125 

Appendix B. Creation of Sexual Assault Response Teams............... 129 

viii
Goals of the National Protocol for Sexual Assault 

Medical Forensic Examinations 

Consider what it might be like to be a victim of sexual assault who has come to a health care facility for a 

medical forensic examination. Sexual assault is a crime of violence against a person’s body and will. Sex 

offenders use physical and/or psychological aggression to victimize, in the process often threatening a 

victim’s sense of privacy, safety, and well-being. Sexual assault can result in physical trauma and significant 

mental anguish and suffering for victims. Victims may be reluctant, however, to report the assault to law 

enforcement and to seek medical attention for a variety of reasons. For example, victims may blame 

themselves for the sexual assault and feel embarrassed. They may fear their assailants or worry about 

whether they will be believed. A victim may also lack easy access to services. Those who have access to 

services may perceive the medical forensic examination as yet another violation because of its extensive and 

intrusive nature in the immediate aftermath of the assault. Rather than seek assistance, a sexual assault 

victim may simply want to go somewhere safe, clean up, and try to forget the assault ever happened.1 It is

our hope that this protocol will help jurisdictions to respond to sexual assault victims in the most competent, 

compassionate, and understanding manner possible. 

This protocol was developed with the input of national, local, and tribal experts throughout the country, 

including law enforcement representatives, prosecutors, advocates, medical personnel, forensic scientists, 

and others. We hope that this protocol will be useful in helping jurisdictions develop a response that is 

sensitive to victims of sexual assault and that promotes offender accountability. Specifically, the protocol has 

the following goals: 

 Supplement but not supercede the many excellent protocols that have been developed by States, 

tribes, and local jurisdictions, as well as those created at the national level. We hope that this 

protocol will be a useful tool for jurisdictions wishing to develop new protocols or revise their existing 

ones. It is intended as a guideline for suggested practices rather than a list of requirements. In 

many places, the protocol refers to “jurisdictional policies” because there may be multiple valid ways 

to handle a particular issue and which one is best should be determined by the jurisdiction after 

consideration of local laws, policies, practices, and needs. 

 Provide guidance to jurisdictions on responding to adult and adolescent victims. Adolescents are 

distinguished in the protocol from prepubertal children who require a pediatric exam. Pediatric 

exams are not addressed in this document. This protocol generally focuses on the 

examination of females who have experienced the onset of menarche and males who have

reached puberty. Legally, jurisdictions vary in the age at which they consider individuals to be 

minors, laws on child sexual abuse, mandatory reporting policies for sexual abuse and assault of 

minors, instances when minors can consent to treatment and evidence collection without 

parental/guardian involvement, and the scope of confidentiality that minors are afforded. If the 

adolescent victim is a minor under the jurisdictional laws, the laws of the jurisdiction 

governing issues such as consent to the exam, mandatory reporting, and confidentiality

should be followed. 

• Support the use of coordinated community responses to sexual violence. Although this document is 

directed primarily toward medical personnel and facilities, it also provides guidance to other key 

responders such as advocates and law enforcement representatives. This type of coordinated

community response is supported by the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. 

Such a response can help afford victims access to comprehensive immediate care, minimize trauma 

victims may experience, and encourage them to utilize community resources. It can also facilitate the 

criminal investigation and prosecution, increasing the likelihood of holding offenders accountable and 

preventing further sexual assaults. 

 Address the needs of victims while promoting the criminal justice system response. Stabilizing, 

treating, and engaging victims as essential partners in the criminal investigation are central aspects

 1

 Paragraph adapted in part from the Ohio Protocol for Sexual Assault Forensic and Medical Examination, 2002, p. 2. 

1 
of the protocol. Thus, this protocol includes information about concepts such as “blind reporting,” 

which may give victims needed time to decide if and when they are ready to engage in the criminal 

justice process. A blind report may also provide law enforcement agencies with potentially useful 

information about sex crime patterns in their jurisdictions. The objective is to promote better and 

more victim-centered evidence collection, in order to provide better assistance in court proceedings 

and hold more offenders accountable. 

 Promote high-quality, sensitive, and supportive exams for all victims, regardless of jurisdiction and 

geographical location of service provision. The protocol offers recommendations to help standardize 

the quality of care for sexual assault victims throughout the country. It also promotes timely evidence 

collection which is accurately and methodically gathered, so that high-quality evidence is available in 

court. 

This protocol discusses the roles of the following responders: health care providers, advocates, law 

enforcement representatives, forensic scientists, and prosecutors. Clearly, each of these professions has a 

role in responding to victims, investigating the crime, and/or holding offenders accountable. But rather than

dictate who is responsible for every procedure within the exam process, the protocol is designed to help 

communities consider what each procedure involves and any related issues. With this information, each 

community can make decisions for its jurisdiction about the specific tasks of each responder during the exam 

process and the coordination needed among responders. The following is a general description of what each 

responder may assist with: 

• Advocates may be involved in initial victim contact (via 24-hour hotline or face-to-face meetings); offer 

victims advocacy, support, crisis intervention, information, and referrals before, during, and after the 

exam process; and help ensure that victims have transportation to and from the exam site. They often 

provide followup services designed to aid victims in addressing related legal and nonlegal needs. 

 

• Law enforcement representatives (e.g., 911 dispatchers, patrol officers, officers who process crime 

scene evidence, and investigators) respond to initial complaints, work to enhance victims’ safety, arrange 

for victims’ transportation to and from the exam site as needed, interview victims, coordinate collection 

and delivery of evidence to designated labs or law enforcement facilities, and investigate cases. 

 

• Health care providers assess patients for acute medical needs and provide stabilization, treatment, 

and/or consultation. Ideally, sexual assault forensic examiners perform the medical forensic exam, 

gather information for the medical forensic history, and collect and document forensic evidence from 

patients. They offer information, treatment, and referrals for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and 

other nonacute medical concerns; assess pregnancy risk and discuss treatment options with the patient, 

including reproductive health services; and testify in court if needed. They typically coordinate with 

advocates to ensure patients are offered crisis intervention, support, and advocacy during and after the 

exam process and encourage use of other victim services. They may follow up with patients for medical 

and forensic purposes. Other health care personnel that may be involved include, but are not limited to, 

emergency medical technicians, staff at hospital emergency departments, gynecologists, surgeons, 

private physicians, and/or local, tribal, campus, or military health services personnel. 

 

• Forensic scientists analyze forensic evidence and provide results of the analysis to investigators and/or

prosecutors.

• Prosecutors determine if there is sufficient evidence for prosecution and, if so, prosecute the case. They 

should be available to consult with first responders as needed. A few jurisdictions involve prosecutors 

more actively, paging them after initial contact and having them respond to the exam site so that they 

can become familiar with the case and help guide the investigation. 

This document is intended only to improve the criminal justice system’s response to victims of 

sexual assault and the sexual assault forensic examination process and does not create a right or 

benefit, substantive or procedural, of any party.

2
Recommendations at a Glance: A National Protocol for 

Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations 

The National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations offers guidance to jurisdictions in 

creating and implementing their own protocols, as well as recommending specific procedures related to the 

exam process. Recommendations at a Glance highlights key points discussed in the protocol, but it is not 

designed to be a stand-alone checklist on exam procedures or responsibilities of each involved responder. 

The protocol should be read to understand and respond to the complex issues presented during the exam 

process. See the protocol introduction for an explanation of select terms used in this chapter and the 

protocol. 

Goal of the Protocol 

A timely, well-done medical forensic examination can potentially validate and address sexual assault 

patients’2

 concerns, minimize the trauma they may experience, and promote their healing. At the same time, 

it can increase the likelihood that evidence collected will aid in criminal case investigation, resulting in 

perpetrators being held accountable and further sexual violence prevented. 

The examination and the related responsibilities of health care personnel are the focus of this protocol. 

Recognizing that multidisciplinary coordination is vital to the success of the exam, the protocol also 

discusses the responses of other professionals, as they relate to the exam process. 

A. Overarching Issues 

1. Coordinated approach: A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to conducting the exam provides victims3

with access to comprehensive immediate care, helps minimize trauma they may experience, and 

encourages their use of community resources. Such a response can also enhance public safety by 

facilitating investigation and prosecution, which increases the likelihood that offenders will be held 

accountable for their actions. Raising public awareness about the existence and benefits of a coordinated 

response to sexual assault may lead more victims to disclose the assault and seek help. (SEE PAGES 23–

26) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions to facilitate a coordinated approach to the exam process: 

• Understand the dual purposes of the exam process to address patients’ needs and justice system needs. 

Addressing patients’ needs may include evaluating and treating injuries; conducting prompt exams; 

providing support, crisis intervention, and advocacy; providing prophylaxis against sexually transmitted 

infections (STIs) and referrals; assessing reproductive health issues; and providing followup 

contact/care. Addressing justice system needs may include obtaining a history of the assault; 

documenting exam findings; properly collecting, handling, and preserving evidence; and (postexam) 

interpreting/analyzing findings, presenting findings, and providing factual and expert opinions.

• Identify key responders and their roles. 

• Develop quality assurance measures to ensure effective immediate response. 

2. Victim-centered care: Victim-centered care is paramount to the success of the exam process. Response to 

victims should be timely, appropriate, sensitive, and respectful. (SEE PAGES 27–37) 

 2

 Sexual assault patients are also referred to as victims, depending on which responders are primarily being discussed. The term

“patients” is generally used by health care professionals. 3

 The term “victim” is not used in a strictly criminal justice context. The use of “victim” simply acknowledges that persons who disclose 

that they have been sexually assaulted should have access to certain services.

3 
Recommendations for health care providers and other responders to facilitate victim-centered care: 

• Give sexual assault patients priority as emergency cases and respond in a timely manner. Provide them 

with as much privacy as possible, while ensuring that they are supported. 

• Recognize that the medical forensic exam is an interactive process that must be adapted to the needs 

and circumstances of each patient. 

• Be aware of issues commonly faced by victims from specific populations. For example, certain 

characteristics (e.g., culture, religion, language skills/mode of communication, disabilities, gender, and 

age) may influence a victim’s behavior in the aftermath of an assault, including the exam process. 

• Understand the importance of victim services within the exam process. Victim service 

providers/advocates typically offer victims support, crisis intervention, information and referrals, and 

advocacy to ensure that victims’ interests are represented, their wishes respected, and their rights 

upheld. Providers/advocates also may offer support for family members and friends who are present. In 

addition, they can promote sensitive, appropriate, and coordinated interventions.

• Involve victim service providers/advocates in the exam process as soon after a victim discloses an 

assault as possible. Victims have the right to accept or decline victim services. 

• Accommodate patients’ requests to have relatives, friends, or other support persons (e.g., a 

religious/spiritual counselor) present during the exam, unless the presence of that person could be 

considered harmful. (See C.4. The Medical Forensic History for confidentiality considerations regarding 

the presence of these individuals during history taking.) 

• Accommodate victims’ request for responders of a specific gender as much as possible. 

• Prior to starting the exam and before each procedure, describe what is entailed and its purpose to 

patients. Be sure that communication/language needs are met and information is conveyed in a manner 

that patients will understand. After providing this information, seek patients’ permission to proceed and 

respect their right to decline any part of the exam. However, follow exam facility and jurisdictional policy 

regarding minors and adults who are incompetent to give consent. (For a more detailed discussion on

seeking informed consent of patients, including consent by victims from specific populations, see A.3. 

Informed Consent.)

• Assess and respect patients’ priorities. 

• Integrate exam procedures where possible (e.g., blood samples needed for medical and evidentiary 

purposes should be drawn at the same time). 

• Address patients’ safety concerns during the exam. Sexual assault patients have legitimate reasons to 

fear further assaults from their attackers. Local law enforcement may be able to assist facilities in 

addressing patients’ safety needs. 

• Provide information that is easy for patients to understand and that can be reviewed at their 

convenience. (Also see C.10. Discharge and Followup.) 

• After the exam is finished, provide patients with the opportunity to wash, change clothes (providing clean 

replacement clothing if necessary), get food or drinks, and make needed phone calls. 

3. Informed consent: Patients should understand the full nature of their consent to each exam procedure. By 

presenting them with relevant information, they are in a position to make an informed decision about whether 

to accept or decline a procedure. However, they should be aware of the impact of declining a particular 

procedure, as it may negatively affect the quality of care, the usefulness of evidence collection, and, 

ultimately, any criminal investigation and/or prosecution. They should understand that declining a particular 

procedure might also be used to discredit them in court. If a procedure is declined, reasons why should be

documented if the patient provides such information. (SEE PAGES 39–41) 

Recommendations for health care providers and other responders to request patients’ consent during the 

exam process: 

• Seek informed consent as appropriate throughout the exam process for medical evaluation and 

treatment and the forensic exam and evidence collection. Coordinate efforts to obtain consent among 

responders.

4
• Be aware of statutes and policies governing consent in cases of minor patients, vulnerable adult patients, 

and patients who are unconscious, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs. In all cases, however, the 

exam should never be done against the will of the patient. 

4. Confidentiality: Involved responders must be aware of the scope and limitations of confidentiality related to 

information gathered during the exam process. Confidentiality is intricately linked to the scope of patients’ 

consent. Members of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) or other collaborating responders should

inform victims of the scope of confidentiality with each responder and be cautious not to exceed the limits of 

victim consent to share information in each case. (SEE PAGES 43–44) 

Recommendations that jurisdictions may take to maintain confidentiality of patients: 

• Make sure that jurisdictional policies address confidentiality related to the medical forensic exam (e.g., of 

forensic documentation, photographs, and colposcopic video images).

• Increase responders’ and patients’ understanding of confidentiality issues (e.g., scope of confidentiality 

advocates can provide; scope of confidentiality of information shared with examiners, law enforcement, 

prosecutors, and other responders with whom patient has contact; and what happens to information 

once it enters the criminal justice system).

• Consider the impact of Federal privacy laws regarding health information on victims of sexual assault. 

• Strive to resolve intrajurisdictional conflicts.

5. Reporting to law enforcement: Reporting provides the criminal justice system with the opportunity to offer 

immediate protection to victims, collect evidence from all crime scenes, investigate cases, prosecute if there 

is sufficient evidence, and hold offenders accountable for crimes committed. Given the danger that sex 

offenders pose to the community, reporting can serve as a first step in efforts to stop them from reoffending. 

Equally important, reporting gives the justice system the chance to help victims address their needs, identify 

patterns of sexual violence in the jurisdiction, and educate the public about such patterns. It is recommended

that service providers encourage victims to report due in part to the recognition that delayed reporting is

detrimental to the prosecution and to holding offenders accountable. Victims need to know that even if they 

are not ready to report at the time of the exam, the best way to preserve their option to report later is to have 

the exam performed. 

Reporting requirements in sexual assault cases vary from one jurisdiction to another. Every effort should be

made to facilitate treatment and evidence collection (if the patient agrees), regardless of whether the 

decision to report has been made at the time of the exam. Victims who are undecided about reporting who 

receive respectful and appropriate care and advocacy at the time of their exam are more likely to assist law 

enforcement and prosecution. (SEE PAGES 45–48) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions and responders to facilitate victim-centered reporting practices: 

• Where permitted by law, patients, not health care workers, should make the decision to report a sexual 

assault to law enforcement. Patients should be provided with information about possible benefits and 

consequences of reporting so that they can make an informed decision. 

• It is not recommended to require reporting as a condition of performing or paying for the exam. Even if 

patients are undecided about reporting, they should be encouraged to provide a medical forensic history, 

undergo the forensic exam, and have evidence collected and stored.

• Jurisdictions may want to consider alternatives to standard reporting procedures. For example, an 

anonymous or blind reporting system may be useful in cases in which victims do not want to report 

immediately or are undecided about reporting.

• Jurisdictions should consider a variety of approaches that promote a victim-centered reporting process. 

5 
6. Payment for the examination under VAWA: Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA),4

 a State, 

Territory, or the District of Columbia is entitled to funds under the STOP Violence Against Women Formula

Grant Program only if it, or another governmental entity, incurs the full out-of-pocket cost of medical forensic

exams for victims of sexual assault. The VAWA provisions indicate the exam should minimally include “an 

examination of physical trauma; determination of penetration/force; a victim interview; and collection and

evaluation of evidence.” 5 “Full out-of-pocket costs” means any expense that may be charged to a victim in 

connection with the exam for the purpose of gathering evidence of a sexual assault.6 (SEE PAGES 49–50) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions to facilitate payment for the sexual assault medical forensic exam: 

• Understand the scope of the VAWA provisions related to exam payment. 

• Ensure that victims are notified of exam facility and jurisdictional policies regarding payment for medical 

care and the medical forensic exam, as well as if and how reporting decisions will impact payment. 

Relevant government entities are strongly encouraged to pay for medical forensic exams regardless of 

whether victims pursue prosecution. 

B. Operational Issues 

1. Sexual assault forensic examiners: These are the health care professionals who conduct the examination. 

It is critical that all examiners, regardless of their discipline, are committed to providing compassionate and 

quality care for patients disclosing sexual assault, collecting evidence competently, and testifying in court as 

needed. (SEE PAGES 53–55) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions to build the capacity of examiners performing these exams: 

• Encourage the development of specific examiner knowledge, skills, and attitudes. 

• Encourage advanced education and supervised clinical practice of examiners, as well as certification for 

nurses who are examiners. 

2. Facilities: Health care facilities have an obligation to provide services to sexual assault patients. 

Designated exam facilities or sites served by specially educated and clinically prepared examiners increase 

the likelihood of a state-of-the-art exam, enhance coordination, encourage quality control, and increase 

quality of care for patients. (SEE PAGES 57–59) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions to build capacity of health care facilities to respond to sexual assault 

cases:

• Recognize the obligation of health care facilities to serve sexual assault patients. 

• Ensure that exams are conducted at sites served by specially educated and clinically prepared

examiners. A designated facility may employ or have ready access to examiners to conduct the exam. 

Some jurisdictions have examiner programs that serve one or multiple exam sites within a specific area. 

• Explore what is best for the community regarding locations for exam sites. It is critical to consider how 

accessible facilities are to patients disclosing sexual assault, as well as the facility’s capacity to properly 

conduct these exams and treat related injuries. 

• Recognize that exam facilities and examiners may benefit from networking with examiners in other 

facilities or areas for support with peer review of medical forensic reports, quality assurance, and 

information sharing (e.g., on training opportunities, practices, and referrals for patients). 

• Consider developing basic jurisdictional requirements for exam sites. 

 4

 42 U.S.C. § 3796gg-4. 5

 28 C.F.R. § 90.2(b) (1). The analysis of evidence gathered during the examination, along with examiner documentation of findings, 

may help in determining whether penetration occurred or force was used. However, examiners are not responsible for drawing 

conclusions about how injuries were caused or whether the assault occurred or not (although they can note consistency between 

patients’ statements and injuries they identify). 6

 28 C.F.R. § 90.14(a). 

6
• Promote public awareness about where exams are conducted. Use specially educated and clinically 

prepared forensic examiners to conduct the exam, ensuring dissemination of relevant information to 

appropriate agencies and community members. Encourage first responders to work together to assist 

victims in using these sites. 

• If a transfer from one health care facility to a designated site is necessary, use an established protocol 

that minimizes time delays and loss of evidence while addressing a patient’s needs. However, avoid 

transferring these patients whenever possible. 

3. Equipment and supplies: Certain equipment and supplies are essential to the exam process (although 

they may not be used in every case). These include a copy of the most current exam protocol used by the 

jurisdiction, standard exam room equipment and supplies, comfort supplies for patients, sexual assault 

evidence collection kits, an evidence drying device/method, a camera, testing and treatment supplies, an 

alternate light source, an anoscope, and written materials for patients. A microscope and/or toluidine blue

dye may be required, depending on jurisdictional policy. A colposcope or other magnifying instrument is 

strongly suggested. Some jurisdictions are also beginning to use advanced technology (telemedicine), which 

allows examiners offsite consultation with medical experts by using computers, software programs, and the

Internet. (SEE PAGES 61–63) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions and responders to ensure that proper equipment and supplies are 

available for examinations: 

• Consider what equipment and supplies are essential. 

• Address cost barriers to obtaining equipment and supplies. 

4. Sexual assault evidence collection kit (for evidence from victims): Most jurisdictions have developed their 

own sexual assault evidence collection kits or purchased premade kits through commercial vendors. Kits 

often vary from one jurisdiction to another. Despite variations, however, it is critical that every kit meets or 

exceeds minimum guidelines for contents: broadly including a kit container, instruction sheet and/or 

checklist, forms, and materials for collecting and preserving all evidence required by the applicable crime 

laboratory. Evidence that may be collected includes, but is not limited to, clothing, foreign materials on the 

body, hair (including head and pubic hair samples and combings), oral and anogenital swabs and smears, 

body swabs, and a blood or saliva sample for DNA analysis and comparison. The instruction sheet and/or 

checklist should guide examiners on maintaining the chain of custody for evidence collected. (SEE PAGES

65–66) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions and responders when developing/customizing kits: 

• Use standardized kits (across a local jurisdiction, region, State, Territory, or tribal land) that meet or 

exceed minimum guidelines for contents, as described above. 

• Make kits readily available at any facility that conducts sexual assault medical forensic exams. 

• Periodically review the kit’s efficiency and usefulness and make changes as needed. 

5. Timing considerations for collecting evidence: Although many jurisdictions currently use 72 hours after the 

assault as the standard cutoff time for collecting evidence, evidence collection beyond that point is 

conceivable. Because of this, some jurisdictions have extended the standard cutoff time (e.g., to 5 days or 1 

week). Advancing DNA technologies continue to extend time limits because of the stability of DNA and 

sensitivity of testing. These technologies are even enabling forensic scientists to analyze evidence that was 

previously unusable when it was collected years ago. Thus, it is critical that in every case where patients are 

willing, examiners obtain the medical forensic history, examine patients, and document findings. Not only can 

the information gained from the history and exam help health care providers address patients’ medical 

needs, but it can guide examiners in determining whether there is evidence to collect and, if so, what to 

collect. (SEE PAGES 67–68) 

7 
Recommendations for health care providers and other responders to maximize evidence collection: 

• Whether or not evidence is collected, examiners should obtain the medical forensic history as

appropriate, examine patients, and document findings (with patients’ consent). Patients’ demeanor and 

statements related to the assault should also be documented.

• Promptly examine patients to minimize loss of evidence and to identify medical needs and concerns.

• Decide whether to collect evidence and what to collect on a case-by-case basis, remembering that 

outside time limits for obtaining evidence vary. 

• In any case, where the need for evidence collection is in question, encourage dialogue about the 

potential benefits or limitations of collection. Avoid basing decisions about whether to collect evidence on 

a patient’s characteristics or circumstances (e.g., the patient has used illegal drugs).

• Responders should seek education and resources that aid them in making well-informed decisions about 

evidence collection. 

6. Evidence integrity: Properly collecting, preserving, and maintaining the chain of custody of evidence is 

critical to its subsequent use in criminal justice proceedings. (SEE PAGES 69–70) 

Recommendations for health care providers and other responders to maintain evidence integrity: 

• Follow jurisdictional policies for drying, packaging, labeling, and sealing the evidence. 

• Follow jurisdictional policies for documenting exam findings, the medical forensic history, and the 

patient’s demeanor/statements, and packaging, labeling, and sealing such documentation.

• Follow jurisdictional policies for consistent evidence management and distribution. A duly authorized 

agent should transfer evidence from the exam site to the appropriate crime lab or other designated 

storage site (e.g., a law enforcement property facility). 

• Make sure storage procedures maximize evidence preservation. Ensure that storage areas are kept 

secure and at the proper temperature for the evidence. Also, make sure jurisdictional policies are in 

place to address the secure storage of evidence in cases in which patients are undecided about 

reporting.

• Maintain the chain of custody of evidence. All those involved in handling, documenting, transferring, and 

storing evidence should be educated regarding the specifics of their roles in properly preserving 

evidence and maintaining the chain of custody.

C. The Examination Process 

1. Initial contact: Some sexual assault patients may initially present at a designated exam facility, but most 

who receive immediate medical care initially contact a law enforcement or advocacy agency for help. If 911 

is called, law enforcement or emergency medical services (EMS) may be the first to provide assistance to 

victims. Communities need to have procedures in place to promptly respond to disclosures/reports of sexual 

assault in a standardized and victim-centered manner. (SEE PAGES 73–75) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions and responders to facilitate initial contact with victims: 

• Build consensus among involved agencies regarding procedures for a coordinated initial response when

a recent sexual assault is disclosed or reported, and educate responders on procedures. Encourage 

victims to interact with advocates as soon after disclosure as possible.

• Recognize essential elements of initial response. In particular, encourage victims to seek medical care 

and have evidence collected. In the case of life-threatening or serious injuries, obtain emergency medical 

assistance according to jurisdictional policy. Any life-threatening wounds should be treated and victims’ 

immediate safety needs should be addressed before evidence is collected. 

• If victims decide to seek medical care and/or have evidence collected, follow jurisdictional policies for 

preserving evidence, collecting a urine sample if needed, and transporting victims to the exam site. 

8
2. Triage and intake: Once patients arrive at the exam site, health care personnel must evaluate, stabilize, 

and treat for life-threatening and serious injuries according to facility policy. Standardized procedures for 

response in these cases should be followed, while respecting patients and maximizing evidence 

preservation. (SEE PAGES 77–78) 

Recommendations for health care providers to facilitate triage and intake that addresses patients’ needs: 

• Consider sexual assault patients a priority. Use private locations in the exam facility for the primary 

patient consultation and initial law enforcement interviews, offer a waiting area for family members and 

friends, and provide childcare if possible.

• Respond to acute injury, trauma care, and safety needs of patients before collecting evidence. Patients 

should not wash, change clothes, urinate, defecate, smoke, drink, or eat until initially evaluated by 

examiners, unless necessary for treating acute medical needs. 

• Alert examiners to the need for their services at the exam site. 

• Contact victim advocates so they can offer services to the patient, if not already done.

• Assess and respond to safety concerns, such as threats to the patient or staff, upon arrival of patients at 

the exam site.

• Assess patients’ needs for immediate medical or mental health intervention. Seek informed consent from 

patients before providing treatment, according to facility policy.

3. Documentation by health care personnel: Examiners document exam findings, the medical forensic

history, and evidence collected in the medical forensic report. Examiners and/or other involved clinicians

separately document medical care in the patient’s medical record. (SEE PAGES 79–80) 

Recommendations for health care providers to complete needed documentation: 

• Ensure completion of all appropriate documentation. The forensic details of the exam are documented in 

the medical forensic report, according to jurisdictional policy. The only medical issues documented in this 

report are acute findings that potentially relate to the assault or preexisting medical factors that could 

influence interpretation of findings. Separate medical documentation by examiners and other involved 

clinicians follows a standard approach—address acute complaints, gather pertinent historical data, 

describe findings, and document treatment and followup care.

• Ensure the accuracy and objectivity of medical forensic reports by seeking education on proper report 

writing. 

4. The medical forensic history: Examiners ask the patient questions to obtain this history. This information 

guides them in examining the patient and collecting evidence. (SEE PAGES 81–84) 

Recommendations for health care providers to facilitate gathering information from patients: 

• Examiners should coordinate with other responders, primarily law enforcement representatives, to 

facilitate information gathering that is respectful to patients and minimizes repetition of questions.

• Keep in mind that advocates may support and advocate for patients when the medical forensic history is 

taken (if desired by patients), but they may not actively participate in the process. Patients should be 

informed that the presence of family members, friends, and others offering personal support during this

time may influence or be perceived as influencing their statements. If patients choose to have others 

present despite this knowledge, these individuals should not actively participate in the process. 

• Consider and address patients’ needs prior to information gathering, including identifying the level of 

their communication skill and modalities and then tailoring information gathering accordingly. 

• Obtain the medical forensic history in a private, quiet setting. 

• Gather information for the history according to jurisdictional policy. Include the date and time of the 

assault, pertinent patient medical history (e.g., menstruation history), recent consensual sexual activity of 

the patient, the patient’s activities since the assault (e.g., took a shower), the patient’s assault-related 

9 
history (e.g., loss of consciousness), suspect information, if known (e.g., number and gender of 

assailants), nature of the physical assault, and description of the sexual assault. 

5. Photography: Photographic evidence of injury on the patient’s body can supplement the medical forensic

history and document physical findings. (SEE PAGES 85–87) 

Recommendations for health care providers and other responders to photograph evidence: 

• Come to a consensus about the extent of forensic photography necessary. Some jurisdictions routinely 

take photographs of both detected injuries on patients and normal (apparently uninjured) anatomy, while 

others limit photography to detected injuries. 

• Consider who will take photographs and what equipment will be used. Photographers should be familiar 

with equipment operation as well as educated in forensic photography and in ways to maintain the 

patient’s privacy and dignity while taking photographs. Consult with jurisdictional criminal justice 

agencies and examiners regarding the type of equipment that should be used. 

• Obtain informed consent from patients before taking photographs. Patients should understand the 

purpose of the photographs, what will be photographed and any related procedures, the potential uses of 

photographs during investigation and prosecution, and the possible need for followup photographs. 

• Consider the patient’s comfort and need for modesty. 

• Identify who will be present when photographs are taken. 

• Take initial and followup photographs as appropriate, according to jurisdictional policy. 

6. Exam and evidence collection procedures: Examiners examine patients and collect evidence according to 

jurisdictional policy. Findings from the exam and collected evidence often help reconstruct the events in 

question in a scientific and objective manner. (SEE PAGES 89–99) 

Recommendations for health care providers to conduct the exam and facilitate evidence collection: 

• Strive to collect as much evidence from patients as possible, considering the scope of informed consent, 

the medical forensic history, the examination, and evidence collection kit instructions. 

• Be aware of evidence that may be pertinent to the issue of whether the patient consented to sexual 

contact with the suspect. Understand how biological evidence is tested. 

• Prevent exposure (of both patients and staff) to infectious materials and contamination of evidence. 

• Understand the implication of the presence or lack of semen (in cases involving male suspects). 

• Seek informed consent from patients for each portion of the exam and evidence collection. 

• Modify the exam and evidence collection to address the specific needs and concerns of patients. 

• Conduct the general physical and anogenital examination, guided by the scope of informed consent and 

the medical forensic history. Document findings on body diagram forms. With the patient’s consent, use 

an alternate light source, colposcope, and anoscope, as appropriate and if available, to increase the 

likelihood of detecting evidence. 

• Collect evidence to submit to the crime lab for analysis, according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Collect blood and/or urine for toxicology screening, if applicable. 

• Keep medical specimens separate from forensic specimens collected during the exam.

7. Drug-facilitated sexual assault: Responders must consider the possibility that drugs may have been used 

to facilitate an assault. They must know how to screen for suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault, obtain 

informed consent of patients for testing, and collect toxicology samples when needed. (SEE PAGES 101–

104) 

10
Recommendations for jurisdictions and responders to facilitate response in suspected drug-facilitated sexual 

assault: 

• Educate examiners, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement representatives, prosecutors, judges, and 

advocates on related issues. Develop jurisdictional policies to clarify first responders’ roles in cases 

involving suspected drug-facilitated assault. 

• Be clear about the circumstances in which toxicology testing may be indicated (for optimal care or when

there is a suspicion of drug-facilitated sexual assault). Routine toxicology testing in all sexual assault 

cases is not recommended.

• Informed consent of patients should be sought to collect toxicology samples. Patients should be aware of 

the purposes and scope of testing that will be done, potential benefits and consequences of testing, any 

followup treatment necessary, how they can obtain results, who will pay for the testing, and if they have 

any opportunity to revoke consent to testing.

• With patients’ permission, immediately collect a urine specimen if it is suspected that ingestion of drugs 

used to facilitate sexual assault occurred within 96 hours prior to the exam. The first available urine 

should be collected—law enforcement and emergency medical services should be trained and prepared 

to collect a urine sample if patients must urinate prior to arrival at the health care facility for the exam. 

Advocates and other professionals who may have contact with patients prior to their arrival at the exam 

site should also be educated to provide those who suspect drug-facilitated assault with information on 

how to collect a sample if the patient cannot wait to urinate until getting to the site. 

• Also, collect a blood sample if it is suspected that the ingestion of drugs used to facilitate sexual assault 

occurred within 24 hours of the exam. If a blood alcohol determination is needed, collect blood within 24 

hours of ingestion of alcohol, according to jurisdictional policy.

• Jurisdictional policies should be in place and followed for packaging, storing, and transferring samples.

8. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) evaluation and care: Because contracting an STI from an assailant is 

of significant concern to patients, it should be addressed during the exam. (SEE PAGES 105–109) 

Recommendations for health care providers to facilitate STI evaluation and care: 

 

• Offer patients information about the risks of STIs (including HIV), the symptoms and what to do if 

symptoms occur, testing and treatment options, followup care, and referrals. Referrals should include 

free and low-cost testing, counseling, and treatment available in various sections of the community. For 

HIV testing, confidential and anonymous testing is recommended.

• Consider testing patients for STIs during the initial exam on a case-by-case basis. If testing is done, 

follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

• Encourage patients to accept prophylaxis against STIs during the initial exam. (Note, however, that 

treatment may not be appropriate for some individuals—for example, if they have a condition that may be 

adversely affected by taking prophylaxis.) The CDC suggests a regimen to protect against chlamydia, 

gonorrhea, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis (BV), as well as the hepatitis B virus. If accepted, 

provide care that meets or exceeds CDC guidelines. If declined, it is medically prudent to obtain cultures 

and arrange for a followup exam and testing. Seek informed consent from patients for treatment, 

according to facility policy.

• Encourage and facilitate followup STI examinations, testing, immunizations, and treatment as directed. 

• Offer postexposure prophylaxis for HIV to patients at high risk for exposure, particularly when it is known 

that suspects have HIV/AIDS. Meet or exceed CDC recommendations. Discuss risks and benefits of the 

prophylaxis with patients prior to their decisions to accept or decline treatment. Careful monitoring and 

followup by a health care provider or agency experienced in HIV issues is required. 

9. Pregnancy risk evaluation and care: Female patients may fear becoming pregnant as a result of an 

assault. Health care providers must address this issue according to facility and jurisdictional policy. (SEE 

PAGE 111) 

11 
Recommendations for health care providers to facilitate pregnancy evaluation and care: 

• Discuss the probability of pregnancy with patients. 

• Administer a baseline pregnancy test for all patients with reproductive capability.

• Discuss treatment options with patients, including reproductive health services.

10. Discharge and followup: Health care personnel have specific tasks to accomplish before discharging 

patients, as do advocates and law enforcement representatives (if involved). Responders should coordinate 

discharge and followup activities as much as possible to reduce repetition and avoid overwhelming patients. 

(SEE PAGES 113–115) 

Recommendations to facilitate discharge and followup: 

• It is important to ensure that patients are fully informed about postexam care. Information may include 

referrals to other professionals to make sure that patients’ medical and/or mental health needs related to 

the assault have been addressed, discharge instructions, followup appointments with the examiner or

other health care providers, and contact procedures for medical followup. In addition to medical followup, 

followup may be indicated to document developing or healing injuries and complete resolution of healing. 

• Advocates and law enforcement representatives, if involved, should coordinate with examiners to 

discuss other issues with patients, including planning for their safety and well-being, physical comfort 

needs, information needs, the investigative process, advocacy and counseling options, and law 

enforcement and advocacy followup contact procedures. 

11. Examiner court appearances: Health care providers conducting the exam should expect to be called on

to testify in court as fact and/or expert witnesses. (SEE PAGES 117–119) 

Recommendations for jurisdictions to maximize the usefulness of examiner testimony in court: 

• Encourage broad education for examiners on testifying in court. 

• Promote prompt notification of examiners if there is a need for them to testify in court.

• Encourage pretrial preparation of examiners.

• Encourage examiners to seek feedback on testimony to improve effectiveness of future court 

appearances.

12
Introduction

Sexual assault is a prevalent crime in our society that has a devastating and long-term impact on individuals 

from all walks of life. Although an assault can be traumatizing in and of itself, it can result in a range of 

problems for the victim, such as mental anguish, physical injuries, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).7

It is essential that communities offer assistance to victims in the immediate aftermath of an assault. 

Communities must also work to hold offenders accountable for their actions and stop them from committing

further sexual violence. Elements of response typically include the following: 

• Provision of medical care for victims as needed; 

• Collection of evidence from victims, which may aid investigation and prosecution; 

• Investigation of reports of sexual assault, which may lead to charges against suspects and prosecution; 

• Support, crisis counseling, information and referrals for victims, as well as advocacy to ensure that 

victims receive appropriate assistance; and 

• Support and information for victims’ families and friends. 

This document focuses on elements of immediate response that are the responsibility of health care 

providers—medical care for sexual assault patients and collection of evidence from them. It seeks to assist 

health care personnel in validating and addressing patients’ health concerns, minimizing the trauma patients 

may experience, promoting healing, and maximizing the collection and preservation of evidence from 

patients for potential use in the legal system. (A sexual assault medical forensic examination as described in 

this document addresses both evidence collection from patients and medical care for serious injuries). 

This protocol also addresses the role of advocates, law enforcement representatives, prosecutors, forensic

scientists, and other responders in the medical forensic exam process. For various reasons, many sexual 

assault victims choose not to seek medical care or have evidence collected. However, coordination among 

professionals involved in immediate response may be instrumental in reversing this trend. It is often found 

that victims will seek assistance when responders work together to ensure that victims are informed of their 

options for assistance, encouraged to address their needs, and aided in obtaining the help they want. In 

addition, multidisciplinary coordination may enhance medical care provided to victims as well as evidence 

collection and preservation efforts.8

 

Background 

This national protocol was developed by the Office on Violence Against Women under the direction of the 

Attorney General pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act of 2000.9

 In developing the protocol, OVW 

reviewed existing protocols on sexual assault forensic examinations and consulted with national, State, local, 

and tribal experts on sexual assault. Experts were consulted from rape crisis centers; State and tribal sexual

assault and domestic violence coalitions and programs; and programs for criminal justice, forensic nursing,

forensic science, emergency room medicine, law, social services, and sex crimes in underserved 

communities.

10

Starting in the summer of 2001, the Department of Justice (DOJ) began gathering information on resources, 

issues, and gaps related to sexual assault medical forensic exams. The first task was to identify and obtain 

relevant materials and data. Existing national and jurisdictional protocols on the exam and immediate 

 7

 STI are also commonly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 8

 For example, when first responders explain to victims how to preserve evidence on their bodies and clothing prior to arrival at the exam 

site, they may increase the likelihood that the evidence will be collected rather than contaminated or destroyed. 9

 The statutory requirement to develop this protocol can be found in Section 1405 of the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, Public 

Law 106-386. The statutory requirement also mandates the development of a national recommended standard for training for health

care professionals performing these examinations, as well as related training for all health care students. These training standards will 

be created at a later date and, due to this fact, this protocol does not provide extensive training information. 10 Such consultation was required under Section 1405 of the Violence Against Women Act of 2000, Public Law 106-386. 

13 
multidisciplinary responses to sexual assault were sought,11 as well as documents that analyzed jurisdictional 

response. Input was solicited on issues, gaps, and promising practices from numerous organizations, 

associations, and individuals representing disciplines involved in the response to sexual assault. In addition, 

numerous persons were contacted who could offer perspectives on particular issues related to the exam 

process. State sexual assault coalitions and/or State government agencies that oversee violence against 

women programs were also contacted to gain information on their activities concerning protocol development 

and training. In some States, data was obtained through discussions with sexual assault forensic examiners 

and coordinators of examiner programs or sexual assault response teams. 

A series of forums was held in the summer and fall of 2002, calling upon practitioners and policymakers 

involved in victim advocacy, health care, forensic science, and criminal justice fields to assist in developing a 

national protocol. After a draft protocol for adult and adolescent victims was developed in early 2003, it was 

distributed to a wide array of individuals and organizations for their review and feedback.12 Comments were

first solicited from the individuals who were invited to the forums. Then input was sought from sexual assault 

survivors, as well as tribal sexual assault and domestic violence coalitions and local advocacy programs. 

Members of the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women also reviewed the draft and 

provided input. After several revisions of the document, feedback was solicited during the summer of 2003 

from many national and State organizations and some local agencies that deal with sexual assault issues or

serve diverse populations, as well as other individuals representing relevant disciplines. Comments received

were incorporated into the document where appropriate. The finalized protocol will be reviewed periodically 

and revised as needed.13 

Many of the provisions of this protocol are based on recommendations made by the consulted experts. Some 

of the recommendations are based on empirical research. Although research has been and continues to be

done in many areas related to the medical forensic exam and was considered to the extent those involved in 

protocol development were aware, much more research needs to be done to provide support and validity to 

the exam process. 

The national protocol recommends, rather than mandates, methods for conducting the medical forensic 

exam.14 It serves as an informational guide to communities as they develop or revise their own protocols.15 In 

no way does it invalidate previously established jurisdictional protocols, policies, or practices. 

About This Document 

Organization. Protocol recommendations are organized into several broad sections: A) overarching issues,

B) operational issues, and C) the examination process. Each section builds on information presented in 

previous sections and comprises tasks to be addressed, issues to be considered, and related

recommendations. Although an effort has been made to avoid repetition of information throughout the 

document, there are instances where data is repeated for clarity or emphasis. The appendixes discuss the 

topics of protocol customization by jurisdictions and creation of sexual assault response teams. 

 11 Protocols reviewed varied in scope, focus, targeted audiences, and level of detail. Most addressed to some extent exam and evidence 

collection procedures, drug-facilitated assault, evidence integrity, and evaluation and care for STIs, HIV, and pregnancy. Some also 

addressed roles of involved responders, multidisciplinary coordination, reporting, crime lab testing, court testimony, issues related to 

victims’ needs, working with specific populations of victims, payment for the exam, and crime victims’ compensation. 12 The scope of this protocol is limited to the sexual assault medical forensic exam of adult and adolescent victims. A separate protocol 

should be developed on child exams. Not only is child sexual victimization a complex topic in and of itself, but response to child victims 

can be considerably different from response to adult and adolescent victims. 13 Future revisions will attempt to incorporate new research, advances in science and technology, and promising practices. Rather than

depending solely on revisions to the national protocol for updated information, responders involved in the exam process are urged to 

stay informed of cutting-edge research, advances, and practices, and promote change to their jurisdictional protocols to reflect the most

effective responses possible. 

14 The protocol has no regulatory purpose and is not intended to nor does it provide legal advice. (Statement adapted from the Hawaii 

State Sexual Assault Protocol for Forensic and Medical Examinations, Introduction, 1999.) 15 Those involved in the development of this protocol strove to create a document that addressed the many issues facing communities 

across the Nation related to the exam process. However, there may be instances where the document falls short of adequately

addressing specific needs or challenges facing a jurisdiction or a specific population of victims. See appendix A on customizing 

protocols for ways that jurisdictions can address these limitations when they are developing/revising their own protocols. 

14
Protocol foundation. This protocol is based on a belief that it is possible, with a victim’s consent, to 

simultaneously address the two primary purposes of sexual assault forensic examinations: the immediate 

health needs of a victim and the future needs of the justice system. 

Key principles underlying response to sexual assault victims as discussed in this document include: 

• Recognition of victim safety and well-being as paramount goals of response; 

• Recognition that victims know far more about themselves and their needs than responders; 

• Respect for victims’ right to make their own choices;

• Recognition that providing victims with information about their options during the exam process, 

expected consequences of choosing one option over another, and available resources can help them 

make more informed decisions; 

• Recognition that all victims, regardless of differences in backgrounds and circumstances, have the right 

to receive a high-quality medical forensic exam and to be treated with respect and compassion; 

• Respect for victims’ right to confidentiality; and 

• Recognition of the importance of victims’ feedback to improving the exam process. 

Another important principle is recognition that the vast majority of sexual assaults are committed by 

assailants known to victims. Historically, sexual assault committed by nonstrangers was not taken seriously 

and interventions were less than adequate. It is imperative that all involved responders acknowledge that 

sexual assaults committed by persons known to victims are as grave a crime as those committed by 

strangers. Responders should be aware that victims’ reactions to an assault are affected by a multitude of 

factors: one of them being the prior relationship between the victim and the offender. They should also 

understand that many variables may affect the relevance of certain types of evidence to a particular case, 

including whether an assault was committed by a stranger, a known offender who claims no sexual contact 

with the victim, or a known offender who claims the victim consented to the contact.16 

Use of Terms 

Many terms are explained throughout the protocol to clarify the context in which they are used.

17 However, it

may be helpful to discuss briefly the following terms in advance (in alphabetical order): 

Adolescent: Adolescents are distinguished in the protocol from prepubertal children who require a pediatric 

exam. This document focuses on the examination of females who have experienced the onset of menarche 

and males who have reached puberty. However, it is important to recognize that age also plays a role in 

whether a person is treated as a child or adolescent. For example, some adolescent girls may not start 

menstruating until their later teen years. While the physical developmental level of these patients must be 

taken into account when performing the exam, they should otherwise be treated as adolescents rather than

children. Legally, jurisdictions vary in the age at which they consider individuals to be minors, laws on child 

sexual abuse, mandatory reporting policies for sexual abuse and assault of minors, instances in which 

minors can consent to treatment and evidence collection without parental/guardian involvement, and the 

scope of confidentiality that minors are afforded. Involved responders should be well versed in their 

jurisdictional laws and policies regarding the above issues, screening procedures for determining whether a 

pediatric exam is needed (particularly in the case of younger adolescents), and local protocols for response 

to prepubertal victims. Exam sites are to follow the jurisdictional laws regarding parental/guardian consent. 

Communitywide sexual assault coordinating councils: These multidisciplinary groups typically work to 

facilitate a communitywide response to sexual assault that is appropriate, coordinated, and comprehensive.

They tend not to be involved in direct response, but rather endeavor to improve overall services, 

interventions, and prevention efforts. Communitywide coordinating council is a broad term for such a group,

 16 For example, evidence that identifies a suspect in a stranger case, such as DNA evidence, is critical to the continuing investigation. In 

cases in which the victim knows the suspect, evidence that identifies suspects is important if suspects claim they had no sexual contact 

with victims. In cases in which suspects claim that victims consented to the sexual contact, evidence identifying suspects is less crucial

and evidence and documentation related to whether force or coercion was used against victims is often more important. 17 Keep in mind that these definitions may vary from those used generally or in exam protocols developed by States, Territories, tribes, 

and local communities. 

15 
but possibilities are endless for what a jurisdiction may call such a group. This group may be a subcommittee 

of an entity that more generally promotes coordinated response to violence in the community. 

Coordinated community response: This term refers to immediate and longer term community response to 

sexual assault that is coordinated among involved responders. The idea is that while each responder 

provides services and/or interventions according to agency-specific policies, they also work with responders 

from other agencies and disciplines to ensure that they coordinate responses. The desired result is a 

collective response to victims and offenders that is appropriate, streamlined, and as comprehensive as

possible. Coordinated community response to sexual assault is a concept that developed out of a need to 

reduce the historically fragmented approach to these cases and the negative impact of fragmentation on 

victim well-being, offender accountability, and prevention of future assault. 

Culture: This term refers to a body of learned beliefs, traditions, and guides for behaving and interpreting 

behavior that may be shared among members of a particular group. Aspects of a culture include its values, 

beliefs, customs, communication styles, behaviors, practices, and institutions.

18 In this document, a cultural 

group refers not only to an ethnic, racial, or religious group, but also to other groups with distinct cultures

such as senior citizens, deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, populations with differing sexual orientations, 

the homeless, military personnel and their dependents, adolescents, prison inmates, and victims of sex 

trafficking. Individuals often belong to multiple cultural groups. 

An immediate response to victims should sensitively and appropriately address their related cultural needs

and concerns. It is important that responders acknowledge that victims from certain cultures in a community

may be underserved, unserved, or misserved by the systems responsible for response and should work to 

improve response to these populations. 

Disability: For the purpose of this document, this term includes physical, sensory, or mental disabilities, or a 

combination of disabilities. Physical disabilities may result from injury (e.g., spinal cord injury and 

amputation), chronic disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis), or congenital impairments 

(e.g., developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy). Sensory disabilities include 

hearing or visual impairments. Mental disabilities include developmental conditions (e.g., mental retardation), 

cognitive impairment (e.g., traumatic brain injury), or mental illness.19 Note that developmental disabilities 

have an onset prior to age 22. While there are general issues to consider when working with victims with 

disabilities, unique issues will arise according to the specific type of disability. The protocol takes these 

needs into consideration to an extent; however, it is beyond the scope to provide a comprehensive 

discussion of all victim issues related to specific types of disabilities. 

Domestic violence: This term broadly refers to any abusive and coercive behavior used to control an intimate 

partner (a spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, or former spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend) and/or a family member.20

Some examples of tactics employed by abusers to control victims are use of coercion, threats, and 

intimidation; emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; economic manipulation; use of privilege; use of children 

and pets; isolation of victims; minimization and denial of violence; and blaming victims for violence.21 An 

episode of domestic violence often includes multiple actions, and the violence typically escalates over time.

In this protocol, it is important to be aware that sexual assault can be a significant part of domestic violence. 

Response to sexual assault occurring within a domestic violence context requires understanding of the 

overlapping dynamics of sexual assault and domestic violence, the complex needs of victims, the potential 

dangerousness of offenders, the resources available for victims, and adherence to jurisdictional policies on 

response to domestic violence. 

Examiner: The term refers to the health care provider conducting the sexual assault medical forensic 

examination. The examiner is also referred to in this document as the “sexual assault forensic examiner,” 

“sexual assault examiner,” and “forensic examiner.” Many communities refer to their sexual assault 

 18 The first two sentences in this paragraph are drawn from A. Blue, The Provision of Culturally Competent Health Care, from the Web 

site of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine (www.musc.edu/deansclerkship/recultur.html). 19 This definition was drawn from M. Nosek and C. Howland, Abuse and Women with Disabilities, 1998, p. 1. 20 Drawn from M.A. Dutton, “The Dynamics of Domestic Violence: Understanding the Response from Battered Women,” Florida Bar 

Journal 68(9), January 24, 1994. 21 Drawn from the Power and Control Wheel developed by the Domestic Violence Intervention Project of Minnesota. 

16
examiners by more specific acronyms based upon the discipline of practitioners and/or specialized education 

and clinical experiences. 

First responder: A first responder is a professional who initially responds to a disclosure of a sexual assault 

(there is often more than one first responder). These professionals typically must follow agency-specific 

policies for responding to victims. Those who traditionally have been responsible for immediate response to

adult and adolescent sexual assaults include victim advocates, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement 

representatives, and health care providers. A wide range of other responders also may be involved, such as 

emergency medical technicians, public safety officials, protective service workers, prosecutors and 

victim/witness staff, private physicians, staff from local health care facilities, mental health providers, social 

service workers, corrections and probation staff, religious and spiritual counselors/advisors, school 

personnel, employers, certified interpreters, and providers from organizations that address needs of specific 

populations (e.g., persons with disabilities, racial and cultural groups, senior citizens, the poor and homeless, 

runaways and adolescents in foster care, and domestic violence victims). Families and friends of victims also 

can play an important role in the initial response, because victims may first disclose the assault to them, ask 

for their help in seeking professional assistance, and want their ongoing support. However, they are not 

considered first responders in this document, because they are not responding to these disclosures in an

official capacity. 

Forensic scientist: The forensic scientist is responsible for analyzing evidence in sexual assault cases. This 

evidence typically includes DNA and other biological evidence, toxicology samples, latent prints, and trace 

evidence. Some forensic scientists specialize in the analysis of specific types of evidence. In this protocol, 

forensic scientists working in jurisdictional crime laboratories are often referred to as “crime lab/laboratory 

personnel” and “crime lab/laboratory scientists.” Forensic scientists analyzing drug and alcohol samples are 

also referred to as “toxicologists.” 

Health care facility: Emergency health care facilities, such as those in hospitals, traditionally have been the 

setting for provision of medical forensic services to sexual assault patients. However, nonemergency health 

care programs, such as hospital-based or community-based examiner programs, community clinics, mobile

health clinics, local health departments, military hospitals or clinics, and college and university health 

centers, may also offer full or partial sexual assault medical forensic services. Sexual assault forensic

examiners also may conduct exams at additional health care and non-health care sites. The facility 

conducting the exam may be referred to in this protocol as the “exam site,” in recognition of the fact that not 

all sites performing the exam are health care facilities. Clinical staff providing care at exam sites are broadly 

referred to in this document as “health care providers,” ”health care staff,” “health care personnel,” and 

“health care clinicians.” 

Jurisdiction: This term is used in two ways in the protocol. One is to broadly describe a community that has 

power to govern or legislate for itself. For example, a jurisdiction may be a local area, a State, a Territory, or 

tribal land. A jurisdiction may also be referred to in the protocol as a “community.” The term also describes 

the authority to interpret and apply laws and is used in this context mainly when identifying who has 

“jurisdiction” over a particular case. 

Law enforcement representative: Different types of law enforcement agencies exist at the local, State, 

Territory, tribal, and Federal levels (e.g., county or tribal sheriff and/or police, State police, sworn police on

college campuses, the FBI, criminal investigators from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and military police). 

Any of these agencies could potentially be involved in responding to sexual assault cases. Also, in areas 

without a local law enforcement agency, public safety officials may assist in immediate response to sexual 

assault victims. Some agencies may have staff with specialized education and experience in sexual assault 

investigations. In this protocol, personnel from law enforcement agencies are referred to as “law enforcement 

officers” or “law enforcement representatives,” unless more specificity is required. 

Prosecutor: Different types of prosecution offices exist at the local, tribal, State, Territory, and Federal level 

(e.g., tribal prosecutor’s office, county prosecutor’s office, district attorney’s office, State attorney’s office, 

United States Attorney’s office, and military judicial branches). Any of these offices could be involved in 

responding to sexual assault cases. In addition, some offices may have personnel with specialized education 

17 
and experience in sexual assault prosecutions. In this protocol, attorneys from prosecution offices will be 

referred to as “prosecutors” unless more specificity is required. 

Sexual assault: Generally speaking, sexual assault is the sexual contact of one person with another without 

appropriate legal consent. This definition includes, but is not limited to, a wide range of behavior classified by 

State, Territory, Federal, and tribal law as rape, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual battery. Refer 

to applicable statutes for precise definitions in a specific jurisdiction.22 

Sexual assault medical forensic examination: The sexual assault medical forensic exam is an examination of 

a sexual assault patient by a health care provider, ideally one who has specialized education and clinical 

experience in the collection of forensic evidence and treatment of these patients. The forensic component 

includes gathering information from the patient for the medical forensic history, an examination,

documentation of biological and physical findings, collection of evidence from the patient, and followup as

needed to document additional evidence. The medical component includes coordinating treatment of injuries, 

providing care for STIs, assessing pregnancy risk and discussing treatment options, including reproductive 

health services, and providing instructions and referrals for followup medical care. This exam is referred to as 

the “forensic medical examination” under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

Sexual assault response team (SART): A SART is a multidisciplinary team that provides specialized 

immediate response to victims of recent sexual assault. The team typically includes health care personnel, 

law enforcement representatives, victim advocates, prosecutors (usually available on-call to consult with first 

responders, although some may be more actively involved at this stage), and forensic lab personnel 

(typically available to consult with examiners, law enforcement, or prosecutors, but not actively involved at 

this stage). However, SART components vary by community. 

Suspected sex offender: A suspected sex offender is an individual suspected of committing a sexual assault. 

In this document, the suspected sex offender is typically referred to as a “suspect.” When litigation is 

discussed, the suspected sex offender may be referred to as a “defendant.” When talking more broadly 

about sex offenders, they may be referred to as “sex offenders,” “assailants,” or “perpetrators.”

Victim: A sexual assault victim is someone who has been sexually assaulted. In this document, a victim can 

be a female or male; either adult or adolescent. There may be instances where individuals, such as

unconscious persons or persons with cognitive disabilities, do not actually disclose that they have been 

assaulted, but others suspect that this may be this case and may be lawfully able to seek help for them. The 

term “survivor” is used in this document when referring to victims who are involved in long-term healing or

have healed from sexual assault. It is important to note that because this document addresses a 

multidisciplinary response, the term “victim” is not used in a strictly criminal justice context. The use of 

“victim” simply acknowledges that persons who disclose they have been sexually assaulted should have 

access to certain services and interventions designed to help them be safe, recover, and seek justice. The 

term “patient” is also used when discussing the role of medical providers. 

Victim service provider/advocate: A victim service provider/sexual assault victim advocate (also referred to 

as “victim advocate” and “advocate”) may offer victims and their significant others a range of services during

the exam process. These services may include support, crisis intervention, information and referrals, and 

advocacy to ensure that victims’ interests are represented, their wishes respected, and their rights upheld. In 

addition, advocates and other victim service providers may provide followup services, such as support 

groups, counseling, accompaniment to related appointments, and legal advocacy to help meet the needs of

victims, their families, and friends. 

A number of agencies may offer some or all of the services described above, including community-based

sexual assault victim advocacy programs,23 criminal justice system victim-witness offices, patient advocate 

programs at health care facilities, campus or military victim service programs, tribal social services, adult 

 22 Drawn from the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Sexually 

Abused Patient, 1999, Overview, p. 7. 23 In some areas, the community-based sexual assault victim advocacy program is a component of an umbrella organization serving 

additional populations (e.g., a dual sexual assault/domestic violence advocacy agency, a center for women, or a mental health agency). 

In others, the community-based sexual assault victim advocacy program is a stand-alone organization. 

18
protective services, and others. Where they exist, community-based sexual assault victim advocacy 

programs are typically best positioned to provide these specific services. Community-based advocacy 

programs may use paid and/or volunteer advocates to provide services 24 hours a day, every day of the 

year. It is important to know that information victims share with government-based service providers usually

becomes part of the criminal justice record, while community-based advocates typically can provide some

level of confidential communication for victims. In addition, community-based advocates commonly receive 

education specific to the medical forensic exam process and sexual assault issues in general. 

Victim-centered: A “victim-centered” approach as used in this protocol recognizes that sexual assault victims 

are central participants in the medical forensic exam process, and they deserve timely, compassionate, 

respectful, and appropriate care. Victims have the right to be well informed in order to make their own 

decisions about participation in all components of the exam process. Responders need to do all that is 

possible to explain possible options, the consequences of choosing one option over another, and available

resources.

Vulnerable adults: This term is used in this document to refer to adult individuals with impaired and/or 

reduced mental capacity who have difficulty or cannot comprehend events that occurred or will occur (e.g., 

the assault itself or initial response by professionals), questions they will be asked during the exam, or the 

exam process itself. Exam sites should have internal policies based on jurisdictional statutes governing 

consent for treatment for and evidence collection from such patients. 

19 

 A. Overarching Issues 

This section presents issues that impact all or most of the sexual assault medical forensic exam 

process. The following chapters are included: 

1. Coordinated Team Approach 

2. Victim-Centered Care 

3. Informed Consent 

4. Confidentiality 

5. Reporting to Law Enforcement 

6. Payment for the Examination Under VAWA

21 

1. Coordinated Team Approach 

 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions to facilitate a coordinated team approach: 

• Understand the dual purposes of the exam to address patient and justice system needs. 

• Identify key responders and their roles. 

• Develop quality assurance measures to ensure effective immediate response. 

Communities should ensure that victims, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, have access to 

medical, legal, and advocacy services. Use of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach in conducting the 

medical forensic examination can afford victims access to comprehensive immediate care, help minimize 

trauma they may be experiencing, and encourage the use of community resources. Such a response can 

also enhance public safety by facilitating investigation and prosecution, thereby increasing the likelihood that

offenders will be held accountable for their behavior and further sexual assaults will be prevented. Raising 

public awareness about the existence and benefits of a coordinated response to sexual assault may lead 

more victims to disclose the assault and seek the help they need.24 

Understand the dual purpose of the exam process.25 One purpose is to address the needs of individuals 

disclosing sexual assault. This is accomplished (with their permission) by: 

• Evaluating and treating injuries;

• Conducting prompt examinations;

• Providing support, crisis intervention, and advocacy;

• Providing prophylaxis against STIs;

• Assessing female patients for pregnancy risk and discussing treatment options, including reproductive 

health services; and

• Providing followup care for medical and emotional needs.

The other purpose is to address justice system needs. This is accomplished by: 

• Obtaining a history of the assault;

• Documenting exam findings; 

• Properly collecting, handling, and preserving evidence; and

• Interpreting and analyzing findings (postexam); and 

• Subsequently, presenting findings and providing factual and expert opinion related to the exam and 

evidence collection.

Coordination among involved disciplines is strongly recommended to simultaneously address the needs of 

both victims and the justice system. Ensuring that victims’ needs are met often can increase their level of 

comfort and involvement with the legal system. 

Identify key responders and their roles. Two types of teams are recommended to facilitate a coordinated 

community response to sexual assault. Some form of a sexual assault response team (SART) is useful to 

coordinate immediate interventions and services, including victim support, medical care, evidence collection

and documentation, and the initial criminal investigation. A communitywide coordinating group (often called a 

“council”) can help promote efforts to improve comprehensive response to sexual violence, including 

prevention education and outreach,26 training and technical assistance, improvement of victim services, 

 24 This paragraph is drawn partially from American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually 

Assaulted or Sexually Abused Patient, 1999, p. 7. 25 Adapted from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 20. 26 Although victim advocacy programs and coordinating councils often lead local prevention efforts, SARTs play a role in prevention by

helping victims plan for their safety and well-being and connecting them with resources that may reduce the likelihood of their future

revictimization (e.g., emergency shelters and longer term housing programs, protective orders, programs offering free cell phones that 

23 
protocol development, public policy advocacy, dissemination of materials, and evaluation of the effectiveness 

of these efforts.27 A communitywide coordinating council may also oversee activities of a SART. Military 

bases, school campuses, and tribes may develop coordinating councils or SARTs of their own to allow for a 

more specialized response tailored to the needs of their populations. Coordinating councils may also exist to 

encourage consistent responses across a State, Territory, or region. 

SART membership. A SART is composed of professionals involved in immediate response to disclosures of

sexual assault. A core SART commonly includes health care providers, law enforcement representatives, 

and victim advocates. Prosecutors and forensic scientists also are often involved, but more as consultants 

than first responders. Broad roles for SART members include (listed in alphabetical order):28

• Advocates may be involved in initial victim contact (via 24-hour hotline or face-to-face meetings), offer 

victims advocacy, support, crisis intervention, information, and referrals before, during, and after the 

exam process, and help ensure that victims have transportation to and from the exam site. They often 

provide followup services designed to aid victims in addressing related legal and nonlegal needs. 

• Forensic scientists analyze forensic evidence and provide results of the analysis to investigators and/or

prosecutors.

• Health care providers assess patients for acute medical needs and provide stabilization, treatment, 

and/or consultation. Ideally, sexual assault forensic examiners perform the medical forensic exam, 

gather information for the medical forensic history, and collect and document forensic evidence from 

patients. They offer information, treatment, and referrals for STIs and other nonacute medical concerns, 

assess pregnancy risk and discuss treatment options with the patient, including reproductive health 

services, and testify in court if needed. They typically coordinate with advocates to ensure that patients 

are offered crisis intervention, support, and advocacy during and after the exam process and encourage 

use of other victim services. They may follow up with patients for medical and forensic purposes. Other 

health care personnel that may be involved include, but are not limited to, emergency medical 

technicians, staff at hospital emergency departments, gynecologists, surgeons, private physicians, 

and/or local, tribal, campus, or military health services personnel. 

• Law enforcement representatives (e.g., 911 dispatchers, patrol officers, officers who process crime 

scene evidence, and investigators) respond to initial complaints, work to enhance victims’ safety, arrange 

for victims’ transportation to and from the exam site as needed, interview victims, coordinate collection 

and delivery of evidence to designated labs or law enforcement property facilities, and investigate cases. 

• Prosecutors determine if there is sufficient evidence for prosecution and, if so, prosecute the case. They 

should be available to consult with first responders as needed. A few jurisdictions more actively involve 

prosecutors, paging them after initial contact and having them respond to the exam site so that they can 

become familiar with the case and help guide the investigation.29 Prosecutors may want to consider

whether participation in a SART would be beneficial.30

Each responder should be able to explain to victims the roles of other team members. Depending on the 

case and jurisdictional policies, other professionals or agencies may also be involved in immediate 

interventions and service provision. They need information about the SART and its procedures to guide their 

responses and facilitate coordination of activities with the SART. SART members also need information 

about those professionals and agencies, their roles in response, and how to contact and interact with them.

Team efforts are enhanced when SART members reflect the communities being served. At the least, SART 

members should strive to understand the needs and concerns of specific populations living in the area

 automatically dial 911 when activated, or businesses that can help change locks and install alarm systems). Initial evidence collection 

and investigative efforts can play a pivotal role in holding offenders accountable and preventing them from reoffending. 27 American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Sexually Abused Patient, 

1999, p. 19. 

28 Bulleted section partially adapted from Pennsylvania’s SART Guidelines, 2002, created by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. 29 In addition to seeking prosecution of offenders, victims who attend institutions of higher education may have the option of filing 

disciplinary charges. When that happens, members of the judiciary board review the case to decide if the institutional code of conduct 

has been violated and, if so, to determine sanctions. Tribes may also have their own codes related to sexual assault and/or processes 

through which victims can seek remedies, beyond what is available through State or Federal prosecution. 30 For additional information or resources on the prosecution of sexual violence, contact the Violence Against Women Program at the 

American Prosecutors Research Institute at www.ndaa-apri.org or 703-549-4253.

24
served. SARTs should reach out to agencies that serve these populations so that team members can 

promptly access their services if needed. 

See Appendix B for more information on the creation of SARTs.

Membership of a coordinating council. A coordinating council typically comprises a wide array of 

professionals and citizens who develop the community’s response to sexual assault. Organizations with an

interest in or a responsibility for sexual assault victims should be considered for membership.31 For example, 

members might include32 victim advocates; survivors of sexual assault and their families and friends; health 

care workers; public health and safety officials; law enforcement personnel; prosecutors; victim/witness staff; 

judicial personnel;33 corrections and probation staff; sex offender treatment providers; forensic lab personnel;

staff from mental health agencies; personnel serving persons with disabilities; substance abuse treatment 

staff, staff from residential living settings such as nursing homes, assisted living programs, and group homes; 

educators from all levels; legislators and government policymakers; health care facility administrators; 

religious and spiritual leaders; and the media and business community. Representation from all levels of 

government that potentially have jurisdiction over these cases in the area served should be involved. Equally 

important are members who can address the needs of diverse populations in the community (e.g., racial and 

cultural groups, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, the poor and homeless, runaways and adolescents 

in foster care, domestic violence victims, college students, military personnel and dependents, and 

populations with differing sexual orientations). Agencies that provide certified interpreters in sexual assault 

cases should also be invited to participate. 

Attempting to involve all agencies and individuals listed above is an enormous task and could prove to be a 

barrier to council formation and initial council efforts. Therefore, communities should make their own 

decisions about which stakeholders are critical to initial efforts and form a core membership, and then 

identify which agencies and individuals would be useful to have at the table at some point but are not 

essential to getting started.34

Develop quality assurance measures to ensure effective coordinated response during the exam 

process. Involved agencies should have mechanisms to ensure that the quality of discipline-specific

response and coordinated response is optimal. Some tools to ensure consistent high-quality response by 

involved professionals include training, ongoing education, supervision, periodic performance evaluations, 

and peer reviews (e.g., medical forensic reports). Also useful in facilitating improvements to immediate 

response are feedback from victims and involved professionals and collection and analysis of data from the

exam process (as discussed below). 

Obtain feedback on victim impact, the exam process, and criminal justice outcomes. All involved responders 

can benefit from victims’ feedback about whether they felt response to the crime was adequate and if 

anything could have been done to improve response or better address their needs. It can be useful to talk 

with victims about their experiences during the exam process and explore how the process might be 

changed to better minimize trauma. Victim feedback can be obtained in several ways: by requesting

completion of an evaluation form (not immediately after the exam), conducting a followup phone survey, and 

inviting participation in focus group discussions. Ask victims prior to medical discharge if they will allow such 

subsequent contacts and the best method of contacting them. Advocates can help design a victim feedback 

system that is sensitive, does not harm victims, and has mechanisms to quickly link victims with appropriate 

victim services if needed. Families and friends of victims may also be able to provide useful feedback. 

 31 American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Sexually Abused Patient, 

1999, p. 19. 

32 List adapted from the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Sexually 

Abused Patient, 1999, p. 19. 33 Judges’ conduct in and out of the courtroom is governed by a code of judicial conduct that requires that they do nothing that would 

give the appearance of partiality. Depending on local interpretation of the code, the participation of judicial personnel on a council should 

not negate their ability to be impartial in court. In the unlikely instances that the council is involved with individual cases, judges can 

excuse themselves from those activities. 34 The protocol does not further explore issues related to more comprehensive coordinated response to sexual assault. However, one 

useful resource for communities interested in the development of a multidisciplinary response is the National Center for Victims of 

Crime’s Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Guidebook for Communities Responding to Sexual Assault. 

25 
Obtaining feedback from and facilitating dialogue among first responders on the exam process and criminal 

justice outcomes is also critical. Some of this information could be routinely solicited and discussed at SART 

meetings and jurisdictional sexual assault coordinating council meetings (to assess what works and what 

needs improvement). Also, periodic evaluation of the exam process by examiners, medical 

supervisors/examiner program directors, advocates, law enforcement representatives, and prosecutors can 

help ensure that victims’ needs are addressed, problems are resolved, cutting-edge practices and 

technologies are utilized as much as possible, and training needs are identified. In terms of getting feedback 

on how the exam process impacts criminal justice outcomes, examiners can benefit from access to crime lab 

reports on evidence collected and feedback from crime lab personnel about improving their evidence 

collection techniques. Prosecutors can provide examiners and law enforcement representatives with 

information about the usefulness of evidence collected in case prosecution. Advocates can encourage 

discussion on how the exam process can affect victims’ interest in and willingness to be involved in the 

criminal justice system. Law enforcement representatives and other first responders can discuss with 

examiners and crime lab personnel optimal methods to preserve evidence from victims prior to their arrival at 

the exam site. These are but a few examples of how first responders could use feedback on criminal justice 

outcomes to improve the exam process. 

Consider collecting and analyzing data from the exam process to better understand the nature of assaults in

the community and evaluate effectiveness of responses. (Information that identifies victims should not be 

included in collected data. Attention must be given to protecting victims’ identity in communities where 

residents tend to know one another or word of a crime travels quickly). Over time, such data may help to: 35

 

• Track the participation of involved responders, agencies, and facilities; 

• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of agency and coordinated responses; 

• Assess the effectiveness of response in different types of cases (e.g., stranger assaults versus

nonstranger assaults); 

• Improve the quality of the examination; 

• Evaluate the impact of the collected evidence on criminal justice outcomes; and 

• Track and evaluate victim service outcomes. 

A national SANE–SART database has been developed to allow data collection from nurse examiner 

programs around the country. All victim information provided is anonymous. See www.sane-sart.com for 

more details. 

Some jurisdictions have developed centralized databases to collect and analyze information across 

disciplines. However, such a venture requires significant resources, coordination, and thought regarding how 

to maintain victims’ confidentiality. Coordination can be particularly challenging in communities where crossjurisdictional issues arise frequently (e.g., in tribal lands). A centralized database may be more easily 

accomplished if it is built into multidisciplinary coordination planning. For example, involved agencies can 

together determine how to utilize existing resources, seek new funding, maintain victims’ privacy, and 

systematically obtain data. 

 35 Bulleted section partially adapted from the County of San Diego Sexual Assault Response Team Systems Review Committee Report: 

Five-Year Review, 2000, San Diego County, California. 

26
2. Victim-Centered Care 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers and other responders to facilitate victim-centered 

care during the exam process: 

• Give sexual assault patients priority as emergency cases. 

• Provide the necessary means to ensure patient privacy. 

• Adapt the exam process as needed to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. 

• Be aware of issues commonly faced by victims from specific populations. 

• Understand the importance of victim services within the exam process. Involve victim service 

providers/advocates in the exam process (including the actual exam) to offer support, crisis intervention, 

and advocacy to victims, their families, and friends. 

• Respect patients’ requests to have a relative, friend, or other personal support person present during the 

exam, unless considered harmful by responders. 

• Accommodate victims’ requests for responders of a specific gender as much as possible. 

• Prior to starting the exam and conducting each procedure, describe what is entailed and its purpose to 

patients. After providing this information, seek patients’ permission to proceed and respect their right to 

decline any part of the exam. However, follow exam facility and jurisdictional policy regarding minors and 

adults who are incompetent to give consent. 

• Assess and respect patients’ priorities.

• Integrate exam procedures where possible. 

• Address patients’ safety concerns during the exam. Sexual assault patients have legitimate reasons to 

fear further assaults from their attackers. Local law enforcement may be able to assist facilities in 

addressing patients’ safety needs. 

• Provide information that is easy for patients to understand and that can be reviewed at their 

convenience.

• After the exam is finished, provide patients with the opportunity to wash, brush their teeth, change 

clothes, get food or drink, and make needed phone calls. Assist them in arranging transportation home 

or to another location if needed. 

It is critical to respond to individuals disclosing sexual assault in a timely, appropriate, sensitive, and 

respectful way.36 Every action taken by responders during the exam process should be useful in facilitating 

patients’ care and healing and/or the investigation (if the case was reported). 

Give patients priority as emergency cases. Recognize that every minute patients spend waiting to be 

examined may cause loss of evidence and undue trauma. Individuals disclosing a recent sexual assault 

should be quickly transported to the exam site, promptly evaluated, treated for serious injuries, and undergo

a medical forensic exam. (For more discussion on this topic, see C.2. Triage and Intake.) 

Provide the necessary means to ensure patients’ privacy. Exercise discretion to avoid the 

embarrassment for individuals of being identified in a public setting as a sexual assault victim. Some health 

care facilities use code plans to avoid inappropriate references by staff to sexual assault cases. Also, do not 

leave sexual assault patients in the main waiting area at the exam site. Instead, give them as much privacy 

as possible (e.g., a private treatment room and waiting area) and be cognizant of their sense of safety (e.g., 

do not examine suspects in same location at the same time). Make sure that the first responding health care 

providers attend to patients’ initial medical needs and arrange for an on-call advocate to offer onsite support, 

crisis intervention, and advocacy. It may be useful to give patients the option of speaking with an advocate 

via a 24-hour crisis hotline (if one exists) until an on-call advocate arrives. Health care providers should 

provide patients with access to a phone to contact family members and friends as desired, and should 

 36 The chapter was partially built on information from the North Carolina Protocol for Assisting Sexual Assault Victims, 2000. 

27 
promptly contact law enforcement, if not already involved, if patients want to report the assault (or according 

to jurisdictional policy). 

Health care providers should explain to patients the scope of confidentiality during the exam process and 

during communication with advocates. (For information on this topic, see A.4. Confidentiality.) 

Recognize that the medical forensic exam is an interactive process that must be adapted to the 

needs and circumstances of each patient. Patients’ experiences during the crime and the exam process,

as well as their postassault needs, may be affected by multiple factors, such as: 

 

• Age; 

• Gender and/or gender identity; 

• Physical health history and current status; 

• Mental health history and current status; 

• Disability; 

• Language needs and communication modalities; 

• Ethnic and cultural beliefs and practices; 

• Religious and spiritual beliefs and practices; 

• Economic status, including homelessness; 

• Immigration and refugee status; 

• Sexual orientation; 

• Military status; 

• History of previous victimization; 

• Past experience with the criminal justice system; 

• Whether the assault involved drugs and/or alcohol; 

• Prior relationship with the suspect, if any; 

• Whether they were assaulted by an assailant who was in an authority position over them; 

• Whether the assault was part of a broader continuum of violence and/or oppression (e.g., intimate 

partner and family violence, gang violence, hate crimes, war crimes, and trafficking); 

• Where the assault occurred; 

• Whether they sustained physical injuries from the assault and the severity of the injuries; 

• Whether they were engaged in illegal activities at the time of the assault (e.g., voluntary use of illegal 

drugs or underage drinking) or have outstanding criminal charges; 

• Whether they were involved in activities prior to the assault that traditionally generate victim blaming or

self-blaming (e.g., drinking alcohol prior to the assault or agreeing to go to the assailant’s home); 

• Whether birth control was used during the assault (e.g., victims may already have been on a form of birth 

control or the assailant may have used a condom);

• Capacity to cope with trauma and the level of support available from families and friends; 

• The importance they place on the needs of their extended families in the aftermath of the assault; 

• Whether they have dependents who require care during the exam, were traumatized by the assault, or 

who may be affected by decisions patients make during the exam process; 

• Community/cultural attitudes about sexual assault, its victims, and offenders; and 

• Frequency of sexual assault and other violence in the community and historical responsiveness of the 

local justice system, health care systems, and community service agencies. 

Clearly, the level of trauma experienced by patients can also influence their initial reactions to an assault and 

to postassault needs. While some may suffer physical injuries, contract an STI, or become pregnant as a 

result of an assault, many others do not. The experience of psychological trauma will be unique to each 

patient and may be more difficult to recognize than physical trauma. People have their own method of coping

with sudden stress. When severely traumatized, they can appear to be calm, indifferent, submissive, jocular, 

angry, emotionally distraught, or even uncooperative or hostile towards those who are trying to help.37 

 37 Paragraph adapted from Iowa’s Sexual Assault: A Protocol for Forensic and Medical Examination, 1998, pp. 1–4.

28
In addition, patients’ fears and concerns can affect their initial reactions to the assault, their postassault 

needs, and decisions before, during, and after the exam process. For example, female patients may be 

worried about getting pregnant. If they are already pregnant or have just given birth, they may be concerned

about how the assault will affect their children. Patients may be concerned about being infected with HIV or 

another STI. They may not want anyone to know about the assault, or may be afraid that family members 

and friends will reject or blame them. They may fear bringing shame to their families or be concerned that

family members will seek revenge against the assailant. They may fear perceived consequences of reporting 

to law enforcement. They may be concerned how their cultural background could affect the way they are 

treated by responders. They may wonder if the assailant will harm or harass them or their loved ones if they 

tell anyone about the assault. They may worry about losing their home, children, job, and other sources of 

income as a result of disclosure, particularly if an intimate partner assaulted them.

38 They may be concerned

about costs related to the exam and subsequent care of injuries.

39

It is important to avoid making assumptions about patients, offenders, and the assault itself. Forms used 

during the exam process and discussions with patients should be framed in a way that does not assume they 

are of a specific background. Always ask questions and actively look and listen to understand patients’ 

circumstances and tailor the exam process to address their needs and concerns. Whatever the response, it 

should be respectful to patients and adhere to jurisdictional policies. 

Recognize that patients control the extent of personal information they share. While it is useful for 

responders to get a full picture of patients’ circumstances, it is up to patients to decide whether and to what 

extent to share personal information. During the exam process, responders may ask patients to divulge 

some data, such as age or whether they think the assault was drug-facilitated. Some information, such as 

language needs, may be obvious. There is no reason for responders to question patients about certain data,

such as sexual orientation and gender identity, religious or spiritual beliefs, or previous victimization. 

Be aware of issues commonly faced by patients from specific populations. It is important to realize that 

for some patients, certain personal characteristics (e.g., culture, language skills/mode of communication, 

disability, gender, and age) may strongly influence their experiences in the immediate aftermath of a sexual 

assault and during the exam process. Education for responders on issues facing a specific population may 

serve to enhance care, services, and interventions provided during the exam process. Responders should 

identify different populations that exist in their jurisdiction and determine what information they should have 

to help them serve patients from these populations. Building understanding of the perspectives of a specific

population may help increase the likelihood that the actions and demeanor of responders will mitigate victim 

trauma. However, do not assume that patients will hold certain beliefs or have certain needs and concerns 

merely because they belong to a specific population. And, as pointed out earlier, recognize that patients’ 

experiences are affected by a plethora of other personal and external factors. 

Develop policies and plans. Involved agencies and SARTs should develop policies and plans to meet the 

needs of specific patient populations (e.g., to obtain certified interpreters for Deaf and hard-of-hearing 

patients). When creating these plans, consider what barriers exist for patients from different populations to 

receiving a high-quality exam and what can be done to remove these barriers. Also, consider what 

equipment and supplies might be needed to assist persons from specific populations (e.g., a hydraulic lift 

exam table may be useful with victims who have a physical disability). Relevant responders need to have 

access to and know how to use such equipment or supplies. 

Partner with those who serve specific populations. Involved responders should seek expertise from and 

collaborate with organizations and leaders that serve specific populations. Not only may they be willing to 

provide information and training on working with victims from the population they serve, but they also may be 

a resource before, during, and after the exam process. If responders may be involved in the immediate 

response to victims, they should be trained on the dynamics of sexual victimization and procedures for 

getting help for victims and work with the multidisciplinary response team to clarify their roles and procedures 

for response. 

 38 Minors may fear being removed from their homes if suspects live with them. Persons living in residential settings, such as group 

homes or nursing facilities, may fear being removed from their homes if they report an assault that occurred in that setting. 39 Paragraph partially adapted from the Ohio Protocol for Sexual Assault Forensic and Medical Examination, 2002, p. 2.

29 
Explore the needs of specific populations. To gain a basic understanding of potential issues and concerns

facing different groups of sexual assault victims, this section explores several specific populations.40 Clearly, 

this exploration is not inclusive of all populations of victims, but a more comprehensive discussion on this 

topic is beyond the scope of this document. 

―Victims from various cultural groups and those with limited English proficiency

• Understand that culture can influence beliefs about sexual assault, its victims, and offenders. It can affect 

health care beliefs and practices related to the assault and medical treatment outcomes. It can also 

influence beliefs and practices related to emotional healing from an assault. In addition, it can impact 

beliefs and practices regarding justice in the aftermath of a sexual assault, the response of the criminal 

justice system, and the willingness of victims to be involved in the system.41 

• Understand that some victims may be apprehensive about interacting with responders from ethnic and 

racial backgrounds different from their own. They may fear or distrust responders or assume they will be 

met with insensitive comments or unfair treatment. They may benefit from responders of the same 

background or at least who understand their culture. 

• Be aware that cultural beliefs may preclude a member of the opposite sex from being present when

victims disrobe. Also, it may be uncomfortable for victims from some cultures to speak about the assault 

with members of the opposite sex. 

• Understand that victims may not report or discuss the assault because the stigma associated with it is so 

overwhelmingly negative. In some cultures, for example, the loss of virginity prior to marriage is 

devastating and may render victims unacceptable for an honorable marriage. Even discussing an assault 

or sexual terms may be linked with intense embarrassment and shame in some cultures. 

• Recognize that some cultures (e.g., Indian tribes) may have their own laws and regulations to address 

sexual assault, in addition to or in place of applicable jurisdictional laws. Responders should be familiar 

with procedures for coordinating services and interventions for victims from these communities. 

• Be aware that beliefs about women, men, sexuality, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and religion may 

vary greatly among victims of different cultural backgrounds. Also, understand that what helps one victim 

deal with a traumatic situation like sexual assault may not be the same for another victim. 

• Help victims obtain culturally specific assistance and/or provide referrals where they exist.42

• Be patient and understanding toward victims’ language skills and barriers, which may worsen with crisis. 

• Make every attempt to provide interpretation services and translated materials for victims who do not 

speak English. Use certified interpreters when possible and not victims’ families or friends.43 Take the 

victim’s country of origin, acculturation level, and dialect into account when responding or arranging 

interpretation.44 Remember to speak directly to victims when interpreters are used.

• Train interpreters about issues related to sexual assault, confidentiality, and cultural concerns whenever

they are needed to facilitate communication in these cases. 

―Victims with disabilities 

• Understand that victims with disabilities may have physical, sensory, or mental disabilities, or a 

combination of disabilities. (For a more detailed explanation, see “Use of Terms” in the Introduction.) 

 40 This section was adapted partially from Connecticut’s Technical Guidelines for Health Care Response to Victims of Sexual Assault, 

1998, pp. 12–14, and from Iowa’s Sexual Assault: A Protocol for Forensic and Medical Examination, 1998, pp. 1–4. 41 Bullet drawn from A. Blue, The Provision of Culturally Competent Health Care, from the Web site of the Medical University of South 

Carolina College of Medicine (http://www.musc.edu/fm_ruralclerkship/culture.html). 42 For example, to raise their level of hope and comfort during the exam, some patients may benefit from talking about culturally specific 

models of healing (where they exist) and their application to recovery from sexual assault. To facilitate such a discussion, they may wish

to speak with a religious or spiritual healer from their culture. 43 Consult with jurisdictional statutes and policies regarding the use of community-based advocates as interpreters—such a dual role 

may jeopardize their confidentiality with victims. 44 For example, a Cuban interpreter may encounter language and trust obstacles when trying to communicate with a victim from rural 

Mexico. (L. Zarate, Suggestions for Upgrading the Cultural Competency Skills of SARTs, Arte Sana Web site, www.Arte-sana.com, 

2003.) 

30
Make every effort to recognize issues that arise for victims with disabilities (both in general and in 

relation to their specific disability) and provide reasonable accommodations when working with them. 

• Be aware that the risk of criminal victimization (including sexual assault) for people with disabilities 

appears to be much higher than for people without disabilities. People with disabilities are often 

victimized repeatedly by the same offender.45 Caretakers, family members, or friends may be responsible 

for the sexual assault. 

• Respect victims’ wishes to have or not have caretakers, family members, or friends present during the 

exam. Although these individuals may be accustomed to speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities, 

it is critical that they not influence the statements of victims during the exam process. If aid is required 

(e.g., from a language interpreter or mental health professional), ideally those providing assistance 

should not be associated with victims. 

• Follow exam facility and jurisdictional policy for assessing vulnerable adults’ ability to consent to the 

exam and evidence collection and involving protective services. Again, note guardians could be

offenders. (For a more detailed discussion on seeking informed consent of patients, including consent by 

victims from specific populations, see A.3. Informed Consent.) 

• Speak directly to victims with disabilities, even when interpreters, intermediaries, or guardians are 

present. 

• Assess a victim’s level of ability and need for assistance during the exam process. Explain exam 

procedures to victims and ask what help they require, if any (e.g., people with physical disabilities may 

need help to get on and off the exam table or to assume positions necessary for the exam). Do not 

assume they will need special aid. Also, ask for permission before proceeding to help them (or touch 

them, handle a mobility or communication device, or touch a service animal

46). 

• Note that not all individuals who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing understand sign language or can read lips. 

Not all blind persons can read Braille. Communication equipment that may be beneficial to victims with 

sensory disabilities include TTY machines, word boards, speech synthesizers, anatomically correct dolls, 

materials in alternative formats, and access to interpreter services. Responders should familiarize 

themselves with the basics of communicating with an individual using such devices.

47 Be aware that 

victims with sensory disabilities may prefer communicating through an intermediary who is familiar with 

their patterns of speech. 

• Recognize that individuals may have some degree of cognitive disability: mental retardation, mental 

illness, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative conditions such as 

Alzheimer’s disease, or stroke. Note that not all developmental disabilities affect cognitive ability (e.g., 

cerebral palsy may result in physical rather than mental impairment). Be aware that victims with cognitive 

disabilities may be easily distracted and have difficulty focusing. To reduce distractions, conduct the 

exam in an area that is void of bright lights and loud noises. Speak to victims in a clear and calm voice 

and ask very specific and concrete questions. Be exact when explaining what will happen during the 

exam process and why. It may also be helpful if examiners and others present in the exam room refrain 

from wearing uniforms with ornamental designs and jewelry. 

• Keep in mind that victims with disabilities may be reluctant to report the crime or consent to the exam for 

fear of losing their independence. For example, they may have to enter a long-term care facility if their 

caretakers assaulted them or may need extended hospitalization to treat and allow injuries to heal. 

• Recognize that it may be the first time victims with disabilities have an internal exam. The procedure 

should be explained in detail in language they can understand.48 They may have limited knowledge of 

reproductive health issues and not be able to describe what happened to them. They may not know how 

they feel about the incident or even identify that a crime was committed against them. 

• Some victims with disabilities may want to talk about their perceptions of the role their disability might 

have played in making them vulnerable to an assault. Listen to their concerns and what the experience 

 45 The above two sentences are drawn from the Office for Victims of Crime, First Response to Victims of Crime Who Have a Disability, 

2002, p. 1. 

46 Examples of service animals include guide dogs and hearing-assistance dogs, and therapy dogs. 47 Note that individuals may have their own assistive devices, but words needed to communicate may have to be programmed. 48 Drawn from A. Conrad, SANE/SAFE Organizing Manual, 1998, p. 7, developed for the New York State Coalition Against Sexual 

Assault. 

31 
was like for them.49 Assure them that it was not their fault they were sexually assaulted. If needed, 

encourage discussion in a counseling/advocacy setting on this issue as well as on what might help them 

feel safer in the future,.

• Recognize that the exam may take longer to perform with victims with disabilities. Avoid rushing through

the exam—such action not only may distress victims, it can lead to missed evidence and information. 

―Male victims50

• Help male victims understand that male sexual assault is not uncommon and that the assault was not 

their fault. Many male victims focus on the sexual aspect of the assault and overlook other elements 

such as coercion, power differences, and emotional abuse. Broadening their understanding of sexual 

assault may help reduce their self-blame. 

• Because some male victims may fear public disclosure of the assault and the stigma associated with 

male sexual victimization, emphasis may need to be placed on the scope of confidentiality of patient 

information during the exam process. 

• Offer male victims assistance in considering how friends and family members will react to the fact that 

they were sexually assaulted (e.g., by a male offender or a female offender). 

• Male victims may be less likely than females to seek and receive support from family members and 

friends, as well as from advocacy and counseling services. Their ability to seek support may vary 

according to the level of stigmatization they feel, the circumstances of the assault, the sensitivity of care 

they initially receive, and the appropriateness of referrals provided. 

• Encourage advocacy programs and the mental health community to build their capacity to serve male 

sexual assault victims and increase their accessibility to this population. Requests by male victims to 

have an advocate of a particular gender should be respected and honored if possible.51

―Adolescent victims52

• Adolescents may be brought to the exam site by their parents or guardians. The presence of parents or

guardians creates an additional challenge for those involved in the exam process because they are often 

traumatized by their child’s victimization. 

• Understand that parents or guardians may blame victims for the assault if the victim disobeyed them or 

engaged in behaviors perceived as increasing risk for victimization.

• Health care providers must assess the physical development of adolescent victims and take their age 

into consideration when determining appropriate methods of examination and evidence collection.53

Involved professionals should be well versed in jurisdictional policies related to response to minor 

victims. 

• Be aware of jurisdictional laws governing minors’ ability to consent to forensic exams and medical 

treatment. Follow exam facility and jurisdictional policy in obtaining appropriate consent. (For a more 

detailed discussion on seeking informed consent of patients, including consent by victims from specific 

populations, see A.3. Informed Consent.) 

• Recognize that the sexual assault medical forensic exam may be the first time an adolescent female 

victim has an internal exam. There may be a need to go into detail when explaining what to expect.54 

• Adolescence is often a time of experimentation. Reassure these victims that regardless of their behavior 

(e.g., using alcohol and drugs, engaging in illegal activities, or hitchhiking), no one has the right to 

sexually assault them, and they are not to blame for the assault. 

 49 Drawn from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, pp. 82–85. 50 Drawn partially from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 79. 51 A national resource for male patients is Male Survivor: The National Organization Against Male Sexual Victimization. Contact 

information: PMB 103, 5505 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20015–2601, 800–738–4181, www.malesurvivor.org. 52 Adapted partially from the West Virginia Protocol for Responding to Victims of Sexual Assault, 2002, p. 11. 53 For example, the size of the speculum used with adolescent female victims and exam positions of victims may vary. 54 Drawn from A. Conrad, SANE/SAFE Organizing Manual, 1998, p. 7, developed for the New York State Coalition Against Sexual 

Assault. 

32
• Ideally, attending health care providers should gather information from adolescents without parents or 

guardians in the room, subject to victims’ consent. The concern is that parents or guardians may 

influence or be perceived as influencing victims’ statements. 

• Inform victims, particularly those who do not involve parents or guardians in the exam process, of facility 

billing practices (e.g., that their parents may get a bill or statement of services provided).55

―Older victims 

• Keep in mind that the emotional impact of the assault may not be felt by older victims until after the exam 

when they are alone and become aware of their physical vulnerability, reduced resilience, and mortality.56

Fear, anger, and depression can be especially severe in older victims who are isolated, have little 

support, and live on a meager income. 57

• Be aware that caretakers may sexually assault their older dependents. Offenders may bring victims to 

the exam site, and jurisdictional and facility policies should be in place to provide guidance on how staff 

should screen for and handle situations that are threatening to patients or facility personnel. 

• Note that older victims are generally more physically fragile than younger victims and thus may be at risk 

for tissue or skeletal damage and exacerbation of existing illnesses and vulnerabilities.58 

• Hearing impairment and other physical conditions attendant to advancing age, coupled with the initial 

reaction to the assault, may render older victims unable to make their needs known, which could result in 

prolonged or inappropriate treatment.59 Do not mistake this confusion and distress for senility. 

• Health care personnel should follow facility policy for assessing a vulnerable adult’s ability to consent to 

the exam and evidence collection, as well as involving adult protective services. 

• Some older victims may want to talk about their perceptions of the role their age and physical condition 

might have played in making them vulnerable to an assault. Listen to their concerns and what the 

experience was like for them.

60 Assure them that it was not their fault they were sexually assaulted. If 

needed, encourage further discussion on this issue in a counseling/advocacy setting. 

• Older victims may be reluctant to report the crime or seek treatment because they fear the loss of 

independence. Although sometimes relatives wish to place older victims in an assisted living situation 

after an assault occurs, such an action is not always necessary or useful to a victim’s recovery. When a 

change in living environment is truly needed, assist victims and their relatives in making plans that 

maximize independence yet enhance safety.61 

• Encourage use of followup medical, legal, and nonlegal assistance. Older victims may be reluctant to 

seek these services or proceed with prosecution. For example, they may rely on family members for 

transportation and may not want to burden them by asking to be taken to postexam followup 

appointments. 

Recognize the importance of victim services within the exam process. In many jurisdictions, sexual 

assault victim advocacy programs and other victim service programs offer a range of services before, during, 

and after the exam process (see below for a description of typical services). Ideally, advocates should begin

interacting with victims prior to the exam, as soon after disclosure of the assault as possible. Victims who 

come to exam sites in the immediate aftermath of an assault are typically coping with trauma, anticipating the 

exam, and considering the implications of reporting. Most responders that victims come in contact with are 

focused on objective tasks. Law enforcement officials gather information and collect crime scene evidence to

 55 Drawn from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 98. 56 Drawn from Iowa’s Sexual Assault: A Protocol for Forensic and Medical Examination, 1998, p. 3. 57 Ibid. 58 Older women are at an increased risk for vaginal tears and injury when they have been vaginally assaulted. Decreased hormonal 

levels following menopause result in a reduction in vaginal lubrication and cause the vaginal wall to become thinner and more friable. 

Because of these physiological changes, a Pedersen speculum, which is longer and thinner than the Graves speculum, should be used 

during the pelvic exam for evidence collection. Special care should also be taken to assess for intravaginal injury. In some older women, 

examiners will need to simply insert the swabs and avoid the trauma of inserting a speculum. If there are external tears in the introitus, 

internal injuries must also be considered. The recovery process for older victims also tends to be longer than for younger victims. 

(Drawn from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 86–87.) 59 Drawn from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 87. 60 Drawn from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 82–85. 61 Ibid. 

33 
facilitate the investigation. Health care personnel assess medical needs, offer treatment, and collect 

evidence from victims. Victims must make many related decisions that may seem overwhelming. Advocates62

can offer a tangible and personal connection to a long-term source of support and advocacy. Communitybased advocates, in particular, have the sole purpose of supporting victims’ needs and wishes. Typically, 

these advocates are able to talk with victims with some degree of confidentiality, depending on jurisdictional 

statutes, while statements victims make to examiners become part of the medical forensic report.63 When

community-based advocates support victims, examiners can more easily maintain an objective stance.64

Be aware of the extent of services. Services offered by advocates during the exam process may include: 65 

• Accompanying the victims through each component (advocates may accompany victims from the initial 

contact and the actual exam through to discharge and followup appointments); 

• Assisting in coordination of victim transportation to and from the exam site; 

• Providing victims with crisis intervention66 and support to help cope with the trauma of the assault67 and 

begin the healing process;

• Actively listening to victims to assist in sorting through and identifying their feelings; 

• Letting victims know their reactions to the assault are normal and dispelling misconceptions regarding 

sexual assault; 

• Advocating for victims’ self-articulated needs to be identified and their choices to be respected, as well 

as advocating for appropriate and coordinated response by all involved professionals; 

• Supporting victims in voicing their concerns to relevant responders; 

• Responding in a sensitive and appropriate manner to victims from different backgrounds and 

circumstances and advocating for the elimination of barriers to communication; 

• Serving as an information resource for victims (e.g., to answer questions, explain the importance of 

prompt law enforcement involvement if the decision is made to report, explain the value of medical and 

evidence collection procedures, explain legal aspects of the exam, help them understand their options in 

regard to treatment for STIs, HIV, and pregnancy, and provide referrals); 

• Providing replacement clothing when clothing is retained for evidence, as well as toiletries; 

• Aiding victims in identifying individuals who could support them as they heal (e.g., family members, 

friends, counselors, employers, religious or spiritual counselors/advisors, and/or teachers); 

• Helping victims’ families and friends cope with their reactions to the assault, providing information, and 

increasing their understanding of the type of support victims may need from them; and 

• Assisting victims in planning for their safety and well-being. 

Postexam, advocates can continue to advocate for victims’ rights and wishes, offer victims ongoing support,

counseling,68 information, and referrals for community services, assist with applications for victim

compensation programs, and encourage victims to obtain followup testing and treatment and take 

medications as directed. They can also accompany victims to followup appointments, including those for 

related medical care and criminal and civil justice related interviews and proceedings. They can work closely 

 62 To prepare them to competently provide sexual assault victim services, community-based advocates are typically trained according to 

the policies of the sexual assault advocacy agency where they are employed/volunteer and receive supervision related to their 

interactions with victims. In addition, many jurisdictions have specific requirements that community-based advocates must meet in order 

to fit within jurisdictional confidentiality or privilege laws. Advocates should meet these requirements. System-based advocates may be 

required to have specific credentials based on system and jurisdictional policies and laws. 63 K. Littel, SANE Programs: Improving the Community Response to Sexual Assault Victims, 2001, p. 6. 64 Ibid. 65 This bulleted section was drawn partially from Iowa’s Sexual Assault: A Protocol for Forensic and Medical Examination, 1998, p. 7, 

and the 1989 Volunteer Manual of Virginians Aligned Against Sexual Assault (VAASA). 66 Crisis intervention counseling is short term in nature, aimed at returning individuals to their precrisis state through the development of 

adaptive coping responses. Broadly, it entails establishing a relationship with the individual in crisis, gathering information about what is

occurring, clarifying the problem, helping the individual identify options and resources and decide what needs to happen next, and 

clarifying actions that will be taken. (Adapted from the 1991 Women Helping Women Volunteer Training Manual, Cincinnati, Ohio.) Note:

Crisis intervention is not intended to address longer term counseling and advocacy needs. 67 See A. Burgess and L. Holmstrom, Rape Trauma Syndrome, American Journal of Psychiatry, 131, for a summary of the 

psychological, somatic, and behavioral impact of sexual assault on victims. 68 Many advocacy agencies offer ongoing peer counseling to victims. Some also provide professional mental health counseling, but 

many refer victims to community or private agencies. 

34
with involved responders to ensure that postexam services and interventions are coordinated in a 

complementary manner and are appropriately based on victims’ needs and wishes. 

Contact the victim service/advocacy program immediately. Utilize a system in which exam facility personnel, 

upon initial contact with a sexual assault patient, call the victim service/advocacy program and ask for an 

advocate to be sent to the exam site (unless an advocate has already been called).69 Prior to introducing the 

advocate to a patient, exam facility personnel should explain briefly to the patient the victim services offered 

and ask whether the victim wishes speak with the onsite advocate. Note that some jurisdictions require that

patients be asked whether they want to talk with an advocate before the advocate is contacted.70 Ideally, a 

patient should be assisted by the same advocate during the entire exam process.71 

Accommodate patients’ requests to have a relative, friend, or other personal support person (e.g., 

religious and spiritual counselor/advisor) present during the exam.72 An exception would be if 

responders consider the request to be potentially harmful to the patient or the exam process.73 Patients’

requests not to have certain individuals present in the room should also be respected (e.g., adolescents may 

not want their parents present). Examiners should get explicit consent from patients to go forward with the 

exam with another person present. When others are present, appropriately drape patients and position 

additional persons. (It is also important to inform patients of confidentiality considerations regarding the 

presence of support persons during the medical forensic history. For a discussion of this topic, see C.4. The 

Medical Forensic History.) 

 

Strive to limit the number of persons (beyond the patient, examiner, advocate, personal support person, and 

any necessary interpreters) in the exam room during the exam. The primary reason is to protect patients’ 

privacy, but also because exam rooms often cannot accommodate more than a few individuals. Law 

enforcement representatives should not be present during the exam. When additional health care personnel 

are needed for consultation (e.g., a surgeon), patients’ permission should be sought prior to their admittance. 

In cases in which examiners are supervising an examiner-in-training/licensed health care student, patients’ 

consent should be obtained prior to the student’s admittance to examine patients or observe the exam. It is 

inappropriate to ask patients to allow a group or nonlicensed medical students to view the exam.

Accommodate patients’ requests for responders of a specific gender throughout the exam as much 

as possible. For a variety of reasons, some patients may prefer to work with a male or female law

enforcement official, advocate, and/or examiner. 

Prior to starting the exam and conducting each procedure, explain to patients what is entailed and its 

purpose. In addition, it is important to explain the exam process and the purpose of the exam more 

generally (e.g., how the evidence may be used by the criminal justice system). Be sure that communication 

needs of patients are met and that information is conveyed in a manner they will understand. A clear 

explanation is particularly important for individuals who may not previously have had a pelvic exam or 

medical care, or who have difficulty understanding what has happened and why they are being asked to 

undergo a medical forensic exam. Remember that some exam procedures may be uncomfortable and 

painful to patients, considering the nature of the trauma they have experienced. By taking the time to explain 

procedures and their options, patients may be able to better relax, feel more in control of what’s occurring, 

and make decisions that meet their needs. After providing the needed information, seek patients’ permission 

 69 Use community-based sexual assault victim advocates where possible. If not available, victim service providers based in the exam 

facility, criminal justice system, social services, or other agencies may be able to provide some advocacy services if educated to provide

those services. Patients should be aware that government-based service providers typically cannot offer confidential communication. 70 In very small communities, patients may know some or all advocates. Some patients may feel comfortable being supported by an 

advocate known to them while others may not. Patients concerned about anonymity should be provided with as many options as 

possible. For example, ask if they would like to speak with an on-call advocate on the phone prior to making their decision about 

whether they want an advocate present during the exam. Another option may be for the local advocacy program to partner with an

advocacy program in a neighboring jurisdiction, so they can provide one another with backup to handle situations such as this one. 71 Continuity of advocates can be challenging when response by other professionals is delayed, the exam process is lengthy, or travel to 

the exam site is considerable. Volunteers may or may not be able to continue providing services after the end of their on-call shift. 72 Paragraph partially drawn from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 

2001, p. 15. 

73 For example, in cases involving adolescents or vulnerable adults, caretakers should not be allowed in the exam room if they are 

suspected of committing the assault or of being otherwise abusive to the patient. 

35 
to proceed with exam procedures. (For a more detailed discussion on seeking informed consent of patients, 

see A.3. Informed Consent.) 

Respect patients’ decisions. Although medical care and evidence collection may be encouraged during the 

exam process, responders should provide patients with information about all of their options and assess and 

respect their priorities. 

 

Integrate medical and forensic exam procedures where possible. Medical care and evidence collection

procedures should be integrated to maximize efficiency and minimize trauma to patients. For example, draw

blood needed for medical and evidentiary purposes at the same time. Also, coordinate information gathering 

by health care and legal personnel to minimize the need for patients to repeat their statements. (For more 

information on coordination in information gathering, see C.4. The Medical Forensic History.) 

Address patients’ safety during the exam process. When patients arrive at the exam site, health care 

providers should assess related safety concerns. For example, a caretaker, partner, or family member who is 

suspected of committing the assault may have accompanied the patient to the facility. Follow facility policy 

on response to this and other types of threatening situations. Also, exam sites should have plans in place to

protect patients from exposure to potentially infectious materials during the examination. (See B.1. Sexual 

Assault Forensic Examiners.) Prior to discharge, assist victims in planning for their safety and well-being. 

Planning should take into account needs that may arise in different types of cases. For example, patients 

who know the assailants may not be concerned only about their ongoing safety but also about the safety of 

their families and friends. Local law enforcement may be able to assist facilities in addressing patients’ safety 

needs. (See C.10. Discharge and Followup.) 

Offer patients information that they can review at their convenience.74 Information should be tailored to 

patients’ communication skill level/modality and language. Developing material in alternative formats may be 

useful, such as information that is taped, in Braille, in large print, in various languages, or uses pictures and 

simple language.75 A victim booklet or packet that includes information about the following topics may be 

helpful: 

• The crime itself (e.g., facts about sexual assault and related criminal statutes); 

• Normal reactions to sexual assault (stressing that it is never the victim’s fault), and signs and 

symptoms of traumatic response; 

• Victims’ rights; 

• Victim support and advocacy services; 

• Mental health counseling options and referrals; 

• Resources for the victim’s significant others; 

• The examination—what happened and how evidence/findings will be used; 

• Medical discharge and followup instructions; 

• Planning for their safety and well-being; 

• Examination payment and reimbursement information;

• Steps and options in the criminal justice process; 

• Civil remedies that may be available to sexual assault victims; and 

• Procedures for patients to access their medical record or applicable law enforcement reports.

 74 Many local sexual assault advocacy programs and state coalitions of sexual assault programs offer publications that speak to victims’ 

concerns in the aftermath of an assault. However, any involved agency, SART, or coordinating council could develop such literature. 75 For example, one sexual assault advocacy program offers a booklet “for those who read best with few words” designed for people 

with developmental disabilities who have been sexually assaulted. For more information on this publication, contact the Los Angeles 

Commission on Assaults Against Women by phone (213–955–9090) or e-mail info@lacaaw.org.

36
Address physical comfort needs of patients prior to the investigative interview and discharge. For 

example, provide them with the opportunity to wash in privacy (offering shower facilities if at all possible76), 

brush their teeth, change clothes (clean and ideally new replacement clothing should be available), get food

and/or a beverage, and make needed phone calls. They may also require assistance in coordinating 

transportation from the exam site to their home or another location. 

 76 It would be useful for the exam room to have an attached bathroom with a shower.

37 

3. Informed Consent 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers and other responders for requesting patients’ 

consent throughout the exam process: 

• Seek the informed consent of patients as appropriate.

• Be aware of statutes and policies governing consent in cases of minor patients, vulnerable adult patients, 

and patients who are unconscious or intoxicated. 

Seek informed consent of patients as appropriate throughout the exam process. There are two 

essential but separate consent processes—one for medical evaluation and treatment and another for the 

forensic exam and evidence collection. Patients should understand the full nature of their consent to each 

procedure, whether it be medical or forensic (e.g., what the procedure entails, possible side effects, and 

potential impact). The only way to put patients in the position of being able to make informed decisions about 

whether to allow a procedure is by presenting them with all relevant information. Patients can decline any 

part or all of the examination. However, the informed consent process includes making patients aware of the 

impact of declining a procedure, as it may negatively affect the quality of care and the usefulness of evidence 

collection. It may also have a negative impact on a criminal investigation and/or prosecution both because 

evidence not collected may have been useful and because defense attorneys may use the fact that the 

victim declined a procedure to claim that the victim is hiding something that would have been revealed by 

that procedure. They should understand that declining a procedure might also be used by opposing counsel

to discredit the victim at trial. 

Health care providers and other responders must refrain from any judgment or coercive practice in seeking 

patients’ consent. It is contrary to ethical and professional practices to influence their decisions. 

Seek both verbal and written consent as required by policy. In addition to verbally providing information and

seeking consent throughout the exam process, written consent of patients may be needed in order to carry

out specific procedures. It is important that jurisdictions, agencies, and exam facilities make it very clear to 

responders when written consent is necessary, how it should be sought, and provide appropriate checklists

and forms to facilitate obtaining written consent in a consistent manner. 

Methods to inform patients verbally and seek their consent vary significantly across jurisdictions and 

individuals requesting consent. For example, some examiners ask patients to voice their consent to each 

exam procedure while others explain from the start that they need patients to tell them if they want to stop at 

any time. While respecting the individual communication styles of responders, the process of obtaining

consent can be enhanced when they are educated on how to seek verbal consent logistically in a way that is 

consistent across patients and helps facilitate the exam process as specified by the jurisdiction and facility. 

Verbal and written information given to patients to facilitate the consent process should be complete, clear, 

and concise. This information, along with consent forms, should be tailored to the communication skill 

level/modality and language of patients. Responders should be aware of verbal and nonverbal cues from 

patients and adjust their methods of seeking consent to meet patients’ needs. Encourage patients to ask 

questions and to inform relevant responders if they need a break or information repeated or do not want a 

particular part of the exam process done. Make sure all signatures and dates needed are obtained on written 

consent forms and document consent or reasons for declining to consent as appropriate (either on the 

medical record or forensic report forms). 

Seek consent for medical evaluation and treatment. Follow facility policy for seeking patients’ consent for 

medical evaluation and treatment. Any written medical consent forms developed for the purpose of the exam 

may need to be reviewed and approved by facility administration. Documentation on consent for medical 

evaluation and treatment becomes part of the medical record, not the forensic report. Informed consent of 

patients for medical evaluation and treatment typically is needed for the following:

39 
• General medical care; 

• Pregnancy testing and care; 

• Testing and prophylaxis for STIs;

• HIV prophylaxis; 

• Permission to recontact the patient for medical purposes; and

• Release of medical information. 

Seek consent for the forensic exam and evidence collection. Follow jurisdictional procedure for obtaining 

informed consent for the exam and evidence collection. Informed consent of patients typically is needed for:

• Notification to law enforcement or other authority (depends upon reporting requirements); 

• Photographs, including colposcopic images; 

• The examination itself and evidence collection; 

• Toxicology screening; 

• Release of information and evidence to law enforcement; 

• Permission to recontact patients for reasons related to their criminal sexual assault case; and 

• Patient notification in case of DNA match or additional victims. 

Responders should coordinate efforts to seek patients’ consent. On a jurisdictional level, SARTs (or involved 

responders, if a SART does not exist) can identify all procedures where consent is needed during the exam 

process. They can make sure appropriate written consent forms are developed as well as procedures for 

requesting verbal and written consent. They should determine which responder has the knowledge needed 

to provide patients with information about each procedure and consider from whom patients might feel the 

most comfortable receiving this information. For example, while each responder may provide disciplinespecific information to patients, advocates may provide a broad overview of all components of the exam 

process. Checklists that clarify discipline-specific roles in obtaining consent may be useful. 

Make sure policies exist to guide seeking informed consent from specific populations. In order to 

provide informed consent, patients should be able to weigh the risks and benefits of different treatment and 

evidence collection options. It is always important for examiners to assess patients’ ability and legal capacity 

to provide informed consent.77 Providers should be aware of jurisdictional laws governing the ability of 

specific populations to provide consent.

In addition, facilities should have internal policies based on applicable jurisdictional statutes governing 

consent for treatment of vulnerable adult patients. The medical provider will generally need to assess 

whether the patient has the cognitive capacity to give consent for the examination, and, if not, the provider

should follow these internal policies and jurisdictional statutes. Policies should include procedures to 

determine whether or not patients are their own guardians; if there is a guardian, to determine the extent of 

the guardianship; to obtain consent from a guardian if needed; and what to do if the guardian is not available 

or is suspected of abuse or neglect. Exam facilities should also have policies in place to address consent for 

treatment in cases in which patients are unconscious, intoxicated, or under the influence of drugs, and are 

therefore temporarily incompetent to give consent. 

In cases of adolescent patients, jurisdictional statutes governing consent and access to the exam should be

followed. For instance, a State statute may allow minors to receive care for STIs and pregnancy, but not a 

medical forensic examination without parental or guardian consent. Exceptions to parental consent 

requirements also exist when the parent or guardian is the suspected offender or where the parent or

guardian can’t be found and the collection of evidence needs to be done quickly. In such cases, the law 

generally specifies who may give consent in lieu of the parent or guardian, such as a police officer, 

representative from the jurisdiction’s children’s services department, or judge.78

 77 L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 82. 78 L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 97.

40
It should be clarified whether policies and statutes regarding consent for medical evaluation and treatment 

for the above populations encompass consent for the forensic component of the exam. If not, additional 

guidance from the jurisdiction is needed to develop the appropriate policies. Also, jurisdictional statutes 

regarding mandatory reporting to law enforcement or protective services in cases of vulnerable adult and 

minor sexual assault victims must be observed. 

In all cases, the medical forensic examination should never be done against the will of patients. Responders 

should not touch patients or otherwise perform exam procedures without their permission. 

41 

4. Confidentiality 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions to maintain confidentiality: 

• Be sure jurisdictional policies address confidentiality issues related to the exam process. 

• Increase the understanding of responders and patients in relevant confidentiality issues.

• Consider the impact of the Federal privacy laws regarding health information on victims of sexual 

assault. 

• Strive to resolve intrajurisdictional conflicts.

Be sure that jurisdictional policies address the scope and limitations of confidentiality as it relates to 

the examination process and with whom information can be legally and ethically shared. The 

confidentiality of records (as well as forensic evidence and photographic and video images) is intricately 

linked to the scope of patients’ consent. Members of a SART or other collaborating responders should inform 

victims of the scope of confidentiality with each responder and be cautious not to exceed the limits of victim 

consent. 

Promote understanding of confidentiality issues. Responders involved in the exam process need 

education on the basics of maintaining the confidentiality of their patients (e.g., knowing what information is

confidential and with whom confidential data can be shared, and being aware of their surroundings and who 

may be listening when discussing cases). They also should build their understanding of the scope and 

limitations of confidentiality of each agency and responder involved.

In addition, responders should be aware of the laws in their jurisdiction pertaining to privileged 

communications. 79 More than half of the States have laws in place providing some level of privilege to the 

communications of sexual assault/rape crisis and domestic violence counselors. A few States’ laws apply to 

victim counselors in general. In most States, counselors must complete a certain number of training hours to 

qualify for the privilege. However, privileges vary from State to State. Jurisdictions should be careful in their 

local response to protect the privileges. This can be done by limiting who speaks with the victim at each 

stage of the process, who will be present, and who will be the recordkeeper or notetaker. 

Involved responders should be able to explain the following to patients: 

• Community-based advocates usually can provide patients with some level of confidentiality (depending 

upon applicable jurisdictional statutes). It is important to convey to patients the scope and limits of 

confidentiality of this communication. 

• Patients’ medical records are confidential—exam facilities typically have policies in place to protect these 

records. It is important that patients understand the scope and limits of confidentiality of these records. 

• If the assault is reported to law enforcement, health care providers provide to the criminal justice system 

information collected during the examination that is related to forensic evidence. 

• When jurisdictions allow health care providers to collect evidence and forensic information from patients 

without a law enforcement report, the evidence collection kit is typically held in a secure setting for a 

period of time as determined by jurisdictional policy. Patients’ identity should not be revealed to law 

enforcement. Patients usually need to make an official report by the end of the designated period of time 

or the evidence and information will be destroyed. 

• Information that patients share with law enforcement representatives, prosecutors, justice system based 

advocates, and adult/child protective services becomes part of the criminal justice record. This record is

typically available to investigators and prosecutors handling the patient’s case. It also may be 

 79 Traditionally, many types of communication have been protected from disclosure in court. These include communication between 

husband and wife, physician and patient, attorney and client, clergy and parishioner, and psychotherapist and patient. Confidential 

communication generated in the course of a counseling relationship has more recently been afforded some statutory protection. In 

general, victim-counselor privilege laws enable counselors (such as community-based victim advocates) to maintain confidentiality of 

information revealed to them. In addition to preventing counselors from testifying in court, many privilege laws extend protection to their 

written records. (Drawn from Privacy of Victims’ Counseling Communications, Office for Victims of Crime, Legal Series, Bulletin #8 

(November 2002), pp. 1–2.)

43 
discovered80 by the defense (although prosecutors may request the court to shield certain information 

from the defense, such as history of prior pregnancies, abortions, and STIs).81

• Each case potentially involves responders from different agencies that may have their own confidentiality 

policies (e.g., school counselors and mental health providers). 

• Both prosecutors and defense attorneys can call witnesses to testify in court; and 

• Court documents and proceedings are generally matters of public record, with the exception of certain 

excluded materials (e.g., some States’ statutes prohibit victim contact information from appearing on 

public court documents). 

• Patients may at some point wish to view or obtain applicable medical records and/or law enforcement 

reports. They should have access to such documentation, and exam site and jurisdictional procedures

for accessing this data should be conveyed to patients.

Consider the impact of Federal privacy laws regarding health information on victims of sexual 

assault. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing 

regulations (found at 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164), established national standards for the protection of certain 

individually identifiable health information created or held by health care providers, health insurance 

companies, and health clearinghouses. The impact of these privacy laws on the provision of services to 

victims of sexual assault is unclear, because interpretation of the laws depends on individual situations and 

the law of the particular State. Responders are encouraged to contact their State coalition for further 

discussion about the impact of the HIPAA regulations on their participation in the exam process.82

Strive to resolve intrajurisdictional conflicts. For example, maintaining confidentiality is often difficult in 

isolated or small communities where people know one another or word of a crime travels quickly (e.g., school 

campuses and tribal, military, religious, or immigrant communities). Special precautions must be taken in 

these situations to preserve confidentiality. Every effort should be made to avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., the 

investigator is the cousin of the suspect or the health care provider, advocate, or interpreter is an 

acquaintance of the patient). Give patients as many options as possible to avoid these dilemmas (e.g., allow 

them to work with a different investigator or be examined at another site or by another examiner, if possible). 

 

 80 Discovery in a criminal case is the turning over of any evidence or information that the prosecutor is obligated by jurisdictional statute 

or case law to turn over to the defense. (Drawn from electronic communications with Norm Gahn, Assistant District Attorney, Office of 

the District Attorney for Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, during the fall of 2003.) 81 Depending on jurisdictional law, law enforcement reports and reports of other governmental agencies may be subject to open public 

records laws or Freedom of Information Act laws. In such instances, jurisdictional policy would govern when such information could be 

released to the general public upon request. (Drawn from electronic communications with Robert Laurino, Deputy Chief Assistant 

Prosecutor, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey, during the fall of 2003.) 82 A list of State sexual assault coalitions is available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/saresources.htm.

44
5. Reporting to Law Enforcement 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions and responders to facilitate victim-sensitive reporting 

practices:

• Where permitted by law, patients, not health care workers, should make the decision to report a sexual 

assault to law enforcement. Patients should be provided with information about the possible benefits and 

consequences of reporting so that they can make an informed decision. 

• It is not recommended to require reporting as a condition of performing or paying for the exam. Even if 

patients are undecided about reporting, they should be encouraged to provide a medical forensic history, 

undergo the forensic exam, and have evidence collected and stored.

• Jurisdictions should consider an anonymous or blind reporting system for cases in which victims do not 

want to report immediately or are undecided about reporting.

• Communities should consider a variety of approaches to promote a victim-centered reporting process.

Many sexual assault victims who come to health care facilities or other exam sites for the medical forensic

exam choose to report the assault to law enforcement. Reporting provides the criminal justice system with 

the opportunity to offer immediate protection to the victim, collect evidence from all crime scenes, investigate 

the case, prosecute it if there is sufficient evidence, and hold the offender accountable for crimes committed. 

Given the danger that sex offenders pose to the community, reporting can serve as a first step in efforts to 

stop them from reoffending. Equally important, reporting gives the justice system the chance to encourage 

victims to seek assistance to address their needs, identify patterns of sexual violence in the jurisdiction, and 

educate the public about such patterns. It is recommended that service providers encourage victims to report 

due in part to the recognition that delayed reporting is extremely detrimental to the prosecution and holding 

offenders accountable. Victims need to know that even if they are not ready to report at the time of the exam, 

the best way to preserve their option to report later is to have the exam performed. 

Some victims, however, are unable to make a decision about whether they want to report or be involved in 

the criminal justice system in the immediate aftermath of an assault. Pressuring these victims to report may 

discourage their future involvement. Yet, they can benefit from support and advocacy, treatment, and 

information that focus on their well-being. Recognizing that evidence on their bodies is lost as time passes 

and that they may report at a later date, victims can also be encouraged to have the medical forensic exam

conducted. Victims who are recipients of compassionate and appropriate care at the time of the exam are 

more likely to cooperate with law enforcement and prosecution in the future. 

Where permitted by law, patients, not health care workers, should make the decision to report a 

sexual assault to law enforcement. Health care workers in some jurisdictions are bound by law to report 

some or all forms of sexual assault, regardless of patients’ wishes.83 In the remaining jurisdictions, no report 

should be made without the consent of patients. (Exceptions typically include cases involving vulnerable 

adults and minors victimized by caretakers or other authority figures). All involved health care providers 

should be aware of the reporting requirements in the jurisdiction in which they work. 

In jurisdictions in which mandatory reporting by health care personnel is required, patients should be 

informed of the legal obligations of health care personnel, what triggers a mandatory report, that a report is 

being made, and the contents of the report. Patients should understand that even if health care personnel 

make a mandatory report, they are not obligated to talk with law enforcement officials or make a formal 

complaint themselves.

84

 83 Some jurisdictions call for mandated reporting for some or all violent crimes, requiring health care workers to notify law enforcement 

in cases involving a gunshot or knife wound, strangulation/choking, or other serious bodily injury. They vary, however, in whether they

require acts of sexual violence without serious physical injuries to be reported. 84 Some victims may fear perceived consequences of reporting (e.g., retaliation by offenders; rejection by family members and friends; 

being discriminated against if they are males.) Victims may have these and other fears because they are from populations with differing 

sexual orientations or from racially or otherwise oppressed groups; inmates; or are being deported or refused citizenship (in the case of 

recent immigrants and refugees). Some recent immigrants or refugees may fear law enforcement because of past experiences of 

oppression by authorities in their countries of origin. In addition, many victims are not willing to deal with the humiliation, loss of privacy,

and negativity they perceive would accompany reporting, an investigation, and prosecution. If an intimate partner or a family member 

45 
Jurisdictions are encouraged to pay for forensic exams regardless of the level of cooperation of victims with

law enforcement and the criminal justice process. Jurisdictions should conduct the exam and pay for exam 

costs without requiring patients’ involvement in the criminal justice system. Documentation and evidence 

collected could be invaluable to the investigation and prosecution if patients should report at a later date, 

which often occurs. Patients should also have the right to receive medical care for assault-related injuries 

and concerns, regardless of their decision to report and/or have evidence collected. 

Patients should be informed of the policies of the jurisdiction regarding whether the exam can be performed

and paid for by a government entity if they elect not to report or are undecided about reporting. Also, they 

should be aware of jurisdictional and exam site policies on payment for medical care, if a report is made, no 

report is made, or no decision has yet been made on reporting. 

Inform patients about reporting consequences. Prior to making a decision about reporting, patients need 

information about issues related to reporting. For example, they should be informed of the following: 

• The contents and process of reporting; 

• Procedures dealing with reporting in the jurisdictional protocol for immediate response to sexual assault; 

• Whether health care personnel are bound by law to report the assault; 

• The fact that the report will most likely trigger an investigation and possible prosecution; 

• The medical and forensic purposes of the exam and how evidence gathered could be used during 

investigation and prosecution; 

• Types of evidence (beyond that found on patients) that may be gathered during an investigation;85 

• The fact that delays in reporting, especially extended ones, can result in loss of evidence and may 

negatively affect the ability of the criminal justice system to investigate and prosecute a case;86

• Practices regarding prosecution of sexual assault victims for unrelated criminal charges; 

• Potential outcomes of criminal justice system interventions, such as possible sentences should

assailants be convicted and the possibility of restitution for victims;

• The right to accept or decline exam procedures and the possible consequences of declining; 

• The right to copies of any communication or report issued to law enforcement and procedures for 

accessing such data; 

• Policies related to payment for the exam, evidence collection, and medical care, whether or not a report 

is made; and 

• Policies on collecting/holding evidence in cases where patients are undecided about reporting, and, if 

evidence can be collected with no report, the amount of time they have to make a reporting decision. 

Consider alternatives to standard reporting procedures.87 Communities may want to consider 

alternatives to reporting, such as anonymous or blind reporting, in cases in which victims do not want to 

immediately report or are undecided about reporting (but are willing to report anonymously).88 Government 

 committed the assault, victims may also be concerned about the consequences of prosecution on their families (e.g., loss of income, 

employment, profession, attorney fees, and childcare costs) and being blamed for “tearing the families apart.” Incest victims may be 

deterred from reporting because offender registries might indirectly identify them. 85 For example, other evidence may be found at the locations of the seductions/lures, locations of actual assaults, locations victims went 

to immediately after the assaults, and the suspects’ bodies. 86 Prompt reporting can facilitate a thorough investigation. Collecting evidence from patients is but one piece of investigative information 

gathering. Other investigative activities may include, but are not limited to, identifying and collecting evidence from all crime scenes; 

identifying, apprehending, and interviewing suspects; interviewing witnesses (both eyewitnesses and persons to whom victims initially

disclose); obtaining search warrants as needed (e.g., to search for drugs that might have been used to facilitate an assault or for 

evidence used during an assault such as clothing, ropes, or condoms). Investigative activities depend on the specifics of each case. 87The first two paragraphs in this section are drawn from S. Garcia and M. Henderson, Blind Reporting of Sexual Violence, FBI Law

Enforcement Bulletin, June 1999, pp. 12–16. 88 For example, the Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Police Department’s blind reporting system for sexual assault enables victims to

disclose as much or as little information as they want. A detective records the information but does not initiate an investigation unless 

victims decide to file a formal complaint. The blind reporting system has been credited with contributing to a steady increase in sexual 

assault reporting. The number of male victims who reported during that time also rose. (K. Littel, M. Malefyt, and A. Walker, Assessing 

the Justice System Response to Violence Against Women: A Tool for Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and the Courts to Use in 

Developing Effective Response, 1998, pp. 18–9.) 

46
entities that mandate reporting for sexual assaults, in particular, may want to explore the option of third-party 

anonymous reporting for mandated reports.89 Although the practice of anonymous reporting is not 

widespread, it appears promising in that it allows victims and/or third-party reporters to share critical 

information about the assault with law enforcement without sacrificing confidentiality and filing a complaint. It 

also enables investigators to gain information about sex crimes that would otherwise go unreported. 

To develop an anonymous/blind reporting system, law enforcement agencies can:

• Establish and uphold a policy of victim confidentiality; 

• Allow victims to disclose as little or as much information as they wish; 

• Accept the information whenever victims might offer it—a delay in disclosure is not an indicator of the 

validity of the statement; 

• Develop procedures and forms to facilitate anonymous information from third parties (e.g., examiners); 

• Clarify options with victims for future contact—where, how, and under what circumstances they may be 

contacted by the law enforcement agency; and 

• Maintain these reports in separate files from official complaints to avoid inappropriate use. 

Victims making anonymous or blind reports and going through the medical forensic exam should be informed 

about jurisdictional policies regarding storage of evidence and exam payment. (In some communities, it is a 

challenge to find adequate space to hold evidence in cases where a report has not been made. For more 

information on this topic, see B.6. Evidence Integrity.) If victims have evidence collected, they also should 

have the option of being notified if DNA evidence from their case is linked to an offender already in the 

national DNA database or identifies other victims of the same offender.90 Informed consent from victims for 

notification should be sought during the initial report, as well as appropriate times and methods to recontact 

them.91 

Promote a victim-centered reporting process. Some approaches for communities to consider: 

• Encourage victims to consent to the medical forensic history, an examination, and documentation 

regardless of whether an evidence collection kit is used. 

• Explore the myriad reasons why victims are reluctant to report and how the actions or attitudes of 

agencies may help perpetuate these fears. Help agencies consider how to reduce reluctance and fears. 

• Evaluate local trends regarding reporting and victims’ involvement in the criminal justice system. Based 

on feedback, develop and implement a plan to improve multidisciplinary response to sexual assault. 

• Increase victim-sensitivity education for first responders (e.g., educate law enforcement investigators on

interviewing versus interrogating skills, educate health care personnel to be compassionate and not 

blame patients for the assault, and educate prosecutors to be victim-centered in their approaches). 

• Encourage criminal justice statistical reports that accurately reflect the frequency and severity of sexual 

assaults reported in a jurisdiction. 

• Initiate community education, outreach, and services targeting groups that may be reluctant to seek

assistance after an assault. 

• Offer viable options for reimbursement of exam costs for which victims are responsible.92

 89 For example, all health care providers in Massachusetts who attend to, treat, or examine a sexual assault patient are required to 

submit a third-party anonymous report (with no identifying information) to law enforcement in the community where the assault occurred 

as well as to the State police. This report is required even if patients report the assault. (Commonwealth of Massachusetts SANE 

Protocol, 2002, pp. 8–9.) 90 The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is an electronic database of DNA profiles obtained from evidence samples from unsolved 

crimes and from known individuals convicted of particular crimes. Contributions to this database are made through State crime 

laboratories. The FBI maintains the data. 91 All those involved in immediate response, including victims, need to understand the nature of DNA evidence and how CODIS can be

used to match offenders with DNA in the database. They also need to know the status of CODIS in their jurisdiction (CODIS is not yet 

up and running in some States, and States have varying laws regarding which crimes qualify for inclusion in the database). 92 It would be ideal if victims did not have to cover any costs for the exam and related medical care. However, jurisdictions and exam 

facilities vary in the costs that victims are required to cover. Often, but not always, victims are responsible for the costs of treatment for 

injuries and possible pregnancy, STIs, and HIV infection. Some exam facilities are flexible—they may allow victims to pay as they are

financially able or may be willing to waive some or all charges. In some jurisdictions, if victims decide not to report but want the exam 

performed, they are held responsible for the cost of the exam. 

47 
• Encourage the development of a coordinating council and/or SART to facilitate a more coordinated, 

victim-centered, comprehensive community response to sexual violence. 

• Support the formation of specialized examiner programs, investigative and prosecution units, and sexual 

assault victim advocacy programs to handle these cases. Specialization can potentially increase the 

knowledge base and commitment of involved responders, increase adherence to jurisdictional protocols 

for immediate response to sexual assault, encourage a victim-centered response, and positively 

advertise services offered. 

• Develop jurisdictionwide public information initiatives on mandatory reporting—mandatory reporters need 

to know applicable statutes regarding reporting sexual assault cases that involve older vulnerable adults, 

persons with disabilities, and minors. A toll-free hotline number exclusively dedicated to abuse reports 

may also help simplify reporting and ensure a written report of each case and referrals to appropriate 

agencies. Such a hotline could be operated at a State, tribal, regional, or local level. To encourage both 

reporting and followthrough, protective agencies that investigate these cases should work collaboratively 

with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that each case is dealt with in the best possible manner 

and that further harm does not occur.93 

• In institutional settings such as prisons, jails, immigrant detention centers, nursing homes and assisted

living programs, inpatient treatment centers, and group homes, ensure that victims can report assaults to 

outside agencies and are offered protection from retaliation for reporting. 

•

 

In each case, strive to create an environment in which victims are encouraged to report and are 

supported throughout the criminal justice process and beyond. Even in those cases that do not develop 

beyond an initial report to the police, victims should feel that they are respected.94

• After steps have been taken to identify and remove barriers to reporting sexual assaults, educate the 

public about the potential benefits of reporting, how to go about reporting, what happens once a report is 

filed, and jurisdictional legal advocacy services available (if any) for sexual assault victims. Build upon 

already existing public awareness efforts of local advocacy programs. 

93 Bullet drawn from A. Vachss, Redefining Rape Response: When the Victim is Elderly or Has a Disability, 2001, pp. 6–8, and 10. 94 Bullet adapted from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Standards for Providing Services to Survivors of Sexual Assault, 

1998, pp. 6 and 18. 

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6. Payment for the Examination Under VAWA 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions to facilitate payment for the sexual assault medical forensic

exam: 

• Understand the scope of the VAWA provisions related to exam payment. 

• Victims should be notified of exam facility and jurisdictional policies regarding payment for medical care 

and the medical forensic exam, as well as if and how their reporting decisions will affect payment. 

Relevant government entities are strongly encouraged to pay for medical forensic exams without 

requiring sexual assault victims to report to law enforcement. 

Understand the VAWA provisions related to exam payment. Under the Violence Against Women Act 

(VAWA), grantees of the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program must meet certain 

requirements concerning payment for the forensic medical exam in order to receive funds. The STOP 

Program is a formula grant program which provides funds to all States, Territories, and the District of 

Columbia.95 

Each of these entities certifies each year that it is in compliance with the requirements of VAWA. Specifically, 

the State, Territory, or the District of Columbia must certify that it or another governmental entity "incurs the 

full out-of-pocket cost of forensic medical exams" for victims of sexual assault. If one part of a State or 

Territory, such as a county or city, is forcing victims to incur these costs, then the State or Territory will not be 

able to certify and will be ineligible for the grant funds.96 

Definitions under VAWA. For the purpose of the VAWA requirement, the term "forensic medical examination" 

means “an examination provided to a sexual assault victim by medical personnel trained to gather evidence 

of a sexual assault in a manner suitable for use in a court of law.”97 According to regulations of the STOP 

Program, the exam should include, at a minimum, “i) examination of physical trauma; ii) determination of 

penetration or force;98 iii) patient interview; and iv) collection and evaluation of evidence.”99 The inclusion of 

additional procedures (e.g., testing for STIs) to obtain evidence may be determined by the State, Indian tribal 

government, or unit of local government in accordance with its current laws, policies, and practices.100 

By regulation, "full out-of-pocket cost” means “any expense that may be charged to a victim in connection 

with a medical forensic examination for the purpose of gathering evidence of a sexual assault.”101 Examples 

of such expenses may include the full cost of the exam or a fee established by the facility conducting the 

exam. Often, medical services that are not related to evidence gathering will not be covered by this 

requirement. 

It is important that victims are advised of jurisdictional policies regarding payment for the medical forensic 

examination. Victims must be aware of exam facility and jurisdictional policies regarding payment for other 

medical care related to the sexual assault. Typically, all costs related to the exam and to medical care are 

not paid for by government entities even if a report is made. Thus, involved responders are encouraged to 

 95 Its purpose is to assist these jurisdictions in developing and strengthening law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat 

violence against women, as well as in developing and strengthening victim services in cases involving violence against women. 96 Under 42 U.S.C. § 10607, for Federal cases, the Federal investigating agency that investigates the sexual assault shall pay for the 

cost of a forensic exam "which an investigating officer determines was necessary or useful for evidentiary purposes." 97 28 C.F.R. § 90.2(b). Note that the term “medical forensic examination” is used throughout the protocol, rather than “forensic medical 

examination” as used in the VAWA requirements. 98 The analysis of evidence gathered during the exam, along with examiner documentation of findings, may help determine whether 

penetration occurred or force was used. Examiners, however, are not responsible for drawing conclusions about how injuries were

caused or whether an assault occurred or not, although they can note consistency between patients’ statements and injuries they

identify. 99 28 C.F.R. § 90.2(b) (1). 100 28 C.F.R. § 90.2(b) (2). 101 28 C.F.R. § 90.14(a). 

49 
assist victims in identifying and accessing jurisdictional resources to cover the costs of the exam.

102 For 

example, responders can help them apply for crime victims’ compensation (if available) or arrange a 

payment plan with the exam facility.103 When victims are billed by the exam facility for costs that are their 

responsibility, procedures to protect their privacy should be incorporated into the billing process. Personnel in 

facility billing departments should be educated regarding coding and billing practices in these cases, as 

determined by facility and/or jurisdictional policy. 

Reporting to law enforcement. States, Territories, the District of Columbia, and tribes are strongly 

encouraged to pay for sexual assault medical forensic exams without requiring victims to report the assault 

to law enforcement. Some victims are unable to make a decision about whether they want to report to law 

enforcement in the immediate aftermath of the assault. Recognizing that evidence is lost as time progresses, 

victims should be encouraged to have the evidence collected right away, and then have time to decide about 

reporting the crime. 

See www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/faqforensic.htm for more information on the STOP Formula Grant Program

medical forensic exam payment requirement. 

 102 Victims in Federal cases should first apply to the State or Territory crime victims’ compensation program for reimbursement of costs 

that are their responsibility. If they are unable to obtain reimbursement via this channel, they should work with victim-witness specialists 

in the Federal agency investigating or prosecuting the case to identify other possible sources of funding or reimbursement. 103 Exam facilities are sometimes willing to waive some related medical care costs that are not covered by government entities. 

50
B. Operational Issues 

This section discusses components essential to conducting the sexual assault forensic 

examination: the health care providers conducting the exam, the facilities where exams are 

performed, the equipment and supplies needed during the exam, and the sexual assault evidence 

collection kit. It also discusses timing considerations in collecting evidence and evidence integrity

during and after the exam. 

The following chapters are included: 

1. Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners 

2. Facilities 

3. Equipment and Supplies 

4. Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit 

5. Timing Considerations for Collecting Evidence 

6. Evidence Integrity 

51 

1. Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions to build capacity of examiners to conduct these exams: 

• Encourage the development of specific examiner knowledge, skills, and attitudes. 

• Encourage the advanced education and supervised clinical practice of examiners, as well as certification 

for nurses who are examiners. 

It is critical that health care providers conducting the sexual assault medical forensic exam are committed to

providing compassionate and quality health care, collecting evidence in a thorough and appropriate manner, 

and testifying in court if needed. Their commitment should be grounded both in an understanding that sexual 

assault is a serious crime that can have profound, negative effects on those victimized and in recognition of 

the role of advanced education and clinical experience in building competency to perform the exam. 

A growing trend across the United States is the use of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) to conduct 

the exam. SANEs are registered nurses who receive specialized education and fulfill clinical requirements to 

perform these exams. Some nurses have been certified as SANEs–Adult and Adolescent (SANE–A) through 

the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).104 Others are specially educated and fulfill clinical 

requirements as forensic nurse examiners (FNEs), enabling them to collect forensic evidence for a variety of 

crimes. The terms “sexual assault forensic examiner” (SAFE) and “sexual assault examiner” (SAE) are often 

used more broadly to denote a health care provider (e.g., a physician, physician assistant, nurse, or nurse 

practitioner) who has been specially educated and completed clinical requirements to perform this exam. 

All communities should strive to ensure that victims of a recent sexual assault have access to specially 

educated and clinically prepared examiners to perform the medical forensic exam. As much as possible, 

examiners should be permanent rather than on temporary assignment in a jurisdiction. It can be challenging

for examiners who are temporary (e.g., at an Indian Health Service facility) to understand needs of victims 

from the community or to be familiar with jurisdictional policies and procedures. If they move to another job 

assignment, arranging for them to testify in court can be complicated.105

Encourage the development of specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Conducting a sexual assault 

medical forensic examination is a complex and time-consuming procedure. It is useful for examiners to have 

specific knowledge and skills that can guide them as they perform these exams.106 For example, it is 

beneficial for them to know about the following: 

• The dynamics and impact of sexual victimization; 

• Jurisdictional laws related to sexual offenses; 

• Coordinated multidisciplinary response, roles of each responding agency, and procedures for 

communicating with each agency during immediate response;

• The importance of examiner neutrality and objectivity during the examination;

• The broad spectrum of potential evidence and physical findings in these cases;

• The importance of the medical forensic history and other documentation; 

 104 Eligibility criteria for IAFN SANE Adult/Adolescent certification includes: registered license as an R.N. in the United States or its 

Territories, or a license as a first-level general nurse in the jurisdiction of current practice; a minimum of 2 years of practice as an R.N. in 

the United States or as a first-level general nurse in the country of licensure; successful completion of an adult/adolescent SANE 

education program that includes either (a) a minimum of 40 continuing education contact hours of classroom instruction, or (b) 3 

semester hours (or the equivalent) of academic credit in an accredited school of nursing, and sufficient supervised clinical practice until 

determined competent in SANE practice. An appropriate clinical authority, as outlined in the adult section of the IAFN SANE Education 

Guidelines (1998) must validate current SANE competency. (Drawn from the IAFN SANE Certification Brochure, available at 

www.iafn.org.) 

105 Most hospitals or medical clinics that physicians or advanced practice nurses are employed by or affiliated with require them to apply 

for facility privileges. Those requesting privileges usually must agree to provide forwarding addresses when they leave. Also, medical 

licenses can be tracked to the State or Territory where the health care provider is working. 106 The next two bulleted sections are adapted from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual 

Abuse Victims, 2001, pp. 25–26, produced by the California Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning. Also see L. Ledray’s SANE 

Development and Operation Guide, pp. 54–55, for information on SANE training components. 

53 
• Proper evidence collection and preservation procedures; 

• Preexisting needs and circumstances of patients that may affect how the exam is conducted; 

• Treatment options and procedures for common concerns such as pregnancy, STIs, and HIV infection; 

• Equipment, supplies, and medication typically used during the exam; 

• Precautions to prevent exposure to potentially infectious materials;

107

• Indications for followup health care and documentation of injuries; 

• Applicable laws and protocols regarding performance of medical forensic exams and standardized forms 

used to document findings; 

• Patients’ needs for support, crisis intervention, advocacy, information, and referrals during the exam 

process, local resources for addressing these needs, and procedures for accessing resources; 

• The importance of establishing vehicles to ensure the quality of the exam and related documentation; 

• Examiner court testimony (what it involves and how examiners can prepare for it); and 

• Applicable research findings, technological advances, and promising practices.

It is useful for examiners to be able to: 

• Preserve their neutrality and objectivity in each case;

• Assess patients’ clinical condition (physical and psychological assessment108) and provide appropriate 

treatment and medical referrals (e.g., to a surgeon);

• Adapt exam procedures to address patients’ needs and circumstances as much as possible;

• Take measures during the exam process to reduce the likelihood of patients’ retraumatization;

• Take precautions according to facility policy to prevent exposure to potentially infectious materials; 

• Contact advocates upon initial contact with patients (where available) so they can offer patients support, 

crisis intervention, advocacy, information, and community referrals before, during, and after the exam;109

• Gather information sensitively from patients for a medical forensic history and use the history as a guide

when performing an exam;

• Explain to patients what items need to be collected for evidence and for what purposes; 

• If patients want to report, promptly involve law enforcement representatives and work with them to 

maximize the collection of evidence from patients and from crime scenes; 

• Identify and describe pertinent genital and anorectal anatomical structures and external landmarks; 

• Identify and document injuries and interpret physical findings; 

• Use enhancement techniques for detection and documentation of findings; 

• Collect and preserve evidence for analysis by the crime laboratory; 

• Collect and preserve toxicology samples in suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault cases; 

• Maintain and document the chain of custody for evidence; 

• Maintain the integrity of the evidence to ensure that optimal lab results are obtained; 

• Evaluate the possibility of STIs and HIV infection and provide prophylactics and/or treatment; 

 107 See the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 

(CFR 1910.1030). It may be accessed at www.osha.gov or by calling 800–321–0SHA. According to this standard, bloodborne 

pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. Among other things, the 

standard requires employers who have employees at risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially

infectious materials to develop plans to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. It also advises universal precautions that should be 

observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (this approach treats all human blood and certain human 

body fluids as if they are known to be infectious). In addition, the standard requires employers to ensure that all employees at risk 

participate in a training program to inform them of risks, related facility policies, and necessary precautions. Employers must also 

establish and maintain a record for each employee with occupational exposure. 108 Examiners typically assess patients’ psychological functioning to determine whether there is a risk for suicide and whether patients 

are oriented to person, place, and time. They may request a mental health evaluation for patients, if necessary. 109 It is helpful if jurisdictions clarify the specific roles of advocates and examiners during the exam process. In the absence of advocates 

or other victim service providers, examiners may be responsible for providing crisis intervention and support to patients. In situations 

where examiners are both collectors of evidence and crisis counselors, it is important to understand whether these dual roles affect their 

ability to testify in an unbiased manner. 

54
• Assess pregnancy risk and discuss treatment options with the patient, including reproductive health 

services;

• Ensure that patients’ immediate medical needs and concerns are addressed and appropriate medical 

referrals are provided prior to discharge; 

• Recognize evidence-based conclusions and limitations in the analysis of findings; 

• Complete standard forms for documenting the medical forensic results of the exam; 

• Discuss evidentiary findings with investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys as requested 

(according to jurisdictional policy); and 

• Testify in court if needed. 

Encourage a minimum standard for advanced education and supervised clinical practice for health 

care personnel conducting the exam, as well as certification for nurse examiners. Such a standard 

must speak to specific education and supervision needs of involved disciplines. For example, nonphysician 

examiners may require medical supervision and backup, in addition to completing necessary training and 

clinical requirements. Certification through the IAFN is currently available only to nurses trained as SANEs. 

When designing classroom education for examiners, make sure the examiners understand the importance of 

a multidisciplinary response during the exam process. Consider involving trainers from health care, 

advocacy, law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, and crime laboratories. 

 

Standardized curricula on sexual assault exams in medical school, nursing and nurse practitioner programs, 

and physician assistant programs are recommended. Consideration must be given to how to systematically

secure, supervise, and retain examiners in/for poor, rural, or remote areas, institutional settings,110 military 

bases, college campuses, tribal lands, migrant farm worker communities, and other areas needing increased 

victim outreach. Examiners need to know how to respond in a respectful manner to various populations 

within their community (e.g., local tribal victim service providers may be able to provide training on cultural 

beliefs and practices that might be relevant in sexual assault cases). 

In addition, other health care providers who come into contact with patients who disclose a recent assault 

need information on procedures for obtaining immediate patient assistance and caring for patients prior to 

their arrival at the exam site. 

 110 Examples of institutional settings include prisons, jails, immigration detention centers, juvenile detention centers, nursing homes, 

assisted living and rehabilitation programs, and inpatient treatment centers. 

55 

2. Facilities 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions to build the capacity of health care facilities to respond to 

sexual assault cases:

• Recognize the obligation of health care facilities to serve sexual assault patients. 

• Ensure that exams are conducted at sites served by examiners with advanced education and clinical 

experience. 

• Communities should explore what is best for them regarding locations of exam sites. 

• Communities may wish to consider developing basic requirements for designated exam sites. 

• Promote public awareness about designated exam sites, ensuring information is disseminated to 

appropriate agencies and community members. Encourage first responders to work together to assist 

victims in using these sites. 

• If a transfer from one health care facility to a designated exam site is necessary, use a protocol that 

minimizes time delays and loss of evidence and addresses patients’ needs. However, avoid transferring

these patients where possible. 

Recognize the obligation of health care facilities to serve sexual assault patients.111 It is essential that

all sexual assault patients who present to health care facilities be thoroughly evaluated. Treating injuries 

alone is not sufficient in these cases. Staff who examine these patients must be educated and clinically 

prepared to collect evidence and document findings while maintaining the chain of custody. They should be

able to coordinate crisis intervention and support for patients, as well as provide STI evaluation and care, 

pregnancy assessment, and discuss treatment options, including reproductive health services. They must be 

aware of and follow jurisdictional reporting policies, and be able to provide court testimony if necessary. 

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

112 requires emergency and 

ambulatory care facilities to have established policies for identifying and assessing possible victims of rape 

and other sexual molestation. It also requires staff to be trained on these policies. As part of the assessment 

process, JCAHO requires these facilities to define their responsibilities related to the collection and 

preservation of evidentiary materials.113 Sexual assault examiner programs are helping many health care 

facilities to carry out these requirements. Facilities should also familiarize themselves with the Federal 

Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), which has provisions pertaining to the ability 

of hospitals to turn away patients with emergency medical conditions.114

 

Conduct exams at sites served by specially educated and clinically prepared examiners. Some 

jurisdictions designate specific facilities as exam locations because they employ or have ready access to 

specially educated and clinically prepared examiners, as well as the necessary space, equipment, supplies, 

and policies to facilitate the exam process. Jurisdictions may rely on examiner programs to serve multiple 

exam sites within a specific area.115 Communities can benefit from designated exam facilities and examiner 

programs that use specially educated and clinically prepared examiners to conduct the exam because they: 

• Increase the likelihood of a state-of-the-art examination; 

• Enhance a coordinated team approach; 

 111 This and the next paragraph were drawn from L. Ledray, Evidence Collection and Care of the Sexual Assault Survivor: The SANESART Response, 2001, p. 1. 112 JCAHO standards for accreditation address a health care organization’s level of performance in specific areas—not just what the 

organization is capable of doing, but what it actually does. The standards set forth maximum achievable performance expectations for

activities that affect the quality of care. These standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement 

experts, purchasers, and consumers, and usually are updated every 2 years. (Drawn from www.ljcaho.org/pms/index.htm. See 

www.jcaho.org for more information on JCAHO.) 113 Information on these requirements was drawn from www.sasafefamily.com. 114 42 U.S.C. § 1395dd. See http://www.emtala.com for more information about EMTALA. 115 A mobile examiner program may be based in a health care facility—in addition to providing services at that facility, it also may

contract with other exam sites to provide services as requested. Such a program may also be independent, with administrative offices 

only, and solely contract with exam sites to provide examiner services. 

57 
• Encourage quality control (e.g., through use of competent and dedicated examiners, established 

procedures for evidence collection, and standards for medical care); and 

• Increase the quality of care for patients and attention to their needs. 

Explore possibilities for optimal site locations. SARTs (or involved agencies) should determine where 

exams should be conducted. Some factors to consider when identifying sites include safety and security for 

patients and staff, physical and psychological comfort for patients, capacity to accommodate victims with 

disabilities,116 availability of examiners with advanced education and clinical experience, access to a 

pharmacy for medication, access to medical support services for care of injuries, access to lab services, and

access to the supplies and equipment needed to complete an exam.

117 Decisions about site location should 

reflect the needs of victims (e.g., for accessible care close to their home and local referrals), what is most 

efficient for the multidisciplinary response team, and the need to maintain the neutrality and objectivity of 

examiners. Designated facilities may be in hospitals, health clinics, mobile health units, or other alternative 

sites, including family justice centers.118, 119 The majority of medical forensic exams are conducted in hospital 

emergency departments. This location typically offers some level of security, is open 24 hours a day, and 

provides access to a wide array of medical and support services. Clinical staff often have the experience and 

expertise to perform the exam and collaborate with appropriate disciplines. Some jurisdictions have or are 

developing specialized hospital or community-based examiner programs.

120 

SARTs may need to decide whether a local, regional, or State/Territorial system of designated facilities best 

serves community needs. Some issues that might impact this decision include community demographics and 

geography; the need for and availability of specialized services; availability of local health care facilities; local 

capacity to secure competent examiners and necessary space, equipment, and supplies; willingness of 

involved disciplines to coordinate with a local facility or examiner program; distance to/from regional or 

State/Territorial facilities; and service capacity of regional or State/Territorial facilities. Communities are 

encouraged to first consider using local designated exam sites. However, some may ultimately opt for 

regional- or State/Territorial-level facilities. For example, a small State or sparsely populated region may 

establish one or more designated facilities to serve all of its localities. 

Exam facilities and examiners that serve at the local level may benefit from networking with examiners in 

other facilities or areas for support for peer review of medical forensic reports, quality assurance, and 

information sharing (e.g., on training opportunities, practices, and referrals for patients). 

Communities may wish to consider basic requirements for designated exam sites, such as:121 

• The site will be within a reasonable distance from any point in the area it serves (“reasonable” is locally 

defined); 

• The site will promptly alert the SART, if one exists, when sexual assault patients arrive; 

• Urgent or emergent physical injuries will be treated immediately; 

• Responding examiners will be competent in their knowledge and skills;

• The site will arrange for certified interpretation as needed in patients’ preferred languages and/or obtain 

devices that facilitate communication for individuals with communication disabilities. 

 116 Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act explains requirements for facilities in accommodating persons with 

disabilities (which may vary depending on the type of facility). Title II prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all 

programs, activities, and services of public entities. Title III requires places of public accommodation to make reasonable modification in

their policies, practices, and procedures in order to accommodate individuals with disabilities. See www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada for related 

information and resources. 

117 Drawn from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 35–36. 118 Particularly on tribal land that is devoid of or a significant distance from a hospital, Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities should 

consider securing and maintaining examiners and necessary space, equipment, and supplies to conduct these exams. Ideally, all IHS 

facilities should have examiners and a minimum standard for examiner training. 119 For more information on the President’s Family Justice Center Initiative, see http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo. 120 The pros and cons of developing hospital versus community-based examiner programs are discussed in more detail in L. Ledray’s 

SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 35–9; L. Ledray’s Sexual Assault: Clinical Issues, SANE Program Pros and Cons, 

Journal of Emergency Nursing, 23(2), p. 183; and in K. Littel’s SANE Programs: Improving the Community Response to Sexual Assault

Victims, pp. 10–1. 121 Adapted from Pennsylvania’s SART Guidelines, 2002, p. 21. 

58
• Patients will be provided with a comprehensive medical forensic exam and resources to address their 

immediate emotional and psychological needs; 

• The site will provide a private, secure, and quiet waiting area for patients and for personal support 

persons accompanying them; 

• The site will provide a private and secure setting for the investigative interview; 

• The site will provide a private exam room and other measures to assure patients’ privacy; 

• The site will have a bathroom (preferably with shower facilities) available for patients’ use following 

completion of the exam; 

• The site or examiner program that serves the site will have/provide proper equipment and supplies to 

facilitate a comprehensive exam (“proper equipment and supplies” are locally defined); 

• The site or examiner program that serves the site will have a mechanism to ensure evidence collection 

kits are up to date; 

• Patients will be offered medications for possible exposure to sexually transmitted infections; 

• Patients will be offered information about how exams are paid for in their jurisdiction and reimbursement 

sources (if they exist) for related expenses that are their responsibility; and 

• Site billing departments will adhere to proper coding and billing practices for sexual assault cases, as 

determined by the facility and informed by jurisdictional policy. 

If designated facilities or sites served by examiner programs are selected, their success depends on getting 

information about them to victims and agencies that provide immediate response or refer victims for 

treatment and evidence collection. At a minimum, the list of designated exam sites should be provided to all 

local hospitals, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, sexual assault victim advocacy 

programs, and protective services. Promoting community public awareness about these sites is also 

important given that victims may first disclose an assault to family members, friends, teachers, faith-based

leaders, employers, coworkers, and others. In addition, success will depend on interagency cooperation in 

explaining facility options to victims and transporting them to designated exam sites (with their permission). 

Law enforcement representatives and advocates may need guidance on how to recommend an exam 

location to victims without mandating that they go to a specific site. 

If transferring the patient from one health care facility to a designated site is necessary, use an 

established protocol that minimizes time delays and loss of evidence while addressing patients’ 

needs.122 Avoid transferring sexual assault patients where possible. Every transfer can destroy evidence and 

cause patients further stress. However, if a sexually assaulted individual arrives at a health care facility that, 

for some reason, is not able to provide a medical forensic exam, interagency transfer procedures must be in

place to transfer that individual to the nearest designated exam site. Evidence should be preserved when 

examining, treating, or transferring patients. If there are acute medical or psychological injuries that must be 

treated immediately, treatment should be provided at the initial receiving facility. It may be helpful to offer 

patients support and advocacy from advocates at both the receiving facility and exam site. A copy of all 

records, including any X-rays taken, should be transported with patients to the exam facility. (However, it 

may not be necessary to send all medical records if patients’ medical needs are met before they are 

transferred to a nonmedical exam site for evidence collection.) All health care facilities receiving Federal 

funds, including Medicare and Medicaid payments, are required to screen patients medically before 

transferring them to another health care facility.123

Patients have a right to decline a transfer. They should be aware, however, of the impact of refusing transfer, 

as it may negatively affect the quality of care, the usefulness of evidence collection (if it is collected at all), 

and, ultimately, any criminal investigation and/or prosecution. They should understand that declining a 

transfer might also be used to discredit them in court.

 122 This section was drawn from the North Dakota Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Protocol, 2001, p. 12, and the Texas Evidence 

Collection Protocol, 1998, p. 14. 123 Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, 42 U.S.C. 1395dd. 

59 

3. Equipment and Supplies 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions and responders to ensure proper equipment and supplies are 

available for exams: 

• Consider what equipment and supplies are necessary to conduct a medical forensic exam. 

• Address cost barriers to obtaining necessary equipment and supplies. 

Examiners should know how to use all equipment and supplies (including medications) properly during the 

exam. It is important that examiners and other responders involved in sexual assault cases stay abreast of 

the latest research on the use of equipment and supplies used in caring for sexual assault patients and/or 

collecting evidence from them. 

Plan to have the following equipment and supplies readily available for the exam, according to 

jurisdictional policies: 124

• A copy of the most current exam protocol used by the jurisdiction.

• Standard exam room equipment and supplies for a physical assessment and evidentiary pelvic exam. 

The needs of patients with physical disabilities should be taken into account.125 

• Comfort supplies for patients, even if minimal. Suggested items: clean and ideally new replacement 

clothing, toiletries, food and drink, and a phone or at least easy access to a phone in as private a location

as possible. It is also important during the exam process to help patients obtain items they request 

related to their spiritual healing.126 It may be useful for facilities to have items on hand that are commonly 

requested in that jurisdiction (e.g., things that are used for local tribal traditional healing practices) and 

policies for their use in the facility.127

• Sexual assault evidence collection kits and related supplies. (See B.4. Sexual Assault Evidence 

Collection Kit for information on minimal kit contents.) Related supplies might include tweezers, tape, nail 

clippers and scrapers, scissors, dental floss, collection paper, saline solution or distilled water, extra 

swabs, slides, containers, envelopes, paper bags, and pens/pencils. 

• A method or device to dry evidence. Drying evidence is critical to preventing the growth of mold and 

bacteria that can destroy an evidentiary sample. With any drying method or device used, ensure minimal 

contamination of evidence, and maintain the chain of custody. The kit’s design can also aid in the drying 

process (e.g., by providing clear instructions and supplies to allow drying to occur).

• A camera and related supplies (using the most up-to-date technology possible) for forensic photography 

during initial and followup examinations. Related supplies might include film, batteries, a flash, and an 

inch scale or ruler for size reference. (Also see C.5. Photography.) 

• Testing and treatment supplies needed to evaluate and care for patients medically (follow exam facility 

policies). Also, testing supplies may be needed for forensic purposes that are not included in the 

evidence collection kit. For example, supplies for toxicology testing are often not in the kit.

• An alternate light source (using the most up-to-date technology possible) can aid in examining patients’ 

bodies, hair, and clothing. It is used to scan for evidence, such as dried or moist secretions, fluorescent 

 124 All the equipment and supplies discussed will not be needed in every exam. What is appropriate in each case will depend on the

circumstances of the assault and medical and forensic attention called for, patients’ needs, and patients’ consent to utilize equipment 

and supplies. Jurisdictional and/or facility policies will also influence what equipment and supplies are used. 125 For example, it would be ideal to have an exam table with a hydraulic lift for persons with mobility impairments. If this exam table is 

not available, health care personnel must be aware of how to assist patients with physical disabilities onto standard exam tables. If it is 

determined that a patient can only be examined on an exam table with a hydraulic lift, procedures should be in place to get the patient to 

a site with such a table with as little loss of evidence as possible. 126 Along with these items, patients may want the opportunity to speak with a trusted religious or spiritual leader, such as a medicine 

man/woman, a rabbi, a priest, or a pastor, before, during, or after the exam. 127 Involved responders/facilities should be aware of local traditional healing practices and support American Indian and Alaska Native 

patients if they wish to use such practices at some point before, during, or after the exam. Keep in mind that each tribe has its own 

traditional practices to promote healing, but not all Native people follow traditional spiritual paths. Rather, spiritual values and belief 

systems among Native people are as widely diverse as they are among the general population. 

61 
fibers not visible in ambient light, and subtle injury.128 While the exam can be done without a light source, 

it is a relatively inexpensive piece of equipment that is commonly used during exams.129 (Also see C.6.

Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures.)

• An anoscope may be used in cases involving anal/rectal trauma.130 This instrument can help in 

visualizing an anal injury, obtaining reliable rectal swabs (if there is a concern about contamination), and 

identifying and collecting trace evidence. Many health care facilities have anoscopes available. (Also see 

C.6. Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures.)

• Written materials for patients. (For details on this topic, see A.2. Victim-Centered Care.) 

In addition: 

• A colposcope with photographic capability is strongly suggested. Although injuries can be detected 

visually by examiners without the colposcope, the colposcope is an important asset in the identification of

microscopic trauma. Photographic equipment, both still and video, can be attached for forensic

documentation.(Also see C.6. Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures.)

• A microscope. In some jurisdictions, examiners are required to wet mount and immediately examine 

vaginal/cervical secretions for motile and nonmotile sperm.131 In these cases, an optically staining

microscope is used to highlight cellular material and facilitate the search for sperm.132 (Also see C.6.

Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures.)

• Toluidine blue dye. In some jurisdictions, the dye is used to assist in identifying recent genital and 

perianal injuries. (Also see C.6. Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures.)

(See C. The Examination Process for more discussion on use of equipment and supplies during the exam. ) 

Note that some jurisdictions, particularly those in rural and remote areas, are beginning to utilize advanced 

technology (equipment and methods) such as real-time video consultation, store and forward video 

consultation, and interactive video consultation to support examiners conducting exams. Using this type of

technology, examiners can eliminate the barriers of geography and consult with offsite medical “experts.” 

(This use of such technology in medicine is sometimes called telemedicine.) Equipment needed to facilitate 

use of telemedicine may include, but is not limited to, computers, software programs, and the Internet.133

Consider ways to overcome cost barriers. Obtaining equipment and supplies that can increase the quality 

and quantity of evidence collected can have a significant impact on case outcomes. However, the costs of

equipment and training on equipment use can be prohibitive for some jurisdictions and examiner programs. 

Some ideas to address cost barriers: 

• Seek used or donated equipment or alternative, less-expensive equipment where it exists; 

• Apply for grant or foundation funding for equipment where eligible;134

 128 Drawn from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 37. 129 A Wood’s Lamp is perhaps the most commonly used type of light source in sexual assault exams. Examiners should be aware of 

what the light sources they use will detect and their limitations. For example, many examiners find the Wood’s Lamp useful in helping to 

detect secretions, stains, and fibers on patients. However, one research study questioned its utility as a screening device for the 

detection of semen. (K. Santucci, D. Nelson, K. McQuillen, S. Duffy, and J. Linakis, “Wood’s Lamp Utility in the Identification of Semen,” 

Pediatrics, 104(6), 1999.) Continued research is needed (and being conducted) on the utility of this and other light sources in evidence 

collection. Ongoing refinement of these instruments is encouraged. 130 The examiner must use discretion in determining whether a case warrants the use of the anoscope for medical and/or forensic 

purposes, as well as obtain patients’ informed consent for anoscopy. The discomfort this invasive procedure may cause the patient 

should be weighed against its potential medical or forensic uses. 131 Wet-mount evaluation of vaginal secretions for infection (e.g., yeast infection and STIs) may be conducted if medically or forensically

indicated, whether or not wet-mount evaluation for sperm is done. Hospital lab personnel rather than examiners usually analyze these 

samples rather than examiners. 132 The most commonly used optically staining instrument by hospital labs is the phase contrast microscope. In jurisdictions that require 

examiners do wet-mount evaluations for sperm, an optically staining microscope should be readily available to them at all times. Ideally, 

due to chain-of-custody issues and the fact that the slide will dry in 5 to 10 minutes, examiners should not have to leave the exam room

to evaluate the slide. 

133 Keep in mind that telemedicine in sexual assault cases is in its infancy—further research and debate is needed to address concerns 

related to logistics of use, patients’ consent, confidentiality, and impact; legal implications; affordability; and accessibility. 134 Funding under the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program and the STOP Violence Against Indian Women 

Discretionary Grant Program may be used to cover costs of some equipment. For more information, see www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo. 

62
• Ask for help from community groups in raising funds for one-time equipment or ongoing supply costs; 

• Consider sharing costs and equipment with other departments in an exam facility or among other nearby local health care facilities; 

• Consider the benefits of a mobile examiner program where costs of equipment, examiner education and 

clinical preparation, and on-call costs may be shared by multiple exam sites; and 

• Since the information gathered in the exam is used to investigate and prosecute the offense, ask for 

assistance from local law enforcement and prosecutor’s offices in obtaining equipment and supplies 

used specifically for forensic evidence collection. 

63 

4. Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions and responders when developing/customizing kits: 

• Use kits that meet or exceed minimum guidelines for contents. 

• Work to standardize kits within a jurisdiction. Make them readily available for use at any facility that 

conducts sexual assault medical forensic exams. 

• Those involved in kit development and distribution should periodically review the kit’s efficiency and 

usefulness and make changes as needed.

Use kits that meet or exceed minimum guidelines for contents. Many jurisdictions have developed their 

own sexual assault evidence collection kits (for evidence from victims) or have purchased premade kits

through commercial vendors. Kits may vary from one another in types of samples collected, collection 

techniques, materials used for collection, and terms used to describe categories of evidence. Despite 

variations, however, it is critical that every kit meets or exceeds the recommended minimum guidelines for 

contents.135

• A kit container. It is suggested that this container have a label with blanks for identifying information and 

documenting the chain of custody. Most items gathered during evidence collection are placed into the 

container, after being dried, packaged, labeled, and sealed according to jurisdictional policy. Bags are 

typically provided for more bulky items that will not fit in the container (e.g., clothing). Some jurisdictions 

provide large paper bags to hold the container and additional evidence bags. 

• An instruction sheet or checklist that guides examiners in collecting evidence and maintaining the chain 

of custody. 

• Forms that facilitate evidence collection and analysis, including patients’ authorization for collection and 

release of evidence and information to the law enforcement agency; the medical forensic history; and 

anatomical diagrams. 

• Materials for collecting and preserving the following evidence, according to jurisdictional policy:

136

• Patients’ clothing and underwear and foreign material dislodged from clothing; 

• Foreign materials on patients’ bodies, including blood, dried secretions, fibers, loose hairs, 

vegetation, soil/debris, fingernail scrapings and/or cuttings, matted hair cuttings, material dislodged 

from mouth using dental floss,137 and swabs of suspected semen, saliva, and/or areas highlighted by 

alternate light sources;138 

• Hair evidence (including head and pubic hair samples and combings);139

• Vaginal/cervical swabs and smears; 

• Penile swabs and smears;

• Anal/perianal swabs and smears; 

 135 The following resources were helpful in developing this list: the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, VEC100, by Sirchie Finger 

Print Laboratories, the Texas Customized Sexual Assault Evidence Collect Kit by Tri-Tech, Inc., the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 

Physical Evidence Recovery Kit, the State of California’s Medical Forensic Report: Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Examination, Less 

than 72 Hours (OCJP 923)), the Ohio Department of Health’s Sexual Assault/Abuse Evidence Collection Kit (as found in their protocol), 

Detailed Instructions; Connecticut’s Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (as found in their protocol), and the American College of 

Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Sexually Abused Patient, 1999, pp. 101–107. 136 Some samples that historically have been collected are no longer recommended in many jurisdictions, unless the medical forensic 

history and physical exam indicate otherwise (e.g., a vaginal wash). 137 Although in some instances flossing could help dislodge evidence that may be between the patient’s teeth, flossing for evidence is 

not routinely done across jurisdictions. Any related safety risks to patients (e.g., potential increased risk of HIV exposure if there is 

semen in the mouth and flossing causes gums to bleed) should be considered before flossing for evidence. 138 It is acknowledged that approaches to categorizing evidence vary. For example, one kit may collect external genital swabs when

gathering foreign materials, while in another kit, collection of genital swabs may be a separate category of evidence. 139 Some jurisdictions collect pubic and head hair combings, others collect only pubic combings. Some also collect pubic and/or head 

hair reference samples. Materials should be included in the kit to collect and preserve hair evidence required by jurisdictional policy.

65 
• Oral swabs and smears;

• Body swabs;140 and 

• Known blood, saliva sample, or buccal swab for DNA analysis and comparison.

(See C.6. Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures for specifics about evidence collection techniques.) 

Extra copies of forms should be available to examiners for cases when the kit is not used, but documentation 

of the medical forensic history and the exam is done. All forms included in the kit should be designed to 

facilitate optimal forensic evidence collection, analysis, and examiner testimony. 

Separate from the kit, materials and forms for collecting toxicology samples should be available to examiners 

(and to responding law enforcement officers and emergency medical technicians, according to jurisdictional 

policy). 

 

Work to standardize sexual assault evidence collection kits within a jurisdiction and preferably

across a State or Territory, or for Federal cases.141 A designated agency in the jurisdiction should be 

responsible for oversight of kit development and distribution.142 It should: 

• Ensure that any facility that conducts sexual assault medical forensic exams is involved in kit 

development and supplied with kits;143

• Work with relevant agencies (e.g., crime labs, law enforcement agencies, exam facilities and examiner 

programs, advocacy programs, and prosecutors’ offices) to keep abreast of related changes in

technology, scientific advances, and cutting-edge practice; 

• Review periodically (e.g., every 2 to 3 years) kit efficiency and usefulness; 

• Make adjustments to the kit as necessary; and

• Establish mechanisms to ensure that kits at exam facilities are kept up to date (e.g., if a new evidence 

collection procedure is added, facilities need to know what additional supplies should be readily

available).

(See B.6. Evidence Integrity for handling and storage of kits.) 

 140 Some jurisdictions use the medical forensic history, the examination, and patients’ consent to determine whether and where to collect 

swabs, while others collect swabs from all orifices and from the surface of the body (with patients’ consent). In particular, some do not 

collect anal swabs unless indicated. 141 It may be useful to consider developing a standardized kit across all communities, States, and Territories, and for Federal cases. 

Further analysis is needed to assess the benefits and disadvantages of such a kit and the feasibility of development and 

implementation. Some challenges could include building consensus across communities regarding best practices and obtaining buy-in 

from involved agencies. 

142 It is important to consider costs to the State/Territory/Tribe/Federal agencies and local community, and ability of local communities to 

cover costs. In some States, one State agency (e.g., the crime laboratory) assumes the costs. In others, the costs are passed onto local 

criminal justice agencies. 143As a backup to having kits readily available at exam sites or with examiner programs, jurisdictions may also want to discuss the 

feasibility of storing a few kits at local law enforcement agencies or in law enforcement patrol cars. Before storing kits in patrol cars, 

however, make sure that the temperatures the kit will be exposed to will not affect kit contents. 

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5. Timing Considerations for Collecting Evidence 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers and other responders to maximize evidence 

collection:

• Whether or not evidence is collected for the sexual assault evidence collection kit, examiners should 

obtain the medical forensic history, examine patients, and document findings (with patients’ consent). 

Patients’ demeanor and statements related to the assault should also be documented.

• Examine patients promptly to minimize loss of evidence and identify medical needs and concerns.

• Make decisions about whether to collect evidence and what to collect on a case-by-case basis, guided 

by knowledge that outside time limits for obtaining evidence vary.

• Responders should seek education and resources to aid them in making well-informed decisions about 

evidence collection.

Recognize the importance of gathering information for the medical forensic history, examining 

patients, and documenting exam findings, separate from collecting evidence. Examiners should obtain 

the medical forensic history as appropriate, examine patients, and document findings when patients are 

willing, whether or not evidence is gathered for the sexual assault evidence collection kit. The history and 

documentation of exam findings can help in determining if and where there may be evidence to collect and in

addressing patients’ medical needs. In addition, they can be invaluable in and of themselves to an 

investigation and prosecution if a report is made. It is also important to document patients’ demeanor during

the exam process (e.g., crying, shaking, or showing signs of upset) and their statements made related to the

assault because if the case is reported, this information could be admitted as evidence at trial. 

Examine patients promptly to minimize the loss of evidence. Evidence can be lost from the body and 

clothing through a number of mechanisms. For example, degradation of some seminal fluid components can 

occur within body orifices, semen can drain from the vagina or wash from the mouth, sperm can lose motility, 

bodily fluids can get washed away, and dried secretions and foreign materials can fall from the body and 

clothing.

144 Prompt examination also helps to quickly identify patients’ medical needs and concerns. 

Recognize that evidence may be available beyond 72 hours after the assault. In recent history, 72 

hours after a sexual assault has been considered a guideline to use as an outside limit for obtaining 

evidence for the evidence collection kit. Research and evidence analyses indicate that some evidence may 

be available beyond this time period. For instance, sperm might be found inside the cervix after 72 hours and 

urine may reveal traces of certain drugs up to 96 hours after ingestion. Some examples of situations where 

evidence may be found even after considerable periods of time include when patients complain of pain or 

bleeding, have visible injuries, or have not washed themselves since the assault, or where there is a history 

of significant trauma from the assault. Some jurisdictions have extended their standard cutoff time beyond 72 

hours (e.g., to 5 days or 1 week). 

Due to the stability of DNA and sensitivity of tests, advancing DNA technologies also continue to extend time 

limits. These technologies are even enabling forensic scientists to analyze stored evidence from crimes that 

occurred years before.145 Such breakthroughs demonstrate the importance of collecting all possible evidence.

Make decisions about whether to collect evidence on a case-by-case basis, guided by the knowledge 

that outside time limits for obtaining evidence vary due to factors such as the location of the 

evidence or type of sample collected. Examiners and law enforcement representatives, in particular, 

should be aware of the standard cutoff time for evidence collection in their jurisdictions, which is typically 

indicated in instructions in evidence collection kits. But it is important to remember that evidence collection

beyond the cutoff point is conceivable and may be warranted in particular cases. In any case where the utility 

 144 Paragraph drawn from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 

29. 

145 When the evidence was initially collected after the assault, it was not of adequate quality to allow crime lab analysis using existing 

technologies. 

67 
of evidence collection is in question, encourage dialogue between law enforcement representatives (if 

involved), examiners, and forensic scientists regarding potential benefits or limitations. 

Involved responders should avoid basing decisions about whether to collect evidence on how they think 

patients’ characteristics or circumstances will affect the investigation and prosecution. For example, the fact

that an adolescent may have lied to her parents about where she was going the night of the assault should in 

no way influence the decision of the examiner and/or the law enforcement representative to collect evidence. 

Responders should seek education and resources to aid them in making well-informed decisions 

about evidence collection. Examiners and law enforcement representatives require training and resources 

to allow them to make informed decisions about whether to collect evidence and what to collect in each case. 

They also need local policies and kit instructions that encourage them to make informed decisions in each 

case, rather than applying a limiting general standard to all.146 First responders also need instructions on 

collecting a urine sample if there is any suspicion of drug-facilitated sexual assault and victims cannot wait to 

urinate until their arrival at the exam site. 

 146 For many communities, moving away from the 72-hour cutoff time represents a major shift in policy. Training and policies should 

discourage decisionmaking about evidence collection that is based on extraneous factors, such as reluctance of a criminal justice 

agency to pay for sexual assault evidence collection in general. 

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6. Evidence Integrity 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers and other responders to maintain evidence integrity: 

• Follow jurisdictional policies for drying, packaging, labeling, and sealing evidence. 

• Follow jurisdictional policies for consistent evidence management and distribution. A duly authorized 

agent should transfer evidence from the exam site to an appropriate crime laboratory or other designated 

storage site. 

• Develop storage procedures that maximize evidence preservation. Ensure that storage areas are secure

and the proper temperature for evidence.

• Make sure that jurisdictional policies are in place to address storage of evidence in cases where patients 

are undecided about reporting. 

• Maintain the chain of custody for the evidence. Educate all those involved in handling, documenting, 

transferring, and storing evidence regarding the specifics of properly preserving evidence and

maintaining the chain of custody.

Follow jurisdictional policies for drying,147 packaging, labeling, and sealing the evidence. Involved 

responders should be educated regarding these policies. It is critical to air-dry wet evidence at room 

temperature in a clean, sterile environment and quick manner that prevents contamination.148 A drying box or

other device may be used to facilitate the drying process. Jurisdictions should have policies for handling 

evidence that cannot be dried thoroughly at the exam site (e.g., wet clothing, tampons, sanitary napkins, 

tissues, diaphragms, and condoms), as well as for liquid evidence such as urine and drawn blood samples.

When packaging dry evidence, use paper containers rather than plastic, because plastic containers retain 

moisture and promote degradation of biological evidence. Following proper drying and packaging procedures

is vital to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria that can destroy an evidentiary sample. 

Keep in mind that evidentiary materials include exam documentation. Follow jurisdictional policies for 

documenting exam findings and the medical forensic history, and packaging, labeling, and sealing such 

documentation. Properly recording and preserving this information is critical for its admissibility during a trial. 

Make sure transfer policies maximize evidence preservation. Minimize transit time between collection of 

evidence and storage of kits. To avoid potential degradation of evidence, it is important to transport kits

containing liquid samples and other wet evidence in a timely fashion. Only a law enforcement official or duly 

authorized agent should transfer evidence from the exam site to the appropriate crime laboratory or other 

designated storage site (e.g., a law enforcement property facility). Jurisdictional procedures for evidence 

management and distribution must be in place and followed. Those involved in evidence management and 

distribution should be educated on the specifics of these procedures and their responsibilities. 

Make sure storage policies maximize evidence preservation. Secure storage sites should be designated 

and storage requirements should be consistent across a jurisdiction. Storage requirements depend on what 

types of specimens are being collected and on jurisdictional policy. For example, kits without drawn blood or 

other wet evidence generally do not need to be refrigerated. Follow jurisdictional policy for refrigeration of

drawn blood samples and other wet evidence. Dried blood samples on blood collection cards do not require 

refrigerated storage.149 Urine should be refrigerated or frozen when stored. Those involved in storing 

evidence should be educated regarding storage requirements. 

Make sure jurisdictional policies are in place to address evidence storage in cases where patients are 

undecided about reporting. Finding adequate storage space for these kits is a challenge for many facilities 

and agencies (e.g., community-based or hospital examiner programs may lack the capacity for secure longterm storage of kits at their facilities). Local responders, particularly examiners, law enforcement 

 147 Dry evidence unless indicated otherwise (e.g., freezing). 148 With the ever-increasing sensitivity of DNA analysis, there is a greater chance that accidental contamination and dilution by foreign 

DNA can be detected. Every precaution should be taken to reduce outside contamination and dilution of evidence. 149 The National Institute of Standards and Technology is conducting a 10-year project on DNA storage. Thus far, it confirms that 

refrigeration of dried DNA is generally unnecessary. 

69 
representatives, and crime lab staff, should discuss and address these and related challenges and develop 

procedures that allow for the secure storage of these kits without revealing patients’ identity. Storing the 

evidence as long as necessary is the ideal (e.g., until the patient decides whether to report or until the 

jurisdiction’s statute of limitations for retaining evidence expires). However, due to lack of storage space, kits 

in some jurisdictions are stored for a limited period of time (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days) and then destroyed if no 

report is made. If such a policy is implemented, it is important that patients are informed regarding the 

amount of time they have to decide to report and procedures for reporting. It is also critical that the period of

time given to patients to decide allows them the chance to consider their decision thoroughly; 24 to 48 hours 

is not sufficient to make such a decision. 

Document the handling, transfer, and storage of evidence. Examiners must maintain control of evidence 

during the exam, while evidence is being dried, and until it is in the kit container and sealed (and then follow 

jurisdictional procedures for storing evidence securely or handing it over to a duly authorized agent for 

transfer to a storage site). Documentation should continue with each transfer of the evidence to law 

enforcement, the crime laboratory, and others involved in the investigative process.150 Patients, advocates, 

family members, and other support persons should not handle the evidence. Documentation of the chain-ofcustody information is vital to ensuring that there has been no loss or alteration of evidence prior to trial. 

Educate all those involved in handling, transferring, and storing evidence regarding the specifics of 

maintaining the chain of custody. 

 150 Adapted from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 34. 

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C. The Examination Process 

This section focuses on the various medical and forensic components of the exam process, 

starting with the initial contact with victims to the court testimony by examiners on exam findings. 

The following chapters are included: 

1. Initial Contact 

2. Triage and Intake 

3. Documentation by Health Care Personnel 

4. The Medical Forensic History 

5. Photography 

6. Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures 

7. Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault 

8. STI Evaluation and Care 

9. Pregnancy Risk Evaluation and Care 

10. Discharge and Followup 

11. Examiner Court Appearances 

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1. Initial Contact 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions and responders to facilitate initial contact with victims: 

• Build consensus among involved agencies regarding procedures for coordinated initial response when a 

recent sexual assault is disclosed or reported. Educate responders to follow procedures. 

• Recognize essential elements of initial response. 

Build consensus among involved agencies regarding procedures for initial coordinated response

when a recent sexual assault is disclosed or reported. First responders from these agencies (e.g., 911 

dispatchers, law enforcement representatives, emergency medical services (EMS) technicians, hospital 

emergency department staff, sexual assault examiners, and advocates) need to be educated about and 

follow these procedures. Responders also need discipline-specific procedures (e.g., EMS procedures should 

stress preserving evidence when caring for acute injuries and treating victims with sensitivity). 

In addition, other community professionals to whom victims may disclose need to know procedures for 

activating the SART or obtaining immediate assistance for victims if a SART does not exist. (For information

on this topic, see A.1. Coordinated Team Approach and Appendix B. Creation of SARTs.) Also, recognize 

that some institutions and residential living programs have internal procedures for handling sexual assault 

disclosures. SART members should work with these entities to ensure that their procedures address the 

needs of victims and are coordinated with jurisdictional multidisciplinary response. 

Recognize essential activities of initial response. Some victims may initially present at a health care 

facility. But most victims who receive immediate medical care for sexual assault initially contact 911, law 

enforcement, or an advocacy agency for help. 

Law enforcement, 911, and EMS response. Elements during initial law enforcement, 911, or EMS contact

include: 

• Assess victims’ needs for immediate care for potentially life-threatening or serious injuries. Administer

necessary first aid and request/obtain emergency medical assistance according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Address safety needs of victims and others at the scene (e.g., offenders may be present), calling for 

assistance/backup if needed. 

• Assess quickly the age, abilities, communication modality, and health condition of victims and tailor 

response as appropriate (e.g., a certified interpreter or protective service worker may be needed). 

• Respond to requests for victim assistance as quickly as possible.151 Understand that victims need 

immediate assistance for many reasons: they may not be safe, may be physically injured, and/or are 

experiencing trauma. Be aware that time delays in response can cause loss of evidence and increased 

trauma. 

• If injuries do not appear serious, emphasize to victims the need for medical evaluation and address 

related heath concerns. Also, explain the purpose of the exam and what happens during the exam 

process, keeping in mind that the amount of information that victims want at this time varies. 

 151 In some areas, law enforcement representatives may not respond promptly because they must travel considerable distances and 

through rough terrain to get to victims’ locations. Some law enforcement agencies may not have enough representatives to respond to 

each case in a timely manner (e.g., a rural sheriff’s office may only have one officer). In communities with such problems, it is important 

that agencies and professionals involved in these cases advocate for increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond 

promptly. They also can work jointly to ensure that there is at least one responder/agency from which victims can consistently receive 

initial help (e.g., EMS or the advocacy program). That professional/agency should be trained in initial response and able to access 

emergency medical assistance if needed and coordinate transportation to the exam facility. Information about which agency/responder 

to call for help must be publicized in the community. 

73 
• Inform victims about exam facility options (if options exist) and seek their consent to transport them to 

the facility of their choice (if they had options) for treatment and/or evidence collection.152

• Encourage victims’ interaction with advocates as soon as possible after disclosure of the assault, even if 

victims choose not to receive medical care and/or have the medical forensic exam. In a few jurisdictions, 

advocates may be dispatched directly to the scene to provide victim support and advocacy, if 

appropriate. Follow local procedures for activating an advocate. 

• Ask victims if they would like family members or friends to be contacted. 

• Take measures to preserve crime scene evidence, including evidence on victims. Document victims’ 

demeanor and statements related to the assault, according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Explain to victims their reporting options. Keep in mind that the amount of information desired will vary 

per individual. 

• Responding law enforcement officials should seek basic information from victims about the assault in 

order to apprehend suspects and facilitate crime scene preservation in a timely manner. 

If victims agree to seek emergency care and/or have evidence collected: 

 

• Explain to victims how to preserve bodily evidence until it can be collected (e.g., do not wash, change 

clothes, urinate, defecate, smoke, drink, eat, brush hair or teeth, or rinse mouth). 

• Explain to victims that clothing most likely will be taken as evidence. They may wish to bring or have 

someone bring a clean change of clothes to the exam facility. If applicable, let victims know that 

replacement clothing will be available at the exam site. If they changed clothes since the assault, clothing 

worn during and immediately after the assault will be needed. Follow law enforcement procedures for 

retrieving clothing or other items from a crime scene so that evidence is not inadvertently destroyed or

contaminated. 

• In suspected cases of drug-facilitated assault, victims’ first available urine sample should be sought if 

they cannot wait to urinate until arrival at the exam site. (For information on procedures, see C.7. DrugFacilitated Sexual Assault.) Victims might have been drugged without their knowledge. If they or their 

families, friends, or responders suspect drug-facilitated assault, a urine sample should be sought. 

• Transport or arrange transportation for victims to the exam site. Victims with disabilities may have 

equipment (e.g., wheelchairs and other assistive devices) and/or service animals that also need to be 

transported.153 Keep in mind that victims may consider such equipment as extensions of themselves and 

equipment should be treated with care. 

• Follow jurisdictional policy on alerting exam facilities about the pending arrival of patients. 

• Do not take suspects to the same exam facility as victims at the same time, if possible. 

Advocate response. If victims have initial contact with advocates, this contact typically occurs through a 

phone hotline call or a face-to-face meeting. Advocates should follow agency-specific and jurisdictional policy 

for first response. For example, advocates should assess victims’ safety and need for medical assistance 

and call 911 in cases of serious injuries or when there is an imminent threat to someone. Advocates should 

encourage victims to seek care for other injuries and offer support, information about their options (e.g., 

health care, advocacy and counseling, evidence collection, exam site options, and reporting to law 

enforcement), and referrals. They can explain to victims how to preserve bodily evidence for evidence 

collection and the importance of prompt toxicology testing if drug-facilitated assault is suspected. In general, 

advocates can help victims identify and consider how to address their needs and concerns, as well as 

 152 Inform victims of the approximate amount of time it will take to travel to the facility and how long they will be at the exam site. This 

information can help them prepare for what to expect and make needed arrangements (e.g., childcare, getting time off from work or

school, or informing family members). In some areas, it may take considerable time to get to the exam site (e.g., a number of hours). 

Involved agencies in these areas may want to consider the feasibility of having a specially trained examiner located in their community. 153 Victims with disabilities may need assistive devices and service animals while at the exam site. Also, evidence might be found on 

them. 

74
identify individuals who might support them in dealing with the aftermath of the assault. They can activate the 

SART (if one exists) with victims’ permission. Alternately, advocates can offer to help victims arrange 

transportation to the exam site, obtain nonemergency medical care, and obtain assistance from law 

enforcement. They can also accompany them through medical forensic procedures. 

Regardless of which agencies are first responders, responders should always be sensitive to the victim’s 

needs and level of trauma. Even if victims have taken actions that destroy evidence, such as showering, 

responders should react in a sensitive and caring manner. 

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2. Triage and Intake 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers to facilitate a triage and intake process that 

addresses patients’ needs:

• Consider sexual assault patients a priority. Use a private location within the exam facility for primary 

patient consultations and as a waiting area for family members and friends and law enforcement 

interviews. 

• Respond to acute injury, trauma care, and safety needs of patients before collecting evidence. Patients 

should not wash, change clothes, urinate, defecate, smoke, drink, or eat until initially evaluated by 

forensic examiners, unless necessary for treating acute medical needs. Alert examiners of the need for 

their services at the exam site. 

• Contact victim advocates so they can offer services to patients, if not already done. 

• Assess and respond to safety concerns upon arrival of patients at the exam site, such as threats to 

patients or staff. 

• Assess patients’ needs for immediate medical or mental health intervention. Seek informed consent of 

patients before providing treatment, according to facility policy.

Consider sexual assault patients a priority, regardless of whether physical injuries are evident.154 (For

a discussion of this topic, see A.2. Victim-Centered Care.) 

Utilize a private location within the exam facility for patient intakes, as well as for a waiting area for patients’ 

family members and friends and law enforcement interviews. (Also see A.2. Victim-Centered Care.) 

Respond to acute injury, trauma care, and safety needs before collecting evidence. In addition to 

promoting physical health, sensitive and timely medical care can help reduce the likelihood of acute 

psychological trauma and its aftereffects, support patients’ existing and emerging coping skills, and set the 

tone for patients’ resumption of normal functioning. 

Acute medical needs take precedence over forensic needs. Patients should be instructed to not wash, 

change clothes, urinate, defecate, smoke, drink, or eat until initially evaluated by examiners, unless 

necessary for treating acute medical injuries. If drug-facilitated sexual assault is suspected, and patients 

need to urinate prior to the arrival of examiners, ensure that the urine sample is collected properly while 

maintaining the chain of custody. 

As soon as possible after the initial medical evaluation, management, and stabilization of acute problems 

and before treating nonacute injuries, the medical forensic exam can be conducted (with patients’ 

permission). In circumstances in which patients are seriously injured, examiners must be prepared to work 

alongside other health care providers who are stabilizing and treating them. In such cases, examiners may 

need to perform exams in settings such as a health care facility’s emergency department, an operating room, 

a recovery room, or an intensive care unit. 

Alert examiners of the need for their services. The SART, if one exists, can work with exam facilities to 

identify acceptable timeframes to conduct a medical forensic exam after a patient’s arrival and medical 

evaluation, management, and stabilization. If examiners are not based at the site or need to be dispatched, 

 154 Historically, sexual assault patients who came to a health care facility (namely hospital emergency departments) for medical care and 

forensic evidence collection had to wait a long time to be examined. Often, they were not considered priority cases because they lacked 

visible physical injuries or their physical injuries were less serious than others coming into the facility. The psychological trauma they

were experiencing often was not taken into account, nor was the fact that evidence can be destroyed or contaminated if collection is 

delayed. Many communities are addressing this problem by establishing examiner programs. At busy health care facilities that make life 

or death decisions about prioritizing patients, these programs can help ensure that sexual assault patients are offered and receive a 

medical forensic examination promptly after being evaluated and treated for any serious or life-threatening injuries. 

77 
the facility should contact them immediately after identifying a sexual assault patient.155 Examiners are often 

required to arrive at the exam site within a certain period of time (e.g., 30 minutes) after being dispatched. 

Contact an advocate, if not already done. (For a discussion of this topic, see A.2. Victim-Centered Care.)

Assess safety needs upon arrival of the patient at the exam site. The facility should have procedures to 

assess safety concerns at the exam site, such as a threat to patients or staff, and to respond to such threats 

or dangerous situations. (For a discussion of this topic, see A.2. Victim-Centered Care.) 

Assess patients’ needs for immediate medical or mental health intervention prior to the medical 

forensic exam, following facility policy. Seek informed consent of patients before providing treatment. 

(For more information on this topic, see A.3. Informed Consent.) Also, inform them that they have a right to 

receive medical care regardless of whether the assault is reported to law enforcement, and if and how their 

reporting decision will affect payment for medical care and exam. (For more information on this topic, see 

A.5. Reporting to Law Enforcement.)

 155 It is possible that examiners could also be dispatched by first responders at the crime scene or by health care staff after being alerted 

that a sexual assault patient will be arriving at their facility. Although activating examiners as early as possible seems like it would 

benefit these patients, such a procedure can potentially cause confusion. For example, after activating an examiner to go to a particular 

exam facility, there may be significant delays in getting the patient to the site or changes en route to the facility patients. Sexually

assaulted individuals may also change their minds about care or evidence collection. 

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3. Documentation by Health Care Personnel 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers to complete needed documentation: 

• Ensure completion of all appropriate documentation. 

• Ensure the accuracy and objectivity of medical forensic reports by seeking education on proper report 

writing.

Ensure completion of all appropriate documentation. Examiners are responsible for documenting 

forensic details of the exam in the medical forensic report, according to jurisdictional policy. This report 

usually includes patient consent forms related to evidence, the medical forensic history, and documentation

of exam findings.156 (The medical forensic history and documentation of exam findings are discussed in more 

depth in later chapters in this section.) The only medical issues documented in this report are findings that 

potentially relate to the assault or preexisting medical factors that could influence interpretation of findings. If 

the case is reported, the criminal justice system will use the medical forensic report, along with collected 

evidence, photographs and video images, and victim/witness statements, as a basis for investigation and 

possible prosecution. If examiners are required to testify in court, they will use the report to recall the 

incident. 

Separate medical documentation by examiners and other clinicians follows a standard approach of 

addressing acute complaints, gathering pertinent historical data, describing findings, and documenting 

treatment and followup care. Forensic examination records should be maintained separately from other 

records to avoid inadvertent disclosure of unrelated information and to preserve confidentiality. The medical

record is stored at the exam site. The exam site should have clear policies about who is allowed access to

these records.157 

The medical record is not part of the evidence collection kit and it should not be submitted to the crime lab. 

Much of the record is not relevant to case prosecution, and releasing it infringes upon patients’ privacy rights 

and could be used against patients. Although all or part of the medical record may be subpoenaed, if patients 

do not consent to its release, it is ultimately up to the court to decide whether such information is pertinent to 

the case and should be released. 

Educate examiners on proper documentation. It is vital that the exam documentation be thorough, 

precise, and accurate. It is essential that examiners receive education on the importance of proper 

documentation and on report writing that fits their role and is unbiased. 

Involved law enforcement representatives and advocates should understand the importance of examiner 

documentation and be able to convey that importance to patients. 

Ensure the accuracy and objectivity of medical forensic reports. It is suggested that examiners within

an exam site, jurisdiction, or region, devise an appropriate review process tailored to their needs. Consider 

having a clinical director or supervisor at the exam site systematically review documentation related to the 

exam. (In some jurisdictions, review of nonphysician examiner’s documentation by a medical

director/supervisor is required.) These reviews can serve to increase the overall effectiveness of the 

examiner program by ensuring that reports are filled out according to policy, assessing staff training needs, 

 156 Documentation on exam findings should include patients’ demeanor and statements related to the assault not already recorded on

the medical forensic history. Such documentation can be admitted as evidence at trial in most States. Local prosecutors can provide 

more detailed information on this type of documentation. 157 Mechanisms to restrict access to records related to the exam are particularly important in small communities where health care

facility employees may be acquaintances, friends, and family members of patients or suspects. 

79 
considering adjustments needed to paperwork, troubleshooting for potential problems, and identifying trends 

in presenting issues of patients. All identifying patient information should be removed when a document is 

copied for a review. The clinical director or supervisor can also be involved in broader multidisciplinary 

quality assurance efforts related to the exam process. 

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4. The Medical Forensic History 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers to facilitate gathering information from patients: 

• Examiners should coordinate with other responders, such as law enforcement representatives and 

advocates, to facilitate information gathering that is respectful to patients and minimizes repetition of 

questions. 

• Advocates should be allowed to support and advocate for patients during the medical forensic history. 

• Consider patients’ needs prior to gathering information for the history. 

• Obtain information for the medical forensic history in a private and quiet setting.

• Ask patients routine questions for the history, including date/time of the assault, pertinent medical 

history, recent consensual sexual activity, activities since the assault, assault-related victim history, 

suspect information (if known), nature of the physical assault, and description of the sexual assault. 

Coordinate medical forensic history taking and investigative interviewing. Examiners typically ask 

patients to provide a medical forensic history after initial medical care for acute problems and before the 

examination and evidence collection. This history, obtained by asking patients detailed forensic and medical 

questions related to the assault, is intended to guide the exam, evidence collection, and crime lab analysis of 

findings. Law enforcement representatives also collect information from patients to help in the apprehension

of suspects and in case investigation.158 Prosecutors familiar with the legal requirements of the criminal 

statutes may also need certain specific information. 

Gathering information from patients often takes place soon after they have experienced the assault. Not only 

can discussing the assault cause patients to feel re-violated, but their emotional and physical condition may 

make communication difficult. They may also be uncomfortable discussing personal matters with involved 

responders. Those seeking information about the assault should work collaboratively to create an 

information-gathering process that is as respectful to patients as possible and minimizes repetition of 

questions.

159 

Promote a streamlined, victim-centered information-gathering process. Jurisdictions employ several 

methods, including the following: 

• Communication and coordination among responding officers, examiners, investigators, and prosecutors 

as they go about their separate information-gathering processes. 

• Examiners, investigators, and prosecutors together ask patients basic questions. One asks questions 

while the others listen. They then speak to patients separately to gather remaining information required. 

• The medical forensic history and investigative interviews are conducted simultaneously to the extent 

feasible. The SART should determine the information-gathering process, reflecting the best use of 

resources and needs and consent of patients. The team may agree that a particular person or agency 

will be the main questioner, resulting in one end document.160

Whatever the method selected, jurisdictions should carefully plan how they will coordinate the logistics of 

medical forensic history taking and investigative interviewing. 

 158 The Web site of the Violence Against Women Online Resources offers several resources on law enforcement investigation of sexual 

assault crimes. See www.vaw.umn.edu/library/sexassault. 159 Some repetition of questions is likely to occur during the exam process. 160 Caution should be exercised if combining medical forensic history taking with investigative interviewing. At the time of such 

information gathering, patients may not want to speak with law enforcement or be ready to go into the extensive details needed for 

investigative purposes. Patients may withhold information from law enforcement representatives or not want to talk with them about 

certain issues (e.g., their menstrual cycle or types of penetration). They might feel more comfortable talking to examiners in private 

about these topics. There is also a concern about questioners asking questions outside of their realm of responsibility.

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Advocates should be able to provide support and advocacy during the history, if desired by patients.

The presence of an advocate may help patients feel more comfortable answering questions. Advocates may 

also assist patients in voicing their concerns about questions being asked and clarifying their needs during 

this time. Advocates should not answer questions asked of patients or otherwise influence their statements. 

Presence of family members, friends, and other personal support persons. Prior to taking the history, 

patients should be informed that the presence of personal support persons (other than advocates) may 

influence or be perceived as influencing their statements.161 These individuals could be subpoenaed as 

witnesses in their case.162 If, after receiving this information, patients choose to have personal support 

persons present during the history, these individuals should be advised not to actively participate in the 

process. For example, they should not answer questions for patients, comment on patients’ answers, 

interrupt patients, or make facial expressions in response to patients’ answers.163 

Consider patients’ needs prior to and during information gathering. Pressing issues (e.g., for treatment 

of serious injuries, crisis intervention and support, and childcare during the exam process) should be

addressed before commencing with information gathering. Be mindful of patients’ capacity to answer 

questions during a lengthy information-gathering process, and take breaks as needed. 

The facility should have procedures in place and examiners should be educated to accommodate patients’ 

communication skill level and preferred mode of communicating. This is particularly important for patients 

with communication-related disabilities and non-English speaking patients. If interpreters are necessary, they 

should be present prior to questioning and there should be space for them in the exam room and rooms 

where information is gathered. Patients with communication disabilities may wish to use wordboards, speech 

synthesizers, or other assistive communication devices to help them communicate. The use of cards with 

pictures (e.g., of medical procedures and human anatomy) may facilitate communications with patients with 

some types of cognitive disabilities or limited vocabularies. 164 

It is important that examiners are aware of and responsive to verbal and nonverbal cues from patients. For 

example, patients may react negatively as they recall experiences during the assault or are reminded of 

previous violence committed upon them. (It is important to document this information.) What they may need 

most at this point is a break, the understanding of examiners, and opportunities to talk about what they are

experiencing. Advocates can be particularly helpful to patients who are dealing with these emotions. 

Use a private and quiet setting for information gathering. Ideally, there should be no interruptions and no time 

constraints for questioners or for use of the room where the information is being gathered. Although some 

facilities may lack space, an effort should be made to secure a private and quiet setting for this purpose. In 

many jurisdictions, history taking takes place in the exam room prior to the exam. 

 161 Ideally, these individuals should not be present when giving patients this information or when patients make the decision whether 

they want the support person present. 162 They should also be informed that the presence of these individuals during the medical forensic history could potentially reduce the 

degree of confidentiality advocates can offer patients (e.g., they may be called on to provide testimony regarding the interactions 

between patients and family members or friends present during this time). 163 Requests to have family, friends, and other personal support persons present during the medical forensic history should be allowed 

unless it is considered potentially harmful to the exam process by the SART/involved responders. For example, in cases involving 

adolescents, parents or guardians should not be allowed in the exam room if they are suspected of committing the assault or of being 

abusive to patients. 

164 Paragraph partially drawn from N. Baladerian, Skills for Interviewing Adult Abuse Victims Who Have Developmental Disabilities, p. 1. 

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Obtain the medical forensic history. The specific questions asked of patients by examiners for the medical 

forensic history vary from one jurisdiction to the next, as do forms used to record the history.165 However, the 

following information should be sought routinely from patients:166

1. Date and time of the sexual assault(s): It is essential to know the period of time that has elapsed 

between the assault and the collection of evidence. Evidence collection may be directed by the time 

interval since the assault. Interpretation of both the physical exam and evidence analysis may be 

influenced by the time interval between the assault and the exam. 

2. Pertinent patient medical history: The interpretation of physical findings may be affected by medical data 

related to menstruation, recent anal-genital injuries, surgeries, or diagnostic procedures, blood-clotting 

history, and other pertinent medical conditions or treatment. 

3. Recent consensual sexual activity: The sensitivity of DNA analysis makes it important to gather 

information about recent consensual intercourse, whether it was anal, vaginal, and/or oral, and whether a 

condom was used. A trace amount of semen or other bodily fluid may be identified that is not associated 

with the crime. Once identified, it may need to be associated with a consensual partner, and then used 

for elimination purposes to aid in interpreting evidence.167

4. Postassault activities of patients: The quality of evidence is affected both by actions taken by patients 

and the passage of time. It is critical to know what, if any, activities were performed prior to the 

examination (e.g., have patients urinated, defecated, wiped genitals or the body, douched, 

removed/inserted a tampon/sanitary pad/diaphragm, used oral rinse/gargled, washed, brushed teeth, ate 

or drank, smoked, used drugs, or changed clothing?). 

5. Assault-related patient history: Information such as whether there was memory loss, lapse of 

consciousness, vomiting, nongenital injury, pain and/or bleeding, and anal-genital injury, pain, and/or 

bleeding can direct evidence collection and medical care. Collecting toxicology samples is recommended 

if there was either loss of memory or lapse of consciousness, according to jurisdictional policy. 

6. Suspect information (if known): Forensic scientists seek evidence on cross-transfer of evidence among 

patients, suspects, and crime scenes. The gender and number of suspects may offer guidance to types 

and amounts of foreign materials that might be found on patients’ bodies and clothing. Suspect 

information gathered during this history should be limited to that which will guide the exam and forensic

evidence collection. Detailed questions about suspects are asked during the investigative interview. 

7. Nature of the physical assault(s): Information about the physical surroundings of the assault(s) (e.g., 

indoors, outdoors, car, alley, room, rug, dirt, mud, or grass) and methods employed by suspects is 

crucial to the detection, collection, and analysis of physical evidence. Methods may include, but are not 

limited to, use of weapons (threatened and/or injuries inflicted), physical blows, grabbing, holding, 

pinching, biting, using physical restraints, strangulation, burns (thermal and/or chemical), threat(s) of 

harm, and involuntary ingestion of alcohol/drugs. Knowing whether suspects may have been injured 

during the assault may be useful when recovering evidence from patients (e.g., blood) or from suspects

(e.g., bruising, fingernail marks, or bite marks). 

 165 In some jurisdictions, examiners ask for investigative details during history taking. In others, examiners only ask for information 

related to treatment and collecting/interpreting physical and lab findings. One concern is that investigative details reported by examiners 

that differ from the law enforcement report may be used against patients. (Drawn from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation 

Guide, 1998, p. 77.) Another concern is that asking investigative questions is outside the examiner’s role. 166 Drawn from California’s Medical Forensic Report: Adult/Adolescent Sexual Assault Examination, Less Than 72 Hours (OCJP 923), 

the Tulsa Sexual Assault Report Form, and the West Virginia Protocol for Responding to Victims of Sexual Assault, 2002, pp. 40–42. 167 Patients should be aware that there might be a need at a later time to obtain an elimination sample from consensual partners. 

Jurisdictions may have policies in place for seeking such samples within a certain timeframe following the exam. 

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8. Description of the sexual assault(s): An accurate but brief description is crucial to detecting, collecting, 

and analyzing physical evidence. The description should include any:168 

• Penetration of genitalia (e.g., vulva, hymen, and/or vagina of female patient), however slight;169

• Penetration of the anal opening, however slight; 

• Oral contact with genitals (of patients by suspects or of suspects by patients); 

• Other contact with genitals (of patients by suspects or of suspects by patients); 

• Oral contact with the anus (of patients by suspects or of suspects by patients); 

• Nongenital act(s) (e.g., licking, kissing, suction injury, and biting); 

• Other act(s) including use of objects; 

• If known, whether ejaculation occurred and location(s) of ejaculation (e.g., mouth, vagina, genitals, 

anus/rectum, body surface, on clothing, on bedding, or other); and 

• Use of contraception or lubricants.170

These questions require specific and sometimes detailed answers. Some may be difficult for patients to 

answer. Examiners should explain that these questions are asked during every sexual assault medical 

forensic exam. They should also explain why each question is being asked. 

 168 Specific questions asked will depend on case facts (e.g., the gender of the patient and the gender of the suspect). 169 Questions related to whether there was penetration should include what was used for penetration (e.g., penis, finger, or other object). 170 Certain contraceptive preparations can interfere with accurate interpretation of preliminary chemical tests frequently used in the 

analysis of potential seminal stains. In addition, contraceptive foams, creams, or sponges can destroy sperm. Lubricants of any kind are

trace evidence and may be compared with potential sources left at the crime scene or recovered from bodies of suspects. Knowing

whether or not a condom was used also may be useful in explaining the absence of semen. 

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5. Photography 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers and other responders to photograph evidence on 

patients: 

• Come to consensus regarding the extent of forensic photography necessary in sexual assault cases. 

• Consider who will take photographs and what equipment will be used. 

• Consider patients’ comfort and need for modesty and privacy. 

• Explain forensic photography procedures to patients.

• Take initial and followup photographs as appropriate, according to jurisdictional policy. 

Consider the extent of forensic photography necessary. Taking photographs of patients’ anatomy that 

was involved in the assault should be routine in sexual assault cases. Such photographs can supplement the 

medical forensic history and physical findings.

171 As to the extent of photographs necessary, communities

appear to take two different approaches. Some routinely take photographs, with patients’ permission, of both 

detected injuries and normal (apparently uninjured) anatomy involved in the assault. These jurisdictions 

encourage examiners to collect and document all evidence and leave the determination about the value of 

the evidence to litigants.172 Other communities limit photographs to detected injuries. 

Involved prosecutors, law enforcement officials, examiners, and advocates should further discuss the extent 

of photography they view as critical, examine any related case law, consider their concerns on this issue and 

how to be sensitive to victims, and, ultimately, determine what strategy is right for their community. 

Consider the photographers and equipment. Examiners or law enforcement representatives typically take 

these photographs, according to jurisdictional policy. In many jurisdictions, examiners are responsible for 

forensic photography during the exam because patients are often more comfortable and less traumatized 

when they take photographs. If patients have not decided to report, they may not want law enforcement 

involved.173 

Photographers should be familiar with equipment operation and be educated on forensic photography in 

sexual assault cases. Consult with local criminal justice agencies regarding the types of equipment that 

should be used (e.g., prosecutors can assess which types of equipment produce results acceptable by the 

court). In general, any good-quality camera may be used as long as it can be focused for undistorted, 

closeup photographs and provides an accurate color rendition.

174 If digital photography is used, the reliability 

of photographic images must be considered because of technological advances in computer alteration. Also

consult with local examiners, because they are often knowledgeable regarding photographic and video 

equipment used in these cases and their effectiveness in capturing images during the exam. 

Consider patient comfort and privacy. Minimize patients’ discomfort while they are being photographed 

and respect their need for modesty and privacy. Drape them appropriately while taking photographs.175 

Also, consider how to best provide support to patients during this time. Patients may want an advocate 

and/or a personal support person to be present. Take measures to avoid allegations of impropriety when 

photographing patients. For instance, if for some reason a male photographer is photographing a female 

patient, another woman should be present at this time. 

 171 The California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 56. 172 However, photographs should not be used to interpret subtle and/or nonspecific findings (e.g., erythema or redness) that are not

noted on exam documentation. Review of photographs cannot reliably diagnose injuries not seen by examiners. 173 Avoid requiring that patients go to another site (e.g., the law enforcement agency) to have initial photographs taken. 174 The California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 56. 175 Drawn from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 56, and the 

American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Sexually Abused Patient, 1999,

p. 113. 

85 
Explain forensic photography procedures to patients. Taking photographs of patients in the aftermath of

an assault can be retraumatizing. To help reduce the chances of retraumatization, help patients understand

the purpose of photography in forensic evidence collection, the extent to which photographs will be taken 

and procedures that will be used, potential uses of photographs during investigation and prosecution 

(especially anogenital images if taken), and the possible need to obtain additional photographs following the 

exam. (Also see A.3. Informed Consent.) 

Take initial and followup photographs as appropriate, according to jurisdictional policy.

176 Strive to 

control every element in the photograph to produce a clear, powerful statement. Photographs should be 

taken prior to evidence collection. 

Patient identification. Link patients’ identity and the date to the photographs, according to jurisdictional 

policy.177 For example, print the patient’s name, date of exam, and the photographer’s name/initials on a plain

sheet of paper. Photograph this sheet at the beginning and end of the roll of film for identification. Some 

jurisdictions also photograph the face of patients for identification purposes. Some cameras offer the option 

of imprinting the date and/or time on the negative, and some have the ability to enter a case number so the 

face or name of a patient is not on the film. 

Mechanisms should be in place (e.g., at law enforcement agencies and exam facilities) to protect patients’ 

privacy and confidentiality related to the photographs.

Clear and accurate photographs. Use the shutter speed and lens aperture to control exposure (automated

cameras and flash units can give incorrect exposures). Use adequate lighting whether the source is natural,

flood, or flash. Use of flashes and lighting in the exam room can change the color of evidence; a filter may 

help adjust lighting so that the photograph is truer to color (noting in records any alternations to the 

environment to enhance photographs). Include a color bar in the photograph to ensure accurate color 

reproduction. 

Strive for undistorted photographs with good perspective (whenever possible, use a normal focal length lens, 

keep the camera level, and photograph the subject at eye level). Maintain sharp focus (keep the camera 

steady, focus carefully, use maximum depth of field, and look at the frame of the scene). 

A good-quality macros lens with a ring strobe flash offers the best quality and most flexibility for forensic

photography involving sexual assault. 

Scale. Use an inch scale or ruler for size reference in photographs. In addition to those photographs that 

identify patients and anatomical locations being photographed, take at least two photographs of each area—

one with and one without scale. Taking two photographs in this manner demonstrates that the scale was not 

concealing anything important. Photograph evidence in place before moving it or collecting it. Do not alter or

move evidence when photographing, and make every effort to minimize distraction in photographs while 

maintaining the focus of areas being photographed. 

Orientation of shots. Take at least two shots at three orientations: 

1. Take full-body images (anterior, posterior, and lateral) with the patient’s face visible and clearly 

identifiable. Position patients approximately two feet from the corner of the room, using walls to reflect 

and diffuse flash illumination. When photographing the backs of patients, turn their faces toward the 

camera so that they can be recognized. 

2. Take medium-range photographs of each separate injury, including cuts, bruises, swelling, lacerations, 

and abrasions. Work from one side to the other and then top to bottom, or design a workable method. Be 

consistent. Take “regional” shots to show injuries in the context and orientation of a body region; these 

photographs should include easily identifiable anatomical landmarks. 

3. Take closeup images of particular injuries, using the scale. When photographing a wound, show its 

relationship to another part of the body. Take at least three photographs involving a wound area. Shield 

 176 This section is drawn from the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or 

Sexually Abused Patient, 1999, pp. 113–115. 177 The California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 56. 

86
uninvolved breast or genital areas when possible; highly graphic photos may be deemed inadmissible in 

court and make the case less credible. All injuries should be recorded with a closeup attachment. Try to 

capture subtleties in texture and color. Document pattern injuries caused by an object. Do not use an 

external light source around an injured eye as it can cause retinal damage. 

Photographing skin. Closeup photographs of hands and fingernails may show traces of blood, skin, or hair.

Be sure to look for damage to nails or missing nails. Photograph marks of restraint or bondage around wrists, 

ankles, or neck; they may be compared later with the object in question that made the marks. Photograph 

transfer evidence present on the body or clothing, such as dirt, gravel, or vegetation. 

Bite mark evidence. Photograph bite marks, according to jurisdictional policy. 

Accountability. All photographs should be clearly labeled and the chain of custody maintained. Follow 

jurisdictional policy for development of film, transfer, duplication or additional prints, and storage of 

photographs. Do not include photographs in the evidence collection kit sent to the crime lab. 

Followup photographs. Photography should be repeated as new or different evidence on patients’ bodies is

found following the exam (e.g., bruising may appear days later). Create procedures that examiners, law 

enforcement investigators, and patients follow to ensure this evidence is documented. In addition to 

documenting emerging or evolving injuries, followup photographs provide documentation of healing or 

resolving injuries and clarify findings of stable, normal variants in anatomy that could be confused with acute

injuries. 

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6. Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers to facilitate the exam and evidence collection: 

• Recognize the forensic purpose of the exam to document physical findings and facilitate the collection of 

evidence from patients. 

• Strive to collect as much evidence from patients as possible, guided by the scope of informed consent, 

the medical forensic history, examination findings, and evidence collection kit instructions. 

• Be aware of evidence that may be pertinent to the issue of whether the patient consented to the sexual 

contact with the suspect. 

• Understand how biological evidence is tested. 

• Prevent exposure to infectious materials and contamination of evidence. 

• Understand the implications of the presence or absence of seminal evidence. 

• Modify the exam and evidence collection to address the specific needs and concerns of patients. 

• Explain exam and evidence collection procedures to patients. 

• Conduct the general physical and anogenital exam and document findings on body diagram forms. 

• Collect evidence to submit to the crime lab for analysis, according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Collect blood and/or urine for toxicology screening if applicable. 

• Keep medical specimens separate from forensic specimens collected during the exam.

Recognize the forensic purpose of the exam. During the exam, examiners methodically document 

physical findings and facilitate the collection of evidence from patients’ bodies and clothing. The findings in 

the exam and collected evidence often provide information to help reconstruct the details about the events in 

question in an objective and scientific manner.178 Of course, health care needs and concerns of patients may 

be presented in the course of the exam that should be addressed prior to discharge. However, patients must 

understand that the exam does not provide routine medical care. For example, a pap smear will not be done

during the female pelvic exam.179 (This chapter focuses on forensic components of the exam. Other chapters 

in the protocol discuss more fully medical and other related needs and concerns of patients.) 

Collect as much evidence from patients as possible, guided by the scope of informed consent, the

medical forensic history, exam findings, and instructions in the evidence collection kit. Evidence 

collected during the exam mainly includes biological and trace evidence. To reconstruct the events in 

question, evidence collected is used in two potential ways in sexual assault cases: 

• Transfer or associative evidence can provide information about contact between patients and suspects, 

patients and crime scenes, and suspects and crime scenes. The type of evidence recovered and its 

location can provide details about the nature of the contact. 

• Identification evidence can give scientific data about the source of a specific piece of evidence. 

Be aware of evidence that may be pertinent to the issue of whether the patient consented to the 

sexual contact with the suspect. In the majority of sexual assaults, patients know the suspects. For 

example, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey, in 2002, 66.1 percent of rapes/sexual 

assaults involved offenders who were nonstrangers.180 Most nonstranger suspects and many stranger 

suspects (if confronted by the criminal justice system) will claim that the patient consented to the sexual 

contact.181 Consent claims typically stem from a lack of evidence and documentation concerning force and 

 178 Note that while exam findings and evidence collected from patients are important in reconstructing the events in question, during a 

criminal investigation, law enforcement officials look for additional evidence that will create a more complete picture of the event. 179 Drawn from L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 63. 180 U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Criminal Victimization in the United States—Statistical Tables, 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/cvusst.htm. 181 J. Archambault and D.K. Faugno, Overcoming a Consent Defense to Sexual Assault, Journal of Emergency Nursing, 27:204–208, 

April 2001. 

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coercion. Thus, evidence and documentation of physical findings related to whether force or coercion was 

used against patients (e.g., findings that reveal injuries, drugs taken involuntarily, or signs of a struggle) are

important in these types of cases. However, the absence of physical trauma does not mean that 

coercion/force was not used or prove that patients consented to sexual contact.

182 Also, some physical 

findings that suggest force are not necessarily indicative of a sexual assault. It is important to remember that 

if an investigation takes place, law enforcement officials will look for additional crime scene evidence that

may help to overcome a claim of consent. 

Understand how biological evidence is tested.183 Semen, blood, vaginal secretions, saliva, vaginal 

epithelial cells, and other biological evidence may be identified and genetically typed by a crime lab. The

information derived from the analysis can often help determine whether sexual contact occurred, provide 

information regarding the circumstances of the incident, and be compared to reference samples collected 

from patients and suspects. A primary method used by crime labs for testing biological evidence is DNA 

(deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis.184 The most common form of DNA analysis used in crime labs for 

identification is called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR allows the analysis of evidence samples of 

limited quality and quantity by making millions of copies of very small amounts of DNA. Using an advanced 

form of PCR testing called “short tandem repeats” (STR), the laboratory is able to generate a DNA profile, 

which can be compared to DNA from a suspect or a crime scene.185

Distinguish patients’ DNA from suspects’ DNA. Blood, buccal (inner cheek) swabbings, or saliva should be 

collected from patients for DNA analysis to distinguish their DNA from that of suspects.186 (Procedures for 

collecting these samples are provided later in this chapter.) If the case is reported, patients’ biological 

samples and DNA profiles should be used only for investigation of the sexual assault, and their DNA profiles 

should not be inputted into CODIS.187 Neither biological samples nor DNA profiles should be provided to law 

enforcement or prosecution for another case in which patients may be suspects, inadvertently given to health 

insurance carriers, or used for research purposes without patients’ consent.188 Criminal justice agency 

policies should be in place and followed for the secure storage of biological samples and appropriate 

disposal of these samples and DNA profiles. 

Reduce exposure to infectious materials and risk of contamination of evidence. Examiners should take 

precautions during the exam to prevent exposure (to both patients and health care staff) to bloodborne 

pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. For example, it is important to follow facility policies on 

washing hands, handling contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps, wearing protective 

equipment, and minimizing splashing, spraying, and spattering of these materials. (For more information on

this topic, see B.1. Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners.) 

With the ever-increasing sensitivity of DNA analysis, there is a greater chance that accidental contamination 

can be detected. Forensic evidence, which is usually small in volume, can be contaminated and diluted by

foreign DNA. Every precaution should be taken by all first responders to reduce outside contamination and 

dilution of evidence. For example, examiners should wear nonlubricated gloves189 and change them 

 182 L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 68. 183 Section drawn from Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Providers by the National Commission on the Future of

DNA Evidence; the West Virginia Protocol for Responding to Victims of Sexual Assault, 2002, pp. 31–32; and the California Medical 

Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 40. 184 DNA determines each person’s individual characteristics. An individual’s DNA is unique except in identical twins. DNA in the cell 

nucleus is genetic material inherited from biological parents. (Drawn from Arkansas’ Sexual Assault: A Hospital/Community Protocol for 

Forensic and Medical Examination, 2001.) 185 There is a concern that if DNA evidence is found, prosecutors may not utilize other evidence, especially when labs have limited 

resources. But because persons known to victims commit the vast majority of sexual assaults, DNA findings must be used in 

conjunction with other forensic evidence recovered, particularly when issues of consent arise. Law enforcement investigators and 

prosecutors should receive training on maximizing the use of all forensic evidence collected. 186 L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 65. 187 In the fall of 2003, legislation was introduced to implement the President’s DNA Initiative provisions that would bar the inclusion of 

elimination samples in CODIS. These samples include those obtained from sexual assault victims, as well as individuals with whom they

had recent consensual sex prior to the exam. 188 An exception is that a forensic lab may input frequency information related to the DNA profiles in its statistical database. Victims’ 

identity remains anonymous. 189 Drawn from Connecticut’s Video Training Program, Part 1, The Examination: Sexual Assault Evidence Collection, 1998. 

90
throughout the exam/evidence collection whenever cross-contamination could occur.190 Examiners and other 

responders should seek guidance from their crime labs on procedures to follow to prevent contamination. 

Understand the importance of semen evidence.191 The relevance of semen evidence in cases involving 

male suspects covers the spectrum, depending upon case facts. Semen is composed of cellular and liquid 

components known as spermatozoa (sperm) and seminal fluid. Semen evidence can be useful because it is 

positive identification that ejaculation occurred,192 and it can be used to positively identify suspects. However, 

it is critical to note that failure to recover semen is not an indication that a sexual assault did not occur. There 

are a number of reasons why semen might not be recovered in these cases: Assailants may have used 

condoms, ejaculated somewhere other than in an orifice or on patients’ clothes or bodies, or not ejaculated 

at all. Semen may have been depleted by frequent ejaculation prior to the sample in question.

193 Chronic 

alcohol or drug abuse, chemotherapy, cancer, infection (e.g., mumps or tuberculosis), or congenital 

abnormalities also may suppress semen production. Other factors may contribute to the absence of 

detectable amounts of semen evidence. For example, significant time delays between the assault and 

collection of evidence may cause loss of semen evidence, semen may be washed away prior to the exam or 

improperly collected, and an object other than a penis may have been used for penetration.

Modify the exam and evidence collection to address patients’ needs and concerns. (For information on 

this topic, see A.2. Victim-Centered Care. Accommodating mobility impairments is discussed in footnotes for 

this chapter. For details on accommodating communication skills and modalities and responding to verbal 

and nonverbal cues, see C.4. The Medical Forensic History.) In addition, examiners should be aware that 

patients’ beliefs might affect whether and how certain evidence is collected. For example, patients from 

certain cultures or religious backgrounds may view hair as sacred and decline collection of hair evidence. 

Explain exam and evidence collection procedures to patients. Whatever the methods used for seeking 

informed consent from patients for the exam and evidence collection, the full nature of procedures and 

options should be explained. Examiners may provide some basic information prior to starting the exam and 

additional information as the exam proceeds. For example, if the colposcope is used, examiners can explain 

to patients, at some point prior to its use, what the colposcope is, how it will be used, for what purpose, and 

how long the procedure will take. Encourage patients to ask questions and to inform examiners if they need 

a break or do not want a particular part of the exam or evidence collection done. (For more information on 

obtaining informed consent of patients, see A.3. Informed Consent.) 

Conduct the exam.194 In addition to instructions included in the evidence collection kit, the exam should be 

guided by the scope of informed consent and the medical forensic history. 

In the course of the exam, examiners may question patients about trauma related to the assault. These 

questions should be specific enough to yield clinically relevant information. For example, simply asking if 

patients are injured or hurt anywhere is not focused enough—they may not know where they are injured until 

examined and/or asked questions such as if they hurt in specific body locations. 

General physical examination. Obtain patients’ vital signs, note the date and time of the exam, physical 

appearance, general demeanor, behavior, and orientation, and condition of clothing on arrival. Record all 

physical findings (which include observable or palpable tissue injuries; physiologic changes; and foreign 

materials such as grass, sand, stains, dried or moist secretions, or positive fluorescence) on body diagram

forms. Use an alternate light source to assist in identifying findings.195 Be observant for redness, abrasions, 

 190 Follow crime lab policy on whether to include used gloves in the evidence kit. 191 Drawn from the West Virginia Protocol for Responding to Victims of Sexual Assault, 2002, pp. 31–32, and New Hampshire’s Sexual 

Assault: A Hospital Protocol for Forensic and Medical Examination, 1998, pp. 26–27. 192 In the absence of sperm, certain seminal fluid components may be used to identify semen. 193 If assailants who had a vasectomy ejaculated, their seminal fluid would not contain sperm. 194 This section on performing the exam is primarily drawn from the American College of Emergency Physicians’ (ACEP) Evaluation and 

Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Sexually Abused Patient, 1999, pp. 103–107. Much of the ACEP exam procedures were 

based on the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims. 195 Use an alternate light source in a darkened room to examine patients’ entire bodies. Take care to protect their eyes when using 

ultraviolet light. Specifically examine the head, face, hair, lips, perioral region, and nares; chest and breasts; external genitalia, perineal 

area, inner thighs, and pubic hair; buttocks, skin, and anal folds; and any other area indicated by the medical forensic history. Dried 

semen stains have a characteristic shiny appearance and tend to flake off the skin. Semen may exhibit an off-white fluorescence under 

ultraviolet light. Fluorescent areas may appear as smears, streaks, or splash marks. Moist or freshly dried semen may not fluoresce. 

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bruises, swelling, lacerations, fractures, bites, burns, and other forms of physical trauma. Note areas of 

tenderness and induration. On dark-skinned individuals, it may be difficult to identify these areas and they 

may need to be sought out specifically. 

Anogenital examination.

196 During the female genital exam,197 examine the external genitalia and perineal 

area for injury, foreign materials, and other findings in the following areas: abdomen, thighs, perineum, labia 

majora, labia minora, clitorial hood and surrounding area, perurethral tissue/urethral meatus, hymen,198 fossa 

navicularis, and posterior fourchette. The use of a colposcope during the external genital exam enhances 

viewing microscopic trauma and may provide photographic documentation.199

Then examine the vagina and cervix for injury, foreign materials, and foreign bodies. Use a colposcope or

other magnifying device if available. In some jurisdictions, toluidine blue dye may be used to detect trauma, 

either with or without the use of a colposcope.200 Examine the buttocks, perianal skin, and anal folds for 

injury, foreign materials, and other findings. If rectal injury is suspected, an anoscope can be used as a tool 

to identify and evaluate trauma (it may also be used to help obtain anal swabs and trace evidence). 

For male patients, examine the external and perineal area for injury, foreign materials, and other findings, 

including from the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, foreskin, urethral meatus, shaft, scrotum, perineum, glans, and 

testes. Document whether patients are circumcised. 

 

Documentation of findings. Record findings from the general physical and anogenital exam on appropriate

body diagram forms. Detailed descriptions of findings should be provided as required. During the exam, 

collect evidence as specified in the evidence collection kit and photograph anatomy involved in the assault 

according to jurisdictional policy. Follow jurisdictional policy regarding documentation, photography, and 

collection of bite mark evidence.201

 Collect swabs from suspicious areas. Note that the appearance of fluorescent areas does not confirm the presence of semen, as other 

substances such as urine or body lotions may also fluoresce and semen may not always fluoresce. Independent confirmation of findings 

by the crime lab is necessary. In addition, rope marks, bite marks, recent contusions, and other subtle injuries may be more visible with 

the aid of an alternate light source. (Drawn from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual 

Abuse Victims, 2001, pp. 37–38.) 196 If patients are mobility impaired, review their history at this stage. In patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), the level of injury and any 

history of autonomic dysreflexia will have to be noted and given special attention. Other considerations in these patients are histories of 

muscle spasm and triggers for both muscle spasm and autonomic dysreflexia. Examiners should be sure to ask about things such as

whether these patients have ever had a speculum exam, what this experience was like, what the most comfortable position would be for 

the anogenital exam, and any history of autonomic dysreflexia with a speculum exam. (Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s SANE 

Protocol, 2002, p. 36.) 197 Some patients may not have previously had a gynecological exam and need a detailed explanation and support during this part of

the exam. (Drawn from L. Zarate, 2003, Suggestions for Upgrading the Cultural Competency Skills of SARTs, Arte Sana Web site, 

2003.) 

198 The Tanner Scale of Secondary Sexual Development is a sexual maturity rating scale that defines a child’s stage of puberty. 

(American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, Glossary of Terms and the Interpretation of Findings for Child Sexual Abuse 

Evidentiary Examinations, p. 7.) These developmental stages are relevant to the interpretation of physical findings in child and 

adolescent cases. There is a relationship between Tanner Stages and hymenal development. Physical findings must be evaluated in the 

context of hymenal development for the interpretation of findings. (The California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault 

and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 61.) 199 Colposcopes have magnifying lenses ranging from 4x to 30x power and can have 35-mm camera or video camera attachments. 

Colposcopes have a green filter that enhances the visualization of scars, unusual vascular patterns, and genital warts. Examiners can 

use the colposcope to obtain magnified images of the oral pharynx, genital, and rectal areas. Minor skin and/or mucosal trauma such as 

abrasions, lacerations, petechiae, focal edema, hymenal tears, and anal fissures are more easily seen with magnification, and 

photographs can be taken for documentation. Attached video cameras can also record images. (Drawn from the California Medical 

Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 58). 200 The use of toluidine blue dye is controversial in some jurisdictions (e.g., it may be perceived by the court as changing the appearance 

of the tissue) and not universally used. When employed, toluidine blue dye (1-percent aqueous solution) should be applied by cotton 

swab before any internal or digital speculum examination (including the colposcopic exam). Although DNA evidence will be preserved, 

care should be taken to avoid letting dye enter the vaginal vault. Vaginal application should occur after the anal application is completed

(if indicated) to avoid any cross-contamination. Excess dye may be blotted away with 1-percent acetic acid solution or lubricating jelly. 

Toluidine blue dye cannot separate consensual from nonconsensual lesions. Patients should be advised that small traces of the dye

might shed in their clothing over the 2 days following the exam. (Information on use of this dye is drawn from the American College of 

Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Abused Patient, 1999, p. 117.) 201 In addition to documenting, swabbing, and photographing bite marks, an odontologist may need to make casts. Without a cast, teeth 

cannot be matched to suspects. The American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually 

Assaulted or Abused Patient, 1999, pp. 111–112, offers guidelines for bite mark documentation. 

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Collect evidence to submit to the crime lab for analysis, according to jurisdictional policy.

202 The 

following evidence from patients, along with completed documentation forms, typically is submitted to the 

crime lab designated by the jurisdiction.

203 Jurisdictions may require collection of additional or different 

specimens. Instructions on evidence collection are usually contained in the evidence collection kit. If any 

requested evidence is not collected, examiners should note reasons on documentation forms. 

Collect clothing evidence. Clothing frequently contains important evidence in sexual assault cases. It 

provides a surface upon which traces of foreign materials, such as semen, saliva, blood, hairs, fibers, and 

debris from the crime scene, may be found. While foreign matter can be washed off or worn off the body, the 

same substances often can be found intact on clothing for a considerable length of time following an assault.

Damaged or torn clothing may be significant, as damage may be evidence of force (do not cut through any 

existing holes, rips, or stains on clothing). Evidence on patients’ clothing can be compared with evidence 

collected from suspects and crime scenes. Common items collected from patients include underwear, 

hosiery, blouses, shirts, and pants. Coats and shoes are collected less frequently.204

Procedures for collecting clothing, underwear, and foreign material dislodged while undressing:

• Place a clean hospital sheet on the floor as a barrier. Then place the collection paper on the barrier 

sheet. Be careful to prevent evidence transfer. Document all findings. Ask patients to disrobe (assisting

them as requested and then draping them appropriately).205 When disrobing, have patients remove 

shoes and then undress over the collection paper to catch any foreign material that is dislodged.206 If 

someone assists, she/he should wear gloves. 

• Collect clothing pertinent to the assault. First determine if patients are wearing the same clothes worn 

during or immediately following the assault. If so, the clothing should be examined for any apparent 

foreign material, stains, or damage. When the determination has been made that items may contain 

possible evidence, those items should be collected. If it is determined that patients are not wearing the 

same clothing, examiners should inquire as to the location of the original clothing. If original clothing has 

not been brought to the exam site, information on clothing location should be provided to law 

enforcement (if involved) so that clothing can be retrieved before any potential evidence is destroyed.207

In addition to collecting underwear worn at the time of or immediately after the assault, collect 

underwear patients are wearing at the time of the exam (if relevant to the case). 

• Be sensitive about how much clothing to take as evidence. For example, take patients’ coats or shoes 

only if it is determined that there may be evidence on them. The exam site can coordinate with advocacy 

programs to ensure that replacement clothing is available for patients in a range of sizes. This clothing is

critical in some instances (e.g., a patient may own only the clothing that is being collected). 

• If female patients are menstruating, collect tampons and sanitary napkins. Air-dry them as much as

possible and then place them in a separate paper collection bag. 

• Follow jurisdictional policy for handling and transporting wet evidence that cannot be dried thoroughly at 

the exam site (e.g., wet clothing, tampons, and sanitary napkins). Ensure that it is packaged in leak-

 202 Much of this section was drawn from the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually 

Assaulted or Abused Patient, 1999, pp. 103–107. 203 In some cases, it may be appropriate to submit evidence to the FBI Laboratory. It accepts cases from any duly authorized law

enforcement agency. However, if the case is not a FBI case and the jurisdiction has capability to analyze DNA, then the DNA Unit of the 

FBI Lab will generally not accept the case. Cases that occur on Indian reservations may be submitted directly to the FBI Lab from local 

or tribal law enforcement agencies, the BIA, or the FBI and will be worked on by the Indian County Evidence Task Force. Should a 

jurisdictional lab not have a hair examiner but have the capability to analyze DNA, items requiring only DNA analysis should not be 

submitted. Items such as clothing that will be examined for both DNA and trace evidence should be submitted to the FBI Lab first. These 

items will be returned after processing for trace evidence and can then be sent along with DNA-only evidence to the jurisdictional lab. 

Do not submit items to the FBI Lab for trace evidence analysis after they have been previously examined by another lab. For more 

information or help submitting a case to the FBI Lab, contact your local FBI office or see the Handbook of Forensic Services at 

www.fbi.gov/programs/lab/handbook/intro.htm. 204 Paragraph drawn from the West Virginia Protocol for Responding to Victims of Sexual Assault, 2002, p. 32. 205 If patients are concerned about disrobing in front of advocates and/or personal support persons, they can turn around, hold up a 

sheet to shield patients, or leave the room while patients disrobe. 206 For patients with mobility impairments, put the foreign material collection sheet on the exam table and leave in place until the exam is 

completed. If patients prefer to disrobe in their wheelchairs, sheets can be tucked in around the wheelchair to catch debris. Avoid putting 

chairs on paper, as debris from wheels may contaminate evidence. (Commonwealth of Massachusetts SANE Protocol, 2002, p. 33.) 207 Paragraph drawn from the West Virginia Protocol for Responding to Victims of Sexual Assault, 2002, p. 33. In the course of the exam

process, additional crime scene items that could be potential evidence may be identified and should be collected and preserved. 

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proof containers and separated from other evidence when being transported. It is critical to alert 

involved law enforcement representatives and crime lab personnel about the presence of wet evidence 

and the need for its immediate analysis or further drying.

208 

• After drying items according to jurisdictional policy, place each piece of clothing and collection paper in a 

separate paper bag, label, seal, and initial seal. If additional bags are needed, use new grocery-style 

paper bags only. The barrier sheet is not submitted as evidence. 

• Tape/seal bags closed; label, seal,209 and initial the seal. 

Collect debris.210

• Collect obvious debris on patients’ bodies (e.g., dirt, leaves, fibers, and hair) on a collection sheet—

package, label, seal, and initial seal. 

• Fingernail evidence: ask patients whether or not they scratched the suspects’ face, body, or clothing. If 

so, or if fibers of other materials are observed under patients’ fingernails, collect fingernail clippings, 

scrapings, and/or swabbings, according to jurisdictional policy.211 If fingernail scrapings are collected, 

package fingernail scrapings and tools used to obtain the sample, label, seal, and initial seal. Cut broken 

fingernails at the remaining jagged edge for later comparison. Collect a fake nail as a known sample if 

one is missing. Package, label, seal, and initial the seals. 

• If requested, assist patients in putting on exam gowns after clothing and debris are collected.

Collect foreign materials and swabs from the surface of the body. Carefully inspect the body, including head, 

hair, and scalp, for dried or moist secretions and stains (e.g., blood, seminal fluid, sweat, and saliva) and 

other foreign material. Use an alternate light source to assist in identifying evidence. Obtain swabs from any 

suspicious area that may be a dry secretion or stain, any moist secretion, any area that fluoresces with 

longwave ultraviolet light, and any area for which patients relate a history or suspicion of bodily fluid transfer 

(e.g., licking, kissing, biting, splashed semen, or suction injury). Also collect swabs from potentially high-yield 

areas (e.g., neck, breasts, or external genitalia) if the history is absent or incomplete. 

• Flake off dried secretions and/or swab dried secretions with a swab moistened with one drop of water. 

Swab moist secretions with a dry swab. Separate swabs should be used for every sample area collected. 

Follow jurisdictional policies regarding the number of swabs required to collect each specimen. 

• Swab bite marks. 

• Optional—smear swabs onto microscope slides, according to jurisdictional policy.

• Cut matted head, facial, or pubic hairs bearing crusted material (or flake off material if possible) and 

place in an envelope. 

• According to jurisdictional policy, air-dry all specimens, package swabs and slides separately, label, seal, 

and initial seals. Note that coding of evidence must allow the crime lab to know which swab was used to 

prepare which slide. 

• If teeth are flossed prior to oral swab collection, package used floss, label, seal, and initial the seal.

Collect hair combings. Follow jurisdictional policy for collecting hair combings. The purpose of this procedure 

is to collect hair shed by suspects that may have been transferred to patients’ hair. Hair combings may also 

reveal other foreign materials. Some jurisdictions collect head hair combings only if indicated. Whether or

not head combings are collected, it is important to examine head, facial, and pubic hair for secretions, 

foreign materials, and/or debris and collect as appropriate (see above for collection of debris and foreign 

materials). Pubic hair combings are typically collected if the assault involved the genital area of patients. 

 208 Drawn from Connecticut’s Video Training Program, Part 1, The Examination: Sexual Assault Evidence Collection, 1998. 209 Do not use saliva to seal envelopes; rather, try using moistened gauze pads or paper towels. (Drawn from Connecticut’s Video 

Training Program, Part 1, The Examination: Sexual Assault Evidence Collection, 1998.) 210 Debris-containing evidence may be found on equipment, such as wheelchairs, scooters, canes, wheelchair pads, assistive 

communication devices, catheters, and service animals, used by some patients with physical impairments. Swab equipment and/or 

animals for evidence, if appropriate, according to jurisdictional policy. Always ask patients for permission to do so. 211 Some jurisdictions routinely collect fingernail samples and photograph fingernail damage that may have been related to the assault. 

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Head hair combings212 

• Use the comb and collection paper provided for this procedure. 

• Place the unfolded paper under patients’ heads. Comb head hair towards paper (patients may comb). 

• Fold comb with debris/hair into paper. Package paper, label, seal, and initial the seal. 

Pubic hair combings 

• Use the comb and collection paper provided for this procedure. 

• Place the unfolded paper under patients’ buttocks and comb hair toward paper (patients may comb). 

• Fold comb with debris/hair into paper. Package paper, label, seal, and initial the seal. 

Collect hair reference samples as needed.213 Follow jurisdictional policy for collection of hair reference 

samples.214 Many jurisdictions do not collect pubic hair reference samples routinely and some do not collect 

head hair reference samples routinely during the exam. In other jurisdictions, both samples are collected 

routinely unless otherwise indicated or declined by patients.215 Whatever the jurisdictional policy, patients 

should always be informed about the purpose of collection, procedures used to collect samples, discomfort 

that may be involved, and how these samples may be used during the investigation and prosecution. If hair 

reference samples are not collected at the initial exam, it is important to inform patients that there might be a 

need to collect these samples for crime lab analysis at a later date. They should be aware that hair evidence 

collected at a later date may not be as conclusive as if it is collected at the time of the initial exam (e.g., due 

to the fact that hair characteristics can change over time). 

When these samples are collected, the indications, timing, and techniques vary. Jurisdictional policies should 

be in place and followed. Give patients the option of collecting samples themselves. 

Collect oral and anogenital swabs and smears. Patients’ consent, the medical forensic history, and exam 

findings should guide collection of oral and anogenital specimens. In general, specimens should be collected 

only from orifices and areas surrounding the orifices that patients report to be involved in the assault.216 Keep 

in mind that some patients may be vague about the type(s) of sexual contact that occurred. Examiners can

help clarify which orifices were involved by asking appropriate questions. If there is uncertainty about 

involved orifices (e.g., because patients have little memory of the assault, were unconscious or incoherent, 

or do not understand what occurred), collection from oral, vaginal, and anal orifices (with patients’ 

permission) may be appropriate. In some jurisdictions, policy calls for collection from all three orifices. Again, 

patients’ consent is needed to collect these samples. Things to note when collecting these swabs and 

smears:

• Caution patients who use a bathroom prior to the exam that evidence may be present in pubic, genital, 

and anal areas and urge them not to wash or wipe away secretions until after evidence collection. 

• When taking a swab, examiners should take care not to contaminate the collection with secretions or 

materials from other areas, such as vaginal to rectal or penile to rectal. 

• Follow jurisdictional policy for collecting swabs (and the number of swabs used to collect a sample), 

smearing swabs on slides, and drying and packaging swabs and slides. Also, follow jurisdictional policy 

 212 For patients whose mobility is limited, examiners may have to hold the paper or have an assistant hold patients’ heads over the paper 

during combing. Check with patients to find out what is acceptable. (Commonwealth of Massachusetts SANE Protocol, 2002, p. 34.) 213 See footnote under hair combing regarding patients with limited mobility. 214 Crime labs use reference samples to determine whether or not evidence specimens collected are foreign to patients. There is a lack 

of consensus across jurisdictions about whether to collect these samples routinely during the initial exam. Head and pubic hair reference 

samples from patients can provide a source of comparative information for forensic scientists, but these samples are not needed in 

many cases and can be retrieved from patients at a later date if necessary. If the samples are not taken at the time of the exam,

however, patients may be reluctant to return later for collection. Also, hair characteristics may change over time. For patients, gathering 

these samples can be a painful and embarrassing procedure that follows the trauma of the assault. But, given the choice of having 

samples taken at the initial exam or at a later date, many opt to get it over with during the exam. From a prosecutorial perspective, hair 

pulled or cut from patients is rarely used to prosecute a case. With the advent of DNA technology, the court’s use of these reference 

samples declined. Yet, particularly in cases where DNA evidence is not available, hair reference samples could be useful evidence. 

SARTs (or involved responders) should ensure that their decisions about collecting hair reference samples reflect current best forensic 

practices, advances in technology, and the need for sensitivity to patients. 215 Note that a patient may believe hair is sacred and thus may be reluctant or decline to have hair evidence collected. 216 It is important to note, however, that there is a lack of consistency across jurisdictions as to whether specimen collection from all 

orifices is routine or conducted on a case-by-case basis, based on the assault history and exam findings. 

95 
for timeframes in which samples should be collected (e.g., oral and penile samples are only collected 

within 24 hours of the assault in one jurisdiction) unless otherwise indicated. 

• Do not stain or chemically fix swabs or smears. 

• When preparing slides, note that coding of evidence material must allow the crime lab to know which 

swab was used to prepare which slide. 

• Document any foreign substance or material introduced by health care providers (e.g., lubricating jelly on 

a speculum or betadine prior to introduction of a catheter).

Oral sample217

• Place swabs together to collect specimen from oral cavity between gums and cheeks and under tongue. 

Remove dentures and swab with same swabs. 

• Optional—smear swabs onto two microscopic slides. 

• Air-dry swabs and slides. 

• Package slides and swabs, place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seal. 

External genital sample218

• Swab external genital dry-skin areas with swabs (blind swabbing by protocol or history), at least one dry 

and one moistened with a drop of sterile, distilled, or deionized water, according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Optional—smear swabs on two microscope slides. 

• Air-dry swabs and slides. 

• Package slides and swabs, place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seal. 

Vaginal/cervical sample 

• Use swabs together to collect a sample from vaginal pool. It is prudent to collect swabs from both the 

vagina and cervix, regardless of time between assault and exam. 

• Optional—smear swabs onto microscope slides. 

• Air dry swabs and slides. 

• Package slides and swabs, place in envelope, label (specifically indicating sampling site), seal, and 

initial the seal. 

Wet-mount evaluation.

219 Some jurisdictions require examiners to conduct wet-mount examinations of 

vaginal/cervical secretions for motile and nonmotile sperm in cases in which a male suspect may have 

ejaculated in a patient’s vagina.220 Because sperm motility decreases quickly with time and removal from the 

vagina/cervix,221 wet-mount evaluation during the exam can provide the only opportunity to see sperm 

motility.222 The presence of motile sperm may help narrow the timeframe that the crime could have occurred. 

In other jurisdictions, however, the crime lab is responsible for all analysis of evidence223 and examiners do

 217 One jurisdiction also collects a lip/lip area swab and smear and an oral rinse if there was oral contact. 218 Note that cleansing the area for catheterization and/or applying Lidocaine may dilute or contaminate the evidence. Therefore, when 

Lidocaine is applied to the perineal and anal areas to minimize the risk of autonomic dysreflexia, it should be done only after swabbing 

the external genitalia for evidence. If catheterization is required either for evidence collection or to empty the bladder for speculum 

examination, it should be done only after swabbing the external genitalia. (Commonwealth of Massachusetts SANE Protocol, 2002, p. 

38.) 

219 Note for clarity that this and the next paragraph discuss wet-mount evaluation for sperm. However, wet-mount evaluation of vaginal 

secretions for infection (e.g., yeast infection and STIs) may also be done during the exam if medically or forensically indicated. Hospital 

lab personnel usually analyze these samples. 220 If and when wet-mount evaluation for sperm is done, examiners should exercise discretion conducting this procedure in the presence 

of patients and be sensitive in explaining the implications of positive and negative wet mounts to patients (if they want to know). 

Examiners should remind law enforcement investigators that a lack of sperm does not mean an assault did not occur and that the crime 

lab will later examine prepared slides using stains and other techniques not available to examiners. Thus, if sperm is present, the lab’s 

rate of identification will probably be higher than it was for examiners. Providing this information might help deter misinterpretation of 

results. 221 In most cases, sperm becomes nonmotile in the vagina within 10 to 12 hours after ejaculation. (Drawn from W. Green, M. Kaufhold, 

and E. Schulman, Sexual Assault Evidentiary Exam Training for Health Care Providers, Participant Manual, 2001, p. 39 of Module 7.) 

Both motile and nonmotile sperm may be found in the cervix for longer periods of time after the assault than in the vagina. Sperm may 

not be found after an assault for many reasons (see section in this chapter on the importance of semen evidence). 222 Drawn from W. Green, M. Kaufhold, and E. Schulman, Sexual Assault Evidentiary Exam Training for Health Care Providers, 

Participant Manual, 2001, p. 39 of Module 7. 223 A possible exception may be toxicology analysis. 

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not do the wet-mount evaluation for sperm.224 Follow jurisdictional policy on whether wet-mount evaluation 

for sperm is needed and methods of evaluation. If it is required, examiners should be educated on use of the 

microscope, identification of sperm, and reporting their findings. 

• Prepare a wet-mount slide according to jurisdictional policy. Smear one swab collected from the vaginal 

pool on a slide.225 Typically, the slide is prepared by placing one drop of normal saline onto the slide. Roll 

the swab into the drop and place a cover slip on the slide. 

• View for presence of sperm under a microscope at 400x or by using a phase contrast or other optically 

staining microscope (within 10 minutes of preparing slide).226 

• Air-dry this swab and slide (not removing the cover slip). 

• Package swab and slide, place in envelope, label as “wet mount” (specifically indicating sampling site), 

seal, and initial the seal. 

Immediately following collection of vaginal/cervical samples and any necessary wet-mount evaluation, the 

pelvic examination should be performed and any necessary medical cultures taken. 

Penile sample

• Slightly moisten swabs with distilled water and thoroughly swab the external surface of the penile shaft 

and glans. Swab all outer areas of the penis and scrotum where contact is suspected. 

• Gently roll the swabs over one of the microscope slides, according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Air-dry swabs and slides. 

• Package slides and swabs, place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seals. 

Immediately following this procedure, any necessary medical cultures should be taken. 

Perineal area sample227

• If there was vaginal/anal contact, there may be leakage of semen in the perineal area. Use an alternate 

light source on the anal area and flake off or swab areas of dried secretions. 

• Optional—smear swabs on microscopic slides, according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Flaked dried secretions should be placed into the provided container. Air-dry swabs and slides and 

package them separately. Place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seal. 

• Avoid contaminating anal/rectal samples by cleansing the perianal area after external secretions and 

foreign materials have been collected. 

Anal/rectal sample228

• Collect swabs from the anal cavity. 229 Avoid contact with external skin surfaces. 

 224 While crime labs can reliably identify the presence of sperm on permanent stained slides, they cannot identify motile sperm due to

time delays. Information about the presence or absence of sperm and motile sperm obtained at the time of the exam can impact the 

investigation and patients’ decisionmaking. One concern related to examiners doing wet-mount evaluations for sperm is that their 

findings may be different than those of crime labs (e.g., the examiner may not detect sperm, while the crime lab does). 225 Alternate methods for obtaining materials for wet mounts: a sample may be collected from a vaginal aspirate or fluid from the lower

bill of speculum after withdrawing it from vagina, or sperm are occasionally found on microscopic urinalysis. (W. Green, M. Kaufhold, 

and E. Schulman, Sexual Assault Evidentiary Exam Training for Health Care Providers, Participant Manual, 2001, p. 38 of Module 7.) 226 Examiners rather than hospital lab personnel should view these slides. Otherwise, delays between preparation of slides in the exam 

room and analysis in the hospital lab could cause a negative result (e.g., sperm present, but not motile). Also, those involved in the 

chain of custody of this evidence should be kept to a minimum. 227 See the next footnote for patients with spinal cord injury and/or history of autonomic dysreflexia. 228 Note that for patients with spinal cord injury and/or history of autonomic dysreflexia, collection of anal/rectal samples is performed 

only with the highest level of awareness of risks and with observance of precautionary steps. Possible triggers for autonomic dysreflexia

are anxiety, pelvic exam (a cold speculum or the pressure of manipulating a speculum or manipulation of the cervix and pressure on the 

uterus), rectal exam or swabbing, impacted bowel, urinary retention, a kinked catheter, a bladder infection, and deep skin lesion. Some 

symptoms are highly elevated blood pressure, nasal congestion, sudden onset of headache, flushing, sweating, shortness of breath, 

and muscle spasm. Precautions against a possible attack requires an empty bladder or leg bag for the exam; application of lidocaine gel 

to perineum and/or anal area before exam; examination performed in a semi-supine position; slow insertion and minimal manipulation of 

a warm speculum; constant monitoring of blood pressure and “checking in” with patients; having rapid acting anti-hypertensive 

medication on hand; and making health care staff aware of risks and on alert. Treatment for autonomic dysreflexia includes stopping the 

exam, bringing patients to sitting or semi-supine position, and involving emergency medical staff immediately who can administer a fastacting anti-hypertensive medication. (Commonwealth of Massachusetts SANE Protocol, 2002, p. 40.) 229 If needed, an anoscope can be used to identify anal injuries and obtain anal swabs after perianal cleansing. These swabs should be 

obtained by direct visualization from the rectal mucosa visible above the tip of the anoscope. If patients are unable to tolerate a water97 
• Optional—smear swabs on microscopic slides, according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Air-dry swabs and slides. 

• Package swabs and slides, place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seal. 

At this time, any additional examinations or tests involving the anus should be conducted. 

Known blood or saliva sample or buccal swab for DNA analysis and comparison. Many samples collected 

during the exam contain a mixture of secretions. To interpret genetic typing results obtained from these 

swabs, it is essential to know the genetic profile of patients. Patients’ DNA reference samples are used for 

this purpose. Follow jurisdictional policy regarding the type of samples accepted by the crime lab. Collection

of a buccal swab or saliva sample is encouraged unless it is medically or forensically necessary to take 

blood. If a blood sample is collected, the most noninvasive method of collection should be used. 

 

Buccal swabs: Decide on a case-by-case basis whether it is appropriate to collect a buccal (inner cheek) 

swab reference sample for DNA typing rather than a blood sample. For example, a blood sample may not 

be needed or patients might not allow blood to be drawn. A saliva sample is an alternative to the buccal 

swab. (Note that buccal swabs and saliva samples are not suitable for blood typing and serology.) If oral 

copulation is asserted or suspected, a buccal swab or saliva sample for patients’ DNA reference may be 

contaminated. In those cases, blood is usually the better reference sample. 

• Buccal swab: Have patients rinse their mouths with tap water and then expose the inner cheek area. 

Swab this area with gentle pressure. Air-dry the swab, package, place in envelope, label, seal, and initial 

the seal. 

• Saliva sample: Have patients saturate with saliva the inner circle of a folded piece of absorbent paper 

(e.g., filter paper).230 Allow the paper to air-dry according to jurisdictional policy. Without touching the 

inner circle, package the paper, place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seal. (Patients should not 

eat, drink, or smoke for at least 15 minutes prior to the saliva sample collection.) 

Dry blood 

• If drawn blood is not being collected for medical or toxicological purposes, consider dry blood collection 

because it is a less invasive method of blood collection.231

• Using a betadine swab, wipe the tip of the left or right ring finger. 

• Using a sterile lancet, prick the finger. 

• While holding the finger over one of four circles on the blood collection card, milk the finger, allowing two 

drops of blood to fall in a circle. Repeat procedure for the remaining circles as required by jurisdictional 

policy (it may not be necessary to fill all four circles). 

• Allow blood to air-dry according to jurisdictional policy. Fill out the patient’s name on the first line. 

Package according to jurisdictional policy, then place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seal. 

Drawn Blood 

• In order to minimize patients’ discomfort, collect drawn blood needed for the reference sample at the 

same time blood is collected for medical or toxicological purposes. 

• Blood for the reference sample may be collected in lavender-top and/or yellow-top blood drawing tubes. 

These colored tubes contain preservatives suitable for forensic blood typing. The color to use is typically 

specified by the designated crime lab.232 If tubes are included in the evidence collection kit, check 

expiration dates and replace if expired.233 Mix according to jurisdictional policy. 

• Write the patient’s name, date and time of collection, and the collector’s initial on the tube. Package 

according to jurisdictional policy, then place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seal. 

 moistened anoscope or anal speculum, lightly coat the instrument with lidocaine jelly or use manual traction and obtain samples from 

the anal canal. If a lubricant (other than water or saline) or lidocaine jelly is used, document its use and the reason for it. (The California 

Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 48.) 230 For patients with compromised manual dexterity, examiners may hold the paper. (Commonwealth of Massachusetts SANE Protocol 

Draft, p. 31.) 231 Several State protocols indicate dry blood collection is an acceptable method to obtain known DNA samples. 232 The California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 52. 233 Drawn from Connecticut’s Video Training Program, Part 1, The Examination: Sexual Assault Evidence Collection, 1998. 

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Collect other evidence. Other evidence may be collected beyond what is needed for the sexual assault 

evidence collection kit. 

Toxicology samples. Make the decision about whether to collect toxicology samples for forensic purposes,

what to collect, and collection methods according to jurisdictional policy. Do not put toxicology samples in 

the sexual assault evidence collection kit, unless otherwise indicated. Identify which forensic labs the 

jurisdiction has selected to analyze these samples, choose a lab, and follow transfer policies. (See C.7.

Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault for more information on collecting toxicology samples.) 

Keep medical specimens separate from forensic specimens obtained during the exam. Specimens 

collected for medical purposes should be kept and processed at the medical facility, and specimens collected 

for forensic analysis should be transferred to the crime laboratory or other specified laboratories for analysis 

(with patients’ consent). It is not necessary to maintain the chain of custody on medical specimens—instead, 

follow exam facility policy for documenting medical care and storing medical records. 

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7. Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions and responders to facilitate response in suspected drugfacilitated sexual assault: 

• Educate examiners, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement representatives, prosecutors, judges, and 

advocates on issues related to drug-facilitated sexual assault. Develop policies to clarify first responders’ 

roles in cases involving suspected drug-facilitated assault. 

• Be clear about the circumstances in which toxicology testing may be indicated. Routine testing is not 

recommended. 

• Informed consent of patients to collect toxicology samples should be sought. Prior to giving consent, 

patients should be aware of the purposes and scope of testing, potential benefits and consequences, 

any followup treatment necessary, how they can obtain results, who will pay for testing, and if they have 

any opportunity to revoke consent to testing.

• With patients’ permission, immediately collect a urine specimen if patients may have been given drugs 

used for facilitating sexual assault within 96 hours prior to the exam. Also, collect a blood sample if these 

drugs may have been ingested within 24 hours of the exam. If a blood-alcohol level needs to be 

determined, collect a blood sample within 24 hours of alcohol ingestion, following jurisdictional policy.

• Make sure jurisdictional procedures are in place and followed for packaging, storing, and transferring 

these samples.

Promote training and develop jurisdictional policies. It is essential that examiners and other relevant 

health care personnel, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement representatives, emergency medical technicians, 

prosecutors, judges, and advocates receive training and information on drug-facilitated sexual assault. They 

need to be educated on the use of drugs and alcohol to facilitate sexual assault, screening for drug-facilitated 

assault, and how to handle situations in which a drug-facilitated sexual assault is suspected. Both agencyspecific and multidisciplinary policies should be developed to guide immediate response to a suspected 

drug-facilitated sexual assault.234

First responders must recognize that although Rohypnol and gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) are widely 

publicized as the “drugs of choice” in drug-facilitated sexual assault, assailants may use numerous other 

drugs (including alcohol) to facilitate sexual assault.235 They must understand the urgency of collecting 

toxicology samples, if it is medically necessary, or if a drug-facilitated sexual assault is suspected, as well as 

the importance of obtaining informed consent from patients prior to sample collection. They should also be 

aware that collection of toxicology samples is typically separate from the sexual assault forensic evidence 

collection kit, and procedures for toxicology analysis may be different from that of other evidence analysis. 

Ideally, the first available urine sample should be collected in suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault 

cases. Law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services should develop procedures and staff 

training for collection in cases where patients must urinate before arriving at the exam site. Advocates and 

other professionals who may have contact with patients prior to their arrival at the exam site should also be

educated to provide those who suspect that drugs were used to facilitate the assault with information on how 

to collect a sample if they cannot wait to urinate until they get to the site. 

Plan response to voluntary use of drugs and/or alcohol by patients. It may be revealed during the exam 

process or through toxicological analysis that patients voluntarily used drugs and/or alcohol just prior to the 

assault.236 Voluntary drug and/or alcohol use by patients during this period should not diminish the perceived

seriousness of the assault.Law enforcement officers and prosecutors should guard against disqualifying 

 234 These policies should clarify that patients should not be responsible for costs related to toxicology testing. Testing done as part of 

forensic evidence collection is typically paid for by the involved government entity. 235 For more information about use of Rohypnol and GHB in drug-facilitated cases, see American Prosecutors Research Institute, 

Violence Against Women Program, The Prosecution of Rohypnol and GHB Related Sexual Assaults, 1999. 236 Health care personnel involved in sexual assault cases should adhere to facility policy regarding 1) asking patients about alcohol and 

drug use in the course of intake and treatment and 2) testing for alcohol and/or drugs if deemed medically necessary.

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cases in which patients voluntarily used illegal drugs or illegally used alcohol. Patients should understand 

that information related to voluntary alcohol or drug use may be used against them in court, but also that in

some instances it might be helpful in prosecuting a case (see the following section on explaining 

procedures). Also, before pursuing charges related to illegal drug or alcohol use by patients, prosecutors 

should give great weight to the impact that the threat of such charges may have on patients’ willingness to 

report the sexual assault and be involved in subsequent criminal justice proceedings. 

It is important to document patient voluntary use of drugs and alcohol between the time of the assault and 

the exam. Some patients may self-medicate to cope with postassault trauma and require immediate medical 

treatment. In addition, ingestion of drugs and/or alcohol during this period may affect the quality of evidence

and impede patients’ ability to make informed decisions about treatment and evidence collection. 

Be clear about the circumstances in which toxicology testing may be indicated.237 Routine toxicology 

testing is not recommended. However, in any of the following situations, the collection of a urine and/or blood 

sample may be indicated:238

• If a patient’s medical condition appears to warrant toxicology screening for optimal care (e.g., the patient 

presents with drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, memory loss, 

impaired motor skills, or severe intoxication); 

• If a patient or accompanying persons (e.g., family member, friend, or law enforcement representative) 

states the patient was or may have been drugged; and/or 

• If a patient suspects drug involvement because of a lack of recollection of event(s).239

Patients should be questioned about involuntary drug/alcohol use only if determined to be medically 

necessary or if there is a suspicion the assault was drug-facilitated. 

Toxicology testing procedures should be explained to patients. Seek informed consent from patients to 

collect toxicology samples. Patients should understand the following before agreeing to toxicology testing:240

• The purposes of toxicology testing and the scope of confidentiality of results;241 

• The ability to detect and identify drugs and alcohol depends on collection of urine and/or blood within a 

limited time period following ingestion; 

• There is no guarantee that testing will reveal that drugs were used to facilitate the assault; 

• Testing may or may not be limited to drugs commonly used to facilitate sexual assault242 and may reveal 

other drugs or alcohol that patients may have ingested voluntarily; 

• Whether any followup treatment is necessary if testing reveals the presence of drugs used to facilitate 

sexual assault;243

• Test results showing voluntary use of drugs and/or alcohol may be discoverable by the defense and 

used to attempt to discredit patients or to question their ability to accurately perceive the events in 

 237 There is some controversy related to if and when to collect toxicology samples and test patients for drug and/or alcohol use. Some 

jurisdictions only collect these samples if drug-facilitated sexual assault is suspected or if a medical need arises. They seek to minimize

patients’ discomfort and avoid collecting unnecessary items. Other jurisdictions collect toxicology samples from every patient (with 

permission) and analyze these samples as case facts and jurisdictional policy dictate. In addition to cases of suspected drug-facilitated 

assault, some jurisdictions may request a toxicology sample if there is indication that patients voluntarily used drugs and/or alcohol prior 

to the assault. One rationale for such a policy is that prosecutors will want all information on drug and alcohol use to prepare for the 

case. When developing jurisdictional policy about when and if to collect toxicology samples, involved professionals should consider the 

perspective of patients and the criminal justice system and make thoughtful, victim-centered decisions. 238 Bullets drawn from Connecticut’s Interim Sexual Assault Toxicology Screen Protocol, 2002. 239 Often, drugs used to facilitate sexual assault are mixed with alcohol and other beverages to further incapacitate patients, usually

without their knowledge. Once patients recover from the effects of drugs and/or alcohol, anterograde amnesia may make it difficult to 

recall events. Consequently, patients may not be aware of the assault or even of how they were drugged. (Drawn from Connecticut’s 

Interim Sexual Assault Toxicology Screen Protocol, 2002.) 240 List adapted partially from Connecticut’s Interim Sexual Assault Toxicology Screen Protocol, 2002. 241 If the patient authorizes the release of toxicology testing results to law enforcement and/or prosecution, this information will most 

likely be discoverable by the defense. If toxicology testing is done for purely clinical purposes and results are documented only in the 

patient’s medical records, the results are typically more difficult, but not impossible, to discover. 242 In some jurisdictions, examiners may be able to request testing for specific drugs used to facilitate sexual assault. In others, tests for

specific drugs are not done, rather, toxicology samples are screened for all ingested drugs and alcohol. 243 For example, patients with health conditions that may be affected by drug or alcohol intake may need information on possible impact 

of involuntary drug/alcohol ingestion and what to do to identify, treat, or avoid potential problems. 

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question (however, these results could also help substantiate that voluntary drug and/or alcohol use 

sufficiently impaired patients’ consent and prevented legal consent);244

• Whether there is a local prosecution practice of charging sexual assault victims for illegal voluntary drug

and/or alcohol use revealed through toxicology screening; 

• Failure or refusal to undergo testing when indicated by circumstances as described above may 

negatively impact the investigation and/or prosecution;245 

• When and how they can obtain information on the results from toxicology testing; 

• Who will pay for toxicology testing; and 

• Whether patients have the opportunity to revoke their consent to toxicology testing.246

 

Care should be taken when providing the above information to patients. In particular, they may need to hear 

repeatedly from examiners that voluntary use of drugs and/or alcohol, if any, does not reduce the 

seriousness of the assault. Under no circumstances should the medical forensic exam and treatment be 

conditioned upon patient consent to toxicology testing. 

Toxicology samples should be collected as soon as possible after a suspected drug-facilitated case 

is identified and informed consent is obtained, even if patients are undecided about reporting to law

enforcement. The length of time that drugs used for drug-facilitated assault remain in urine or blood 

depends on a number of variables (e.g., the type and amount of drug ingested, patients’ body size and rate 

of metabolism, whether patients had a full stomach, and whether they previously urinated).247 Urine allows for 

a longer window of detection of drugs commonly used in these cases than does blood.248 The sooner a urine 

specimen is obtained after the assault, the greater the chances of detecting drugs that are quickly eliminated

from the body.

249

Immediately collect a urine sample when appropriate. If patients may have ingested a drug used for 

facilitating sexual assault within 96 hours prior to the exam, a urine specimen of at least 30 milliliters but 

preferably 100 milliliters (about 3 ounces) should be collected250 in a clean plastic or glass container (follow 

jurisdictional policy). The urine sample does not have to be a clean catch (e.g., blood in the urine will not 

compromise test results). If patients cannot wait to urinate until their arrival at the exam facility, first 

responders should ask them to provide a sample and bring it to the facility, documenting the chain of 

custody. It is suggested that law enforcement officers and emergency medical technicians keep toxicology 

screening kits readily available, according to agency policy. 

Ideally, patients should not urinate until after evidence is collected. However, the number of times that 

patients urinated prior to collection of the sample should be documented. 

Collect a blood sample when appropriate. If ingestion of drugs used to facilitate sexual assault may have 

occurred within 24 hours prior to the exam, a blood sample of at least 20 milliliters should be collected in a 

gray-top tube (contains preservatives sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate251) according to jurisdictional 

policy. A blood sample taken within this time period may pinpoint the time when drugs were ingested.252 If a 

blood sample is collected for toxicology screening, it should be accompanied by a urine sample. If blood 

alcohol determination is needed, collect blood within 24 hours of alcohol ingestion, according to jurisdictional

policy. (If blood has already been taken due to suspected drug ingestion, that sample can be used to 

determine blood-alcohol level. An additional sample usually is not needed.) 

 244 The prosecutor can work to minimize the possibility that information about voluntary alcohol and/or drug use will be used against 

patients, particularly if patients are truthful from the start about their preassault drug/alcohol use and consent to testing. 245 For example, if there is a suspicion the assault was drug-facilitated and there was no toxicology testing, investigators and prosecutors 

may lack critical evidence, making it difficult to prosecute the case. Prosecutors might choose not to go forward with such a case. 

Refusal to get tested may also be used by the defense to discredit the patient and question the validity of the charges. 246 In one jurisdiction, sexual assault victims have 48 hours after giving samples to finalize or revoke their consent to testing. 247 American Prosecutors Research Institute, Violence Against Women Program, 1999, The Prosecution of Rohypnol and GHB Related 

Sexual Assaults, Chapter 2, p. 1. 248 M. LeBeau, Toxicological Investigations of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults, Forensic Science Communications, 1999, p. 3. 249 Ibid. 250 Ibid. 251 Ibid. 252 American Prosecutors Research Institute, Violence Against Women Program, 1999, The Prosecution of Rohypnol and GHB Related 

Sexual Assaults, Chapter 2, p. 2. 

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Occasionally, patients of drug-facilitated sexual assault vomit. The analysis of the vomit may also be useful 

to an investigation.253 Collect and preserve according to jurisdictional policy. 

Package samples as appropriate. Package each toxicology sample according to the policy of the lab doing 

the analysis, place in envelope, label, seal, and initial the seal.

Identify toxicology laboratories. Exam facility laboratories should not analyze toxicology samples in 

suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault cases. Instead, involved criminal justice agencies should identify 

forensic laboratories that can analyze these toxicology samples (they should have the capacity to detect 

drugs in very small qualities).254 Information about these labs (e.g., contact information, evidence collection 

and packaging procedures, and transfer procedures) should be provided to law enforcement representatives 

investigating these cases, exam facilities, and examiner programs. 

If toxicology tests are needed purely for the medical evaluation of patients, the exam facility lab typically 

performs these tests. Lab results are recorded in patients’ medical records, according to facility policy. If 

toxicology samples are needed for both clinical and forensic purposes, one sample can be collected for 

immediate evaluation by the exam facility lab and another for analysis by the identified forensic lab. Take 

samples at the same time to avoid more discomfort to patients than is necessary. 

Preserve evidence and maintain the chain of custody. Involved health care personnel should be aware of 

the toxicology lab’s requirements on collection, packaging, labeling, storage, handling, transportation, and 

delivery of specimens.255 Policies should be in place for storage of these samples when patients are 

undecided about reporting. As with any forensic evidence, the chain of custody must be maintained. 

Refer to the current Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Guidelines by the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, Inc., 

and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for detailed guidance on proper collection, labeling, 

handling, submission, and analysis of toxicology samples.256

 253 M. LeBeau, Toxicological Investigations of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults, Forensic Science Communications, 1999, p. 3. 254 American Prosecutors Research Institute, Violence Against Women Program, 1999, Video supplement, The Prosecution of Rohypnol 

and GHB Related Sexual Assaults. 255 Refrigerate toxicology samples according to jurisdictional policy. In general, drawn blood should be refrigerated when it is stored. 

Urine should be refrigerated or frozen when stored. 256 These guidelines are available at www.soft-tox.org 

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8. STI Evaluation and Care 

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers to facilitate evaluation and treatment of STIs: 

• Offer patients information about the risks of STIs (including HIV), symptoms, what to do if symptoms 

occur, testing and treatment options, followup care, and referrals. 

• Consider the need for testing patients for STIs during the initial exam on a case-by-case basis. If testing 

is done, follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

• Encourage patients to accept prophylaxis against STIs at the time of the initial exam. If accepted, provide 

care that meets or exceeds CDC guidelines. If declined, it is medically prudent to obtain cultures and 

arrange for a followup examination and testing. 

• Obtain informed consent of patients for treatment, according to exam facility policy. 

• Encourage followup STI examinations, testing, immunizations, and treatment as directed. 

• Offer postexposure prophylaxis for HIV to patients at high risk for exposure, particularly when it is known 

that suspects have HIV/AIDS. Meet or exceed guidelines recommended by the CDC. Discuss risks and 

benefits of the prophylaxis with patients prior to their decision to accept/decline treatment. Careful 

monitoring and followup by a health care provider or agency experienced in HIV issues is required. 

Contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), also commonly known as a sexually transmitted disease or 

STD, from assailants is typically a significant concern of sexual assault patients. Because of this concern, it 

should be addressed as part of the medical forensic exam. Mechanisms should be in place in any setting 

where these patients are examined for STIs to ensure continuity of care (including timely review of test 

results) and monitor compliance with and adverse reactions to any therapeutic or prophylactic regimens.

257 

Offer patients information. Include information about the risks of STIs, symptoms and the need for 

immediate examination if symptoms occur, testing and treatment options (and the need for abstinence from

sexual intercourse until treatment is completed), followup care, and referrals as needed.258 Referrals should

include free and low-cost testing, counseling, and treatment offered in various sections of the community. 

Patients should be aware of the scope of confidentiality related to information in their medical records related 

to STIs.

259 The level of detail needed when providing this information verbally varies (e.g., some patients may 

be aware of risks and want treatment, while others may not be as knowledgeable of risks or their options).

The need for testing for STIs should be considered on a case-by-case basis by examiners and patients. 

Testing at the time of the initial exam does not typically have forensic value if patients are sexually active and 

an STI could have been acquired prior to the assault. Also, despite rape shield laws, there may be a concern 

that positive test results could be used against patients (e.g., to suggest sexual promiscuity). There may, 

however, be situations in which testing has legal purposes, as in cases where the threat of transmission or

actual transmission of an STI was an element of the crime. Or, for nonsexually active patients, a baseline 

negative test followed by an STI could be used as evidence, if the suspect also had an STI. 

Among sexually active patients, the identification of STIs after an assault is usually more important for 

psychological and medical management than for forensic purposes.260 Trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis 

(BV), gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection are the most frequently diagnosed infections among sexually 

 257 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention, May 10, 2002, 51(RR-6), p. 69. Available at www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/default.htm (CDC general phone: 800–311–3435).

Much of the information in this chapter was drawn from these guidelines. Note that the guidelines are updated periodically. In addition to

the guidelines, the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov offers information on related research, news, and Internet links. 258 Drawn partially from Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 70. 259 Laws in all States limit the evidentiary use of a patient’s prior sexual history, including evidence of previously acquired STIs, as part of 

an effort to undermine the credibility of a patient’s testimony. Evidentiary privilege against revealing any aspect of the exam or treatment 

is enforced in most States. In unanticipated, exceptional situations, however, STI diagnoses may later be accessed. (Sexually

Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 69.) 260 This paragraph is drawn from Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 69. 

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assaulted women.261 Their presence does not necessarily indicate acquisition during the assault, since these

infections are prevalent among sexually active women. The medical forensic exam presents an opportunity 

to identify preexisting STIs, regardless of when they were acquired, and for examiners to make 

recommendations for specific treatment. Testing for STIs at the time of the exam also gives examiners and 

patients the option of deferring treatment until it is needed. 

Seek the informed consent of patients for testing, if indicated, following CDC guidelines. (For more 

information on this topic, see A.3. Informed Consent.) 

Encourage patients to accept prophylaxis against STIs if indicated.262 If prophylaxis is accepted at the 

time of the exam, testing is usually not indicated medically. Routine preventive therapy after a sexual assault 

is often recommended because followup with these patients can be difficult.263 It also may reduce the need 

for more expensive/extensive treatment if an STI is discovered at a later time. Meet or exceed current CDC 

guidelines for STI preventive therapy for your geographic area.264 (The CDC suggests a regimen to protect 

against chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, and BV, as well as the hepatitis B virus.) If prophylaxis is 

declined at the time of the initial exam, it is medically prudent to obtain cultures and arrange for a followup 

examination and testing (it is recommended that all patients are reexamined—see the section on followup

activities). Document patients’ decisions and rationales for declining prophylaxis in their medical records.265 

For nonsexually active patients, taking a prophylaxis could prevent development of STIs that could be used

as evidence if the suspect had an STI. Keep in mind that patients’ medical needs take priority over collection 

of forensic evidence. However, patients should be aware of this consequence of taking the prophylaxis 

against STIs and be able to make their own decisions about treatment. 

If patients’ clinical presentation suggests a preexisting ascending STI, such as fever, abdominal or pelvic 

pain, and/or vaginal discharge, they should be evaluated and treated for the ascending infection. This 

treatment may differ from suggested STI prophylaxis.266

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and postexposure prophylaxis. See CDC recommendations related to HBV 

diagnosis, treatment, prevention, postexposure immunizations, prevaccination antibody screening, 

postexposure prophylaxis, and special considerations.

267 Patients who have completed a full hepatitis B 

vaccination regimen prior to the assault are protected from HBV infection and do not need further doses. 

(See the CDC recommended regimen for adolescents and adults.) For those who were not fully vaccinated

prior to the assault, the vaccine should be completed as scheduled. Patients unvaccinated prior to the 

assault or unsure of whether they have been vaccinated should receive active postexposure prophylaxis 

(e.g., hepatitis B vaccine alone) upon the initial clinical evaluation. Followup doses should be given 1 to 2 

and 4 to 6 months after the first dose. Unless suspects are known to have acute hepatitis B, HBIG (hepatitis 

B immune globulin) is not required. (When HBIG is needed, use CDC recommended doses.) 

Examiners must stress to patients receiving the HBV vaccine the importance of following up for 

administration of doses as scheduled for full protection. Advocates should also be educated about the 

possibility of patients receiving prophylaxis against HBV and encourage those who start the vaccine regimen 

to follow up for required additional doses. 

 261 Chlamydial and gonococcal infections in women are of particular concern due to the possibility of ascending infection. In addition, 

postassault testing can detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (Sexually Transmitted 

Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 69). 262 Keep in mind that prophylaxis against STIs may not be appropriate for some individuals (e.g., because of a disability or other

medication they may be taking). Before recommending prophylaxis, it may be helpful to talk with these patients’ primary healthcare 

providers (with patients’ permission). 263 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 70. 264 Antibiotic prophylaxes are updated periodically and are usually tailored to specific regions (because, for example, one part of the 

country may be resistant to a certain antibiotic). 265 Nonphysician examiners providing STI prophylaxis typically must operate within the boundaries of a protocol and have access to

medical supervision, consultation, and review. 266 Paragraph from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 92. 267 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 64. This section was drawn from this document. 

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Obtain informed consent from patients for treatment. (For information on this topic, see A.3. Informed 

Consent.) Patients should be aware of the benefits and toxicity associated with recommended regimens. 

Encourage followup STI exams, testing, immunizations, counseling, and treatment as directed.

268

Although patients may be reluctant to go for followup exams for STIs, such exams are essential because 

they provide an opportunity to detect new infections acquired during or after the assault, complete hepatitis B 

immunization, if indicated, and complete counseling and treatment for other STIs. Examinations for STIs for 

all patients should be repeated according to exam facility policy—the CDC recommends a followup 

appointment within 1 to 2 weeks of the assault. If patients tested negative at the time of the medical forensic

exam and chose not to receive prophylaxis, followup testing should be conducted.269 The CDC recommends 

that in this case the followup exam be done within a week to ensure that positive test results are discussed 

promptly with patients and treatment is offered. The CDC recommends followup testing for patients who 

received treatment only if they report having symptoms consistent with an STI. (However, patients who were 

treated should be informed of the option of followup testing to confirm the presence or lack of infection.) The

CDC recommends that testing for syphilis and HIV infection should be repeated 6, 12, and 24 weeks after 

the assault if initial test results were negative and if these infections are likely to be present in assailants (see

the upcoming section on evaluating risk for exposure to HIV). 

It is important that followup communication with patients (particularly by examiners and advocates) include a 

reminder to go to followup exams and receive STI-related testing, immunizations, and treatment as directed. 

Advocates and health care personnel may be able to assist patients in making followup appointments, 

obtaining transportation to and from appointments, and determining how to pay for expenses involved with 

followup testing and care. Some jurisdictions may cover followup treatment as part of initial care through 

funds such as crime victims’ compensation. In such instances, patients may be more apt to seek followup 

treatment. Advocates may also be able to accompany patients to these followup appointments. 

Address concerns about HIV infection. Although the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 

infection270 from a sexual assault appears to be low,271 it is typically of grave concern for sexual assault 

patients. 

Provide information and referrals.

272 Examiners should talk with patients about their concerns regarding the 

possibility of contracting HIV.273 As with other STIs, offer patients information about HIV risks, symptoms and 

the need for immediate examination if symptoms occur, testing and treatment options, and the need for 

abstinence from sexual intercourse until any treatment received is completed. Include local referrals for 

testing/counseling and comprehensive HIV services in the community and region. This information can help 

patients make decisions about testing and treatment based on facts rather than fear.274 

 268 This paragraph is drawn from Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 70. 269 Infectious agents acquired through the assault may not have produced sufficient concentrations of organisms to result in positive test

results at the medical forensic exam. (Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 70.) 270 HIV refers to any of a group of retroviruses that infect and destroy helper T-cells of the immune system. AIDS (acquired 

immunodeficiency syndrome) can be triggered by infection with HIV. (Drawn from Arkansas’ Sexual Assault: A Hospital/Community 

Protocol for Forensic and Medical Examination, 2001, p. B2.) 271 Although HIV-antibody seroconversion has been reported among individuals whose only known risk factor was sexual assault or 

sexual abuse, the risk for acquiring HIV infection through a single episode of sexual assault is likely low. The overall probability of HIV 

transmission during a single act of intercourse from a suspect known to be HIV-infected depends on many factors. In specific 

circumstances, the probability of transmission could be high. These factors may include the type of sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, or 

anal), presence of oral, vaginal, or anal trauma (including bleeding), site of exposure to ejaculate, viral load in ejaculate, and presence of 

a STI or genital lesions in assailants or patients. (Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2002, p. 70.) 272 A useful referral is the CDC’s National HIV/AIDS Information Hotline at 800–342–AIDS. For Spanish speakers, call 800–344–SIDA. 

For Deaf and hearing-impaired persons, call the TTY/TDD Hotline at 800–AIDS–TTY. Also see the Revised Guidelines for HIV 

Counseling, Testing, and Referral, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC, November 9, 2001, 50(RR-19). This document is 

available through aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/ or by calling the CDC’s HIV/AIDS Information Hotline (see below footnote). 273 Some States statutes provide for mandatory HIV testing of suspected sex offenders upon arrest and/or conviction. Patients should be 

advised of the availability of such testing. 274 L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operations Guide, 1998, p. 74. 

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Discuss testing options. Baseline HIV testing is not typically an exam component. However, if the assault is 

considered a high risk for HIV exposure, patients should establish their baseline HIV status within 72 hours 

after the assault and then be tested periodically as directed by health care personnel. However, even if the 

assault is not considered a high risk for HIV exposure, some patients may still wish to be tested. 

HIV testing should be done in settings where counseling can be offered to explain results and implications. 

When providing testing referrals, let patients know whether testing services are free, anonymous, and/or

confidential.275 Confidential and anonymous testing is recommended.

Assess the need to offer HIV postexposure prophylaxis.

276 In certain circumstances, the likelihood of HIV 

transmission may be reduced by postexposure therapy for HIV with antiretroviral agents. Postexposure 

therapy with zidovudine has been associated with a reduced risk for HIV infection and has become the 

standard of care for health workers who have percutaneous (e.g., needle stick) exposure to HIV, but whether 

these findings can be extrapolated to other exposure situations, including sexual assault, is unknown. 

The use of antiretroviral agents after possible exposure through sexual assault must balance potential 

benefits of treatment with its possible adverse side effects.277 Health care personnel must evaluate patients’ 

risk of exposure to HIV and consider whether to offer treatment based on their perceived risk. Examiners 

unfamiliar with known risks associated with exposure or side effects of postexposure therapeutic agents 

should consult with a specialist in HIV treatment. Numerous factors may influence the decision to offer 

treatment, such as the time since the exposure occurred; the probability that the assailant is infected with 

HIV; the likelihood that transmission could occur from the assault; and the prevalence of HIV in the 

geographic area or institutional setting (e.g., a prison) the assault occurred.278

Offer postexposure prophylaxis for HIV to patients at high risk for exposure, particularly when it is known that 

suspects have HIV/AIDS. If offered, the following information should be discussed with patients:279

• The unknown efficacy of postexposure prophylaxis for HIV in cases of sexual assault; 

• The known side effects and toxicity of antiretroviral medications; 

• The need for frequent dosing of medication and the followup care necessary; 

• The importance of compliance with the recommended therapy; 

• The necessity for immediate initiation of treatment for maximum effectiveness; and 

• The estimated costs of the medication and monitoring.

280

When given following a sexual assault, postexposure prophylaxis is the same as for occupational exposure 

to HIV. Refer to CDC recommendations for postexposure antiretroviral therapy281 and consult with an HIV 

specialist where possible. Careful monitoring and followup by a health care provider or agency experienced

 275 Drawn from the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Abused 

Patient, 1999, p. 126. 276 The following two paragraphs were drawn from Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, p. 70, L. Ledray, SANE 

Development and Operations Guide, 1998, p. 74, and the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child 

Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, pp. 93-4. 277 A table listing primary side effects associated with specific antiretroviral agents is provided in the CDC’s Updated U.S. Public Health 

Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure 

Prophylaxis, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2001, 50 (RR-11), p. 13. Some examples of known shorter term adverse symptoms 

of antiretroviral medications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal effects. Protease inhibitors may cause lipid 

abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in previously diagnosed diabetics. Combination 

therapy has lead to some serious side effects, including hepatitis, nephrolithiasis, and pancytopenia. (The American College of

Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or Sexually Abused Patient, 1999, p. 125.) 278 Paragraph drawn from the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the Sexually Assaulted or 

Abused Patient, 1999, p. 125. 279 Bullets drawn from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 93. 280 Patients may be able to obtain reimbursement for some or all related costs through State crime victims’ compensation programs. (L. 

Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 74.) 281 See aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/ for the CDC’s Guidelines for the following documents: Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected 

Adults and Adolescents (July 14, 2003); the Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational 

Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2001, 

50(RR-11), and Management of Possible Sexual, Injecting-Drug-Use, or Other Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV, Including 

Considerations Related to Antiretroviral Therapy, Public Health Statement, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 1998; 47(RR-17). 

108
in HIV issues is required. Patients should be alerted to symptoms of primary HIV infection (e.g., fever, 

fatigue, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and rash) and seek care if these symptoms arise. 

Seek informed consent of patients to administer treatment. The decision to begin or withhold treatment 

should be made by patients and health care personnel after patients have been adequately informed of the

risks and benefits of treatment options. (For information on this topic, see A.3. Informed Consent.) 

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9. Pregnancy Risk Evaluation and Care

Recommendations at a glance for health care providers to evaluate and treat pregnancy: 

• Discuss the probability of pregnancy with female patients. 

• Administer a pregnancy test for all patients with reproductive capability.

• Discuss treatment options with patients, including reproductive health services.

Patients of different ages, social, cultural, and religious/spiritual backgrounds may have varying feelings

regarding acceptable treatment options. Examiners and other involved health care personnel must be careful 

not to influence patients’ choices of treatment. 

Discuss the probability of pregnancy with female patients. The risk of pregnancy from sexual assault is

estimated to be 2 to 5 percent. However, pregnancy resulting from sexual assault often is a cause of great 

concern and significant additional trauma to the victim, so victims’ fears should be taken seriously.282

Conduct a pregnancy test for all patients with reproductive capability (with their consent).283 An 

exception is if a patient clearly is pregnant. If a patient is pregnant, the pregnancy may affect what 

medications can be administered or prescribed in the course of or after the exam. 

Discuss treatment options with patients.284 In cases of sexual assault, pregnancy is often an 

overwhelming and genuine fear. Therefore, discuss treatment options with patients, including reproductive 

health services. 

 282 L. Ledray, SANE Development and Operation Guide, 1998, p. 75. 283 Preexisting pregnancy may raise patient privacy issues. If the case is prosecuted, the prosecutor should work to address concerns

such as this one. 

284 The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (877–739–3895 or 717–909–0710) offers more detailed information about sexual 

assault and pregnancy on their Web site at www.nsvrc.org. 

111

10. Discharge and Followup 

Recommendations at a glance for responders to facilitate discharge planning and followup with patients: 

• It is important to ensure that patients are fully informed about postexam care. Information may include 

referrals to other professionals to make sure that patients’ medical and/or mental health needs related to 

the assault have been addressed, discharge instructions, followup appointments with the examiner and 

other health care providers as needed, and medical followup contact procedures. In addition to medical 

followup, followup may be indicated to document developing or healing injuries and complete resolution 

of healing. 

• Advocates and law enforcement representatives (if involved) should coordinate with examiners to 

discuss a range of other issues with patients prior to discharge, including planning for safety and wellbeing, physical comfort needs, information needs, the investigative process, advocacy and counseling 

options, and law enforcement and advocacy followup contact procedures. 

Health care personnel have important tasks to accomplish prior to discharging patients, as do advocates and 

law enforcement representatives (if involved). These responders should coordinate their activities as much 

as possible to reduce repetition and avoid further overwhelming patients. 

Address issues related to medical discharge and followup care. Health care personnel (preferably 

examiners) should address the following issues with patients prior to discharge:

Make sure patients’ medical and mental health needs related to the assault have been addressed. Discuss

with patients whether they have any other medical and/or mental health concerns related to the assault. If 

injuries or trauma have not been treated yet, examiners should refer patients to exam facility clinicians (e.g., 

hospital emergency department staff) for care or provide the appropriate community referrals prior to 

discharge. 

Provide patients with oral and written medical discharge instructions. Include a summary of the exam (e.g., 

evidence collected, tests conducted, medication prescribed or provided, information provided, and treatment

received), medication doses to be taken, followup appointments needed or scheduled, and referrals. The 

discharge form could also include contact information and hours of operation for local advocacy programs. 

Arrange followup appointments for patients. Followup may be indicated to document developing or healing

injuries and complete resolution of healing. (A jurisdictional policy describing the indications and procedures 

for followup for documentation purposes should be in place.) Appointments may also be needed to address 

ongoing medical concerns. If appointments are not scheduled, at least indicate to patients which 

appointments are needed and if sites are different than the initial exam. Make it clear that patients do not 

have to disclose the assault to receive followup medical care. Followup appointments may include:285

• For patients with evidence of acute trauma: A short-term followup appointment to reexamine and 

document the development of visible findings and photograph areas of injury; and an exam 2 to 4 weeks 

later to document resolution of findings or healing of injuries.

• For all patients: Repeat exams for STIs according to facility policy (see C.8. STI Evaluation and Care). 

• Primary health care providers or other nonacute care providers can provide longer term care as needed 

(e.g., for HIV testing, STI testing, and administering doses of Hepatitis B vaccine). 

Discuss followup medical contact procedures. Discuss with patients whether they would like health care 

providers to provide a followup call and, if so, the best method and time for this contact (maintaining patients’ 

privacy and safety). The main purposes of such a call are to check on medical status and remind patients 

about the necessity of followup testing and care. An optimal time for a first medical followup contact is 24 to 

 285 Bullets drawn partially from the California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, 

p. 98. 

113
48 hours following discharge. Personnel following up with patients should be familiar with the case, 

confidentiality issues, and potential medical needs.286

Advocates, law enforcement representatives, and other involved responders can coordinate with 

health care providers to discuss a range of other issues with patients prior to discharge. Involved 

responders should come to agreement about who is responsible for each step below and where coordination 

is necessary. For example, while advocates usually explain advocacy services and law enforcement 

representatives explain the investigative process, each responder may have a role in helping patients plan

for their safety and well-being. If health care personnel are the only responders involved, however, they may 

need to provide patients with much of the information below. 

After the exam is finished, address patients’ physical comfort needs. (For a discussion of this topic, see A.2. 

Victim-Centered Care.) 

Help patients plan for their safety and well-being. Jurisdictional and exam site policies should be in place to

facilitate this process. Assist patients in developing a postexam plan that addresses their physical safety and 

emotional well-being. Screen for domestic and dating violence and others forms of abuse. Assist patients in 

considering things such as: 

• Where are they going after being discharged? With whom? Will these individuals provide them with 

adequate support? Is there anyone else they would like to contact? (Provide information about 

available community resources for obtaining support and help in making the contact if needed.) 

• Will their living arrangements expose them to the threat of continued violence or harassment? Is 

there a need for emergency shelter or alternative housing options? (Provide options and help obtain 

if needed.) 

• Are they eligible for protection orders? (Provide information and help obtain if desired.) 

• Is there a need for enhanced security measures? (Discuss options and help obtain if desired.) 

• If they feel unsafe, what will they do to get help? (Discuss options and help them develop a plan.) 

Planning must take into account the needs and concerns of specific populations. For example, if patients 

with physical disabilities require shelter, the shelter must be accessible and staff able to meet their needs for 

personal assistance with activities of daily living.287 If patients living in institutional settings have been 

assaulted by another resident, a staff person, or person who has easy access to residents, the institution 

should offer alternative living arrangements and reduce the likelihood that patients have to come into contact 

with the assailant again. It should also ensure them access to services designed to promote their recovery. 

Explain followup contact procedures of all responders involved. Coordinate followup contact of involved 

agencies as much as possible, keeping the number of responders contacting patients to a minimum. Explain 

if contact procedures are different for non-English-speaking patients or specific communities or institutions

(e.g., schools, military bases, prisons, or residential programs may have their own procedures). Consider 

offering patients prepaid phone cards they can use to call a contact person with concerns or questions. 

Explain advocacy and counseling services. Sexual assault advocacy programs typically offer a host of 

services for victims and their significant others, in addition to those provided during the exam process. (For

more information on services, see A.2.Victim-Centered Care.) Advocates can describe and offer patients, 

their family members, and friends these services, as well as explain options for counseling in the jurisdiction

and offer referrals. Some advocacy programs provide professional mental health counseling, but many refer 

patients to community or private agencies. Before being discharged, advocates should ask patients if they 

can follow up with them. If they agree, they can determine optimal methods and times for the contacts. 

During followup contacts, advocates can help patients reassess their safety; offer support and crisis 

counseling; answer their questions and provide additional referrals and information; and help coordinate 

other advocacy services and counseling based upon identified needs. 

 286 When appropriate, advocates may assist health care personnel in encouraging patients to seek the followup medical care they need. 

They also may encourage patients to discuss with health care providers their concerns about initial and followup medical care. 287 Drawn from M. Nosek and C. Howland, Abuse and Women with Disabilities, 1998, p. 3. 

114
Explain the investigative process. If law enforcement is involved, inform patients that investigators will 

request an interview with them, if not already done, explain the criminal justice process and victims’ rights, 

reassess their safety and provide assistance as warranted, and then recontact them as needed as their case 

progresses.

288 Patients should receive contact information of involved law enforcement representatives and 

agencies and a case report number. They should feel free to call their investigator with any new relevant 

information, if new signs of injuries appear, about suspects’ compliance with protection orders or bond 

conditions, if suspects try to contact them, or with other related questions or concerns. They should be aware 

that they will be contacted by the prosecution office if their case goes forward. (Patients should be aware that 

it is their decision whether to report their case and talk with law enforcement officials and prosecutors.) 

If evidence has been gathered and law enforcement is involved, the law enforcement representative can 

discuss with patients the possibility of a match being found through DNA analysis or of other victims of the 

same assailant being identified. Ask patients if they want to be contacted by law enforcement in these 

situations and, if so, determine the best contact method. 

Provide information. Offer patients clear and concise information, both orally and in writing.289 Information 

should be tailored to patients’ communication skill level/modality and language. (For more information on the 

types of information that patients might find useful, see A.2. Victim-Centered Care.) 

 288 Some patients may want information, either during the exam process or after, about the amount of time it takes to process cases in

the criminal justice system. It can be helpful for them to know the range of time it typically takes in that jurisdiction for evidence to be 

analyzed and for cases to be forwarded to prosecution or tried in court. This information may help them prepare for their justice system 

involvement. At the same time, they must understand that every case is different and typical time estimates from the past may not apply. 289 Many local sexual assault advocacy programs and state coalitions of sexual assault programs offer publications that speak to victims’ 

concerns in the aftermath of an assault. However, any involved agency, SART, or coordinating council could develop such literature. 

115

11. Examiner Court Appearances 

Recommendations at a glance for jurisdictions to maximize the usefulness of examiner testimony: 

• Encourage broad education for examiners on testifying in court. 

• Promote prompt notification of examiners if there is a need for them to testify in court.

• Encourage pretrial preparation of examiners.

• Encourage examiners to seek feedback on their testimony to improve effectiveness of future court 

appearances.

It should be expected that examiners will be called on to testify in court as either fact and/or expert 

witnesses,290 even though in some cases, a plea bargain may be agreed upon, or the prosecuting attorney 

may decide not to try the case. Examiners should always conduct and document each examination knowing 

that legal testimony may ultimately be required. 

Encourage broad education for examiners on testifying in court:291

• Provide them with information about courtroom proceeding basics (e.g., criminal justice process and 

terms, who typically is present,292 and prosecution and defense strategies). 

• Educate them about different types of testimony (including what can and cannot be said during 

testimony). This information should assist examiners in explaining to patients during the exam their 

potential role as a witness should the case be prosecuted. 

• Help them understand that testifying in court can be a difficult experience. In almost every case that 

makes it to trial, cross-examination of examiners after their initial testimony will occur. Cross-examining 

attorneys may be intimidating and hostile towards them. It is critical that examiners are prepared to 

effectively handle such situations and have a support system in place to help them prepare for and deal 

with related stress they may experience. 

• Provide them with pretrial preparation (see the section below on this topic). 

Involve trainers from health care, prosecution, and the judiciary in trainings on court testimony. Also, include

defense attorneys who can educate examiners on defense perspectives. In addition to attending trainings, 

examiners should stay abreast of cutting-edge practices and related case law (e.g., rulings that impact the 

scope of issues they can testify on in court).293

Promote prompt notification of examiners if there is a need for them to testify in court. Examiners 

should be informed well in advance of a trial if they are being called as witnesses. It may be helpful for 

attorneys calling them (both prosecutors and defense attorneys) to first develop relationships with 

 290 An expert witness is person who has training, education, and experience on a particular subject and who is formally found to be

qualified as an expert by a judge. Expert witnesses may give opinions in court on matters in which their expertise is relevant. Nonexpert

witnesses normally cannot give opinions in response to questions in court, but can only testify to the facts (what has been observed, 

collected, or heard). (Drawn from San Diego County’s SART Standards of Practice, 2001, p. 40.) 291 This section is partially adapted from the International Association of Forensic Nurses, SANE Education Guidelines, 1999. One useful 

resource for SANEs and attorneys who utilize SANEs for testimony is L. Ledray and L. Barry, Sexual Assault Clinical Issues: SANE 

Expert and Factual Testimony, Journal of Emergency Nursing, 24(3), June 1998, pp. 284–287. 292 The following may be present in the courtroom: the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, jury, bailiff, clerk, court reporter, law

enforcement investigator, victim, defendant, and victim advocate. 293 This section focuses on preparing examiners for court testimony. Beyond preparing examiners, it is critical to encourage training for 

attorneys who try these cases on how to properly interpret and use the medical forensic examination. In addition, they need an accurate 

understanding about the education and clinical preparation, roles, and responsibilities of the forensic examiner. Like examiners, they

can benefit from participating in mock trials and need ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest best practices and related case 

law. Prosecutors should be aware of and share related case law and protocol guides with judges as references to qualify examiners as

expert witnesses. They can also share questions they plan to ask to establish credentials of these witnesses. Additionally, prosecutors

must understand how to educate the jury about evidence that will be presented (e.g., a lack of physical injury does not equal lack of 

sexual assault). Similarly, it is important to encourage judicial education on issues related to examiner testimony. Judges may not 

understand all that occurs during the exam process or the full extent of examiner expertise. Understanding Sexual Violence: Prosecuting 

Adult Rape and Sexual Assault Cases, Video Library I: Presenting Medical Evidence in an Adult Rape Trial, 2002, is a useful resource 

for prosecutors and judges (for more information, see www.legalmomentum.org/njep/medicalevidence.shtml). The National Judicial 

Education Program (NJEP) offers this resource. It also offers a judicial curriculum on sexual assault trials. 

117
coordinators of examiner programs, if they exist, or staff that oversee examiners at the exam site. In some 

facilities, they may need to reach out to risk management departments, which oversee all potential areas of 

liability for the facility. The first time an attorney contacts the witness should not be through a subpoena. 

Unexpected subpoenas can cause examiners a great deal of anxiety.294

Attorneys should regard examiners they call as witnesses with respect for the knowledge and expertise 

examiners offer to the court. They also should work to minimize the amount of time examiners wait to testify, 

allowing them to return to their work as quickly as possible. Judges also should be aware of the need to give 

examiners priority in the scheduling of testimony. 

Encourage pretrial preparation of examiners.295 When preparing to testify, the following suggestions may 

be useful to examiners: 

• Although the criminal justice record includes the medical forensic report, photographs, and the 

results of evidence analysis, medical records are confidential in most jurisdictions. Before examiners 

or other involved health care providers can talk with an attorney about information in patients’ 

medical records, those records must be successfully subpoenaed. Health care facilities and/or 

independent examiner programs typically have procedures in place for handling subpoenas.296 

• It is critical that examiners meet in advance with the attorney(s) calling them as witnesses, in order to 

prepare for testimony in individual cases. Not only should they review and discuss the initial 

examination of the patient, but also any subsequent contacts between the patient and the examiner. 

• Prior to testifying, examiners should review records of the exam and keep a log of materials 

reviewed. 

• Expert witnesses should be prepared to educate the court, particularly jurors. They should consider 

terminology and descriptions that will most clearly advise lay persons in the courtroom. 

• Examiners should keep in mind that anything they write about the case is potentially discoverable. 

• Examiners should be prepared to prove qualifications and ready to discuss educational background, 

clinical experience, and prior experience as expert witnesses. They may also need to explain 

qualifications if they are testifying to facts in a case. They should keep a portfolio that lists education, 

experience, and previous appearances as a witness.297

• Examiners should understand that they may not testify as to whether or not patients consented to 

sexual contact; that is for the jury to decide. However, some jurisdictions allow expert testimony that 

speaks to the consistency between patients’ statements and injuries rather than attempting to draw

conclusions about how injuries were caused or whether a sexual assault occurred.298

During testimony, it may be helpful to examiners to do the following: 

• Dress appropriately. 

• Be sincere, polite, and appear in control. Being nervous is normal, even for examiners who have 

testified previously. Make eye contact with those doing the questioning as well as with the jury. 

• Listen to the questions carefully. Allow time to compose answers before speaking. Be concise and 

correct in responses. Avoid terms such as “I believe” or “I think.” 

• Avoid medical jargon to the extent possible. If it is needed, define its usage. 

• Answer only questions that are asked. Ask the questioning attorney for clarification or to restate the 

question if needed. 

• If the answer to a question is not known, say so. There is no reason for examiners to explain why 

they do not know the answer. They can ask to refer to records if their memories need refreshing. 

 294 This paragraph was drawn from the video reference guide for Understanding Sexual Violence: Prosecuting Adult Rape and Sexual 

Assault Cases, Video Library I: Presenting Medical Evidence in an Adult Rape Trial, 2002, pp. 17–18. 295 Section partially adapted from Arkansas’s Sexual Assault: A Hospital/Community Protocol for Forensic and Medical Examination, 

2001, p. L1–3. 296 This bullet was drawn from the video reference guide for Understanding Sexual Violence: Prosecuting Adult Rape and Sexual 

Assault Cases, Video Library I: Presenting Medical Evidence in an Adult Rape Trial, 2002, pp. 17–18. 297 See L. Ledray and L. Barry, Sexual Assault Clinical Issues: SANE Expert and Factual Testimony, Journal of Emergency Nursing, 

24(3), June 1998, pp. 284–287, for more discussion on qualifying as an expert witness. 298 This bullet was drawn from the video reference guide for Understanding Sexual Violence: Prosecuting Adult Rape and Sexual 

Assault Cases, Video Library I: Presenting Medical Evidence in an Adult Rape Trial, 2002, pp. 19–20. 

118
• Let the attorney guide the questioning. Do not give more information than is needed for the question. 

Do not elaborate unless the attorney or judge asks for more information. 

• If it is realized that an error or omission occurred in testimony, acknowledge it politely. 

Although it is most likely that examiners will be called by the prosecution, they may also be called by the 

defense. In either case, examiners are expected to give objective testimony. In addition to the previous tips, 

examiners should consider the following: 

• Seek guidance from the prosecutor regarding appropriate interaction with the defense attorney prior 

to testimony. 

• When disagreeing with the questioning attorney, do so without argument or interruption. 

• Be aware of the phrasing of questions by the cross-examining attorney that may be designed to 

place doubt on examiner testimony. For instance, if a compound question is asked, the answer to 

one part may be “yes” and to the other part may be “no.” Be sure to divide answers as appropriate. 

• If the questions of the cross-examining attorney include incorrect interpretation of previous examiner 

testimony or documentation, the erroneous information should be corrected. 

• Be careful to provide consistent answers, especially if cross-examining attorneys ask the same 

question several times, using different wording. 

Encourage examiners to seek feedback on their courtroom testimony to improve the effectiveness of 

future court appearances. For example, after the legal proceedings are over, examiners can meet with 

prosecutors to get feedback on and evaluate their testimony. Examiners might also want to watch other 

experts testify in these cases when possible. 

 

119

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Appendix A. Developing Customized Protocols: 

Considerations for Jurisdictions 

Jurisdictions starting from scratch in developing their own exam protocols are encouraged to consider the 

recommendations in this national protocol in their entirety and tailor them to fit local needs, challenges, 

statutes, and policies. Jurisdictions that have existing protocols can consider whether any of the protocol 

recommendations or the tasks below could serve to improve their immediate response to sexual assault or 

address gaps in services or interventions. 

Form a protocol planning team. At the least, this team should include those responders involved in the exam 

process, including health care personnel, exam facility administrators, law enforcement representatives, 

victim advocates, prosecutors, and forensic laboratory personnel. Organizations serving specific populations 

in the community should also be involved at some level to make sure the protocol speaks to the needs of 

victims of diverse backgrounds. Team participants should have authority to make policy decisions on behalf 

of their agencies. Bringing together such a team can be challenging, particularly in jurisdictions with multiple 

sexual assault victim advocacy programs, exam facilities, law enforcement agencies, prosecution offices, 

and court systems (or where several levels of government may be involved in investigation and prosecution 

of sexual assault cases). Although representation from all involved disciplines and agencies is encouraged, 

at some point the team assembled will have to move ahead with planning efforts. Try to keep those absent 

informed of team activities and offer them opportunities to provide feedback on protocol development and 

revision. 

Assess needs.

299 Before initiating policy changes, it is important that the planning team assess the 

jurisdiction’s current response to sexual assault, with a focus on the exam process. Some activities that may 

help: 

• Compare statistics on sexual assault within the community as captured by represented agencies; 

• Identify community demographics, including the various populations that make up the area; 

• Review existing feedback from victims about their experiences and satisfaction with immediate response; 

• Seek input from professionals involved in the exam process on current gaps, problems, and challenges; 

• Evaluate the adequacy of policies pertaining to each aspect of immediate response; 

• Review systemic breakdowns that have occurred in immediate response; 

• Evaluate the capacity of each discipline to support a coordinated immediate response; 

• Evaluate the effectiveness of response to victims from diverse backgrounds or in certain types of cases;

• Evaluate the adequacy of related trainings and resource materials; and 

• Identify related jurisdictional statutes and evaluate their adequacy in supporting effective response. 

Devise an action plan. The protocol planning team can take what it learns through needs assessments and 

translate it into an action plan for improving the exam process and creating a protocol. The plan should 

clearly identify what needs to happen, who is responsible for coordinating or carrying out each action, 

possible resources,300 desired outcomes, and how the effectiveness of the action will be evaluated. The plan 

can be revisited periodically to assess progress and evaluate outcomes. 

 299 Section drawn from K. Littel, M. Malefyt, and A. Walker, Promising Practices: Improving the Criminal Justice System’s Response to

Violence Against Women, 1998, p. 240 and 246, and American College of Emergency Physicians’ Evaluation and Management of the

Sexually Assaulted or Sexually Abused Patient, 1999, p. 21. 300 Funding under the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program and the STOP Violence Against Indian Women 

Discretionary Grant Program may be used to cover costs related to protocol development and implementation. For more information, 

see www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo. 

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Create a protocol. To promote an effective protocol development process, consider the following:301

• Who should lead efforts to create and implement the protocol? 

• What process will be used to facilitate decisionmaking on protocol development or revision? 

• What process will be used for facilitating adoption of the protocol by individual agencies or communities? 

• How will protocol compliance be monitored and what mechanisms will be put into place to solve 

problems as they arise? 

The planning team should review the national protocol to determine what it wants to cover in its customized

protocol and the appropriateness of national recommendations for the jurisdiction. It must consider what 

jurisdictional statutes and policies need to be discussed and how to address community-specific needs and 

challenges. Once a draft has been developed, it should be made available to relevant professionals, 

agencies, survivor groups, and organizations serving specific populations across the jurisdiction. Their 

feedback should be solicited and then incorporated into the draft to the extent possible. Once a final protocol 

is created, the team should consider pilot testing and revising it based on feedback from the tests. Then the 

protocol should be implemented, as per recommendations of team members and others from whom input 

has been sought. 

Distribute the protocol. The planning team should determine the most efficient method to get the protocol to 

all professionals in the jurisdiction who are involved in the immediate response to sexual assault. The 

planning team needs an up-to-date contact list of these professionals, and it should agree upon a specific

distribution plan (e.g., mailing or handing out hard copies and/or providing access to the protocol via the 

Internet). If the Internet is used to distribute the document, make sure that professionals who do not have 

Internet access get a hard copy. 

Build the capacity of agencies to implement the protocol.

302 A protocol’s effectiveness depends on individual 

agencies having adequate resources (e.g., funding, personnel, multilanguage capacity, equipment, 

supervision, training, professional development opportunities, and community partnerships) to carry out their 

responsibilities and coordinate efforts with other involved responders. Agencies can assist one another in 

building individual and collective capacity to respond to sexual assault and participate in coordinated 

interventions. For example, together they can seek opportunities for technical assistance, training, and 

grants and share costs, personnel, equipment, expertise, and information. Also, each jurisdiction most likely 

will encounter a variety of barriers and difficulties in protocol implementation. Overcoming such problems 

requires a willingness on the part of involved agencies to individually and collaboratively understand the 

unique needs of victims in their community and to think “outside the box” to identify solutions. 

To help with implementation, consider asking responding agencies to supplement the protocol with 

interagency agreements or memorandums of understanding. Using the protocol as a basis, these 

agreements can outline roles and articulate how responders should work together to coordinate response. 

These documents should be jointly developed, agreed upon, and signed by agency policymakers. They can

be revised and signed on a periodic basis to ensure all professionals involved in the response are aware of 

protocol changes and to reaffirm their commitment to carrying out agreements. 

Promote training. Agency-specific and multidisciplinary trainings are crucial components of protocol 

implementation. Involved responders must be informed of any changes in how they carry out agency-specific 

responsibilities during the exam process and understand why these changes are needed. If they are being 

asked to coordinate their efforts formally with other agencies, they must understand their role in coordination, 

the benefits of a collaborative response, the challenges such an effort involves, and ways to overcome 

challenges. 

 301 Bulleted section drawn from K. Littel, M. Malefyt, and A. Walker, Promising Practices: Improving the Criminal Justice System’s

Response to Violence Against Women, 1998, p. 242. 302 Section drawn from K. Littel, M. Malefyt, and A. Walker, Promising Practices: Improving the Criminal Justice System’s Response to

Violence Against Women, 1998, p. 241. 

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Set up an evaluation system. The planning team should take the time to consider how to best compile data 

related to the exam process (while maintaining victims’ anonymity) and how to use it to evaluate 

effectiveness of response and make improvements to the protocol as needed. 

Revise the protocol periodically. Revisions may be based on feedback from responders and victims, 

evaluation recommendations, changes in laws, identification of new crime trends and prevention efforts, 

technology, research, and identification of new promising practices. The planning team should keep track of 

protocol areas needing improvement and meet periodically to discuss pertinent issues such as language to 

be used, how to resolve controversies, and, ultimately, to make needed changes. 

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Appendix B. Creation of Sexual Assault 

Response Teams 

Create a SART to facilitate coordination among involved disciplines.303 After identifying members and 

defining roles, members can plan how to operate their team to best serve community needs. 

Determine how the SART is activated. Activation procedures should take into account that victims enter the

“system” at different points (e.g., through a call to 911 or a 24-hour advocacy hotline, arrival at a health care 

facility, or disclosure to a community professional). The SART must determine how to publicize its services to 

community professionals who may have frequent contact with individuals disclosing sexual assaults. These 

professionals might include, but are not limited to, private physicians, health clinic staff, mental health and 

social service program staff, personnel serving persons with disabilities, substance abuse treatment program 

staff, school personnel, personnel from faith-based communities, corrections and probation staff, and staff 

from residential living programs and emergency shelters. It also should publicize its services more broadly to 

the public, explain the dynamics of sexual assault, and encourage victims to seek help. 

Plan SART response to varying circumstances facing victims. The team should consider and plan for 

modifications to the exam process to address specific needs and concerns of victims. For example, in order 

to respond to non-English-speaking victims, team members must be able to speak their language or 

promptly arrange for certified interpretation. For victims thought to have cognitive disabilities, team members 

must know who to contact for assistance and ensure they receive the same access to services that other 

victims would obtain. Some victims may request advocates and other responders of a specific gender or 

from specific cultures. Procedures should be in place to ensure response to minors follows jurisdictional 

statutes. SARTs should be prepared to deal with multijurisdictional coordination issues that may arise when 

assaults occur on military sites or to soldiers in the field, school campuses, tribal lands, prisons, and 

residential programs. Involving relevant agencies as soon as possible according to agreed-upon procedures

may help quickly determine who has jurisdiction over a case and how to best assist each victim. 

Meet regularly. Outside of an immediate response, the SART should meet regularly304 for two distinct

purposes. The first is to review immediate response in individual cases in order to improve overall team 

performance. These reviews allow team members the opportunity to give each other feedback on 

effectiveness of response during the exam process, problems needing resolution, and areas needing 

improvement. Cases are typically reviewed anonymously, 305 without using victims’ names or other identifying 

information.306 During these discussions, it is important that the team respect the confidentiality of information

in patients’ medical records and shared with community-based advocates. Secondly, the SART can utilize 

meetings of members to maintain and enhance the quality of the SART. This task involves addressing

system issues, such as creating and revising policies and procedures in response to local changes in 

governmental or community-based agencies, scientific or technological advances, and feedback from 

victims. It also involves sharing general information related to the SART and facilitating the continuing 

education of the team. 

 303 A more indepth discussion of SART development and maintenance than is provided is beyond the scope of this document. However, 

resources do exist on this topic. For example, numerous jurisdictions have published guidebooks on organizing a SART and/or protocols

for SART response. Some sexual assault coalitions offer information, technical assistance, and training for communities interested in 

starting SARTs. Since 2001, a national SART training conference has been held biannually (see www.sane-sart.com for information). 304 “Regularly” is locally defined. Some teams meet monthly, while others meet every 6 weeks or quarterly. Teams might meet on a 

regular basis for case review and get together less frequently to discuss more systemic issues. 305 In California, there is a law to protect discussions of individual cases during SART meetings. These discussions are technically

characterized as medical quality-assurance activities. 306 Case reviews usually include only those SART members typically involved in immediate response. But, even if all or most SART 

members were involved in a particular case and were aware of victims’ identity, there is still no reason to reveal victims’ identity during 

SART case reviews. SARTs may choose not to take notes about cases reviewed to ensure that the case-related information is not 

shared with anyone outside of the meeting. In situations where victims’ identity might be easily deduced during a case review by 

members not involved in response (e.g., if there had only been one case handled during the time period being reviewed), comments 

should be kept as broad as possible and avoid case specifics. In communities where residents tend to know each other and news about 

crime travels quickly, it may be challenging to not inadvertently reveal victims’ identify during SART case reviews. SARTs in these 

jurisdictions should consider how to best approach case reviews in a way that reduces the likelihood of revealing victims’ identify. 

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Although it might be difficult to involve all relevant responders in SART meetings (e.g., crime labs may be a 

considerable distance from the community and lack resources to respond to local inquiries), consider options 

such as teleconferencing to include their perspectives. 

 

Encourage education for SART members on coordinated response during the exam process. For 

example: 

• Discipline-specific training that advances responder skills and emphasizes a team approach is crucial. 

• Multidisciplinary training sessions can describe the SART process, stress the need for a prompt exam, 

explain the roles and challenges of each discipline, emphasize a victim-centered approach, and make 

clear where coordination among disciplines is needed and how it should occur. They can describe 

multidisciplinary policies, interagency agreements, standardized forms, and other related materials. 

• Multidisciplinary training can also build members’ understanding of needs, values/beliefs, and practices 

of specific populations in their community. They can raise awareness of how different populations 

respond to disclosures of sexual assault and work to build the capacity of involved professionals to be 

sensitive to the needs of victims from those populations. 

• Cross-training sessions are useful to allow responders from one discipline to educate those from another 

discipline about the specifics of how they intervene in these cases and answer questions that may arise. 

For example, law enforcement investigators can educate examiners and advocates about what is 

involved in a thorough investigation, stressing that the forensic exam of the victim is but one part of the 

investigation. In jurisdictions that border Indian Country, Federal prosecutors can educate other 

responders regarding Federal Indian law and how it applies to sexual assault cases. 

• Multidisciplinary trainings and cross-trainings can provide a forum for staff from different agencies to get 

to know and respect one another, build common goals, and increase their comfort in working together. 

Collaboration among agencies and individuals can provide responders with a broader network of support 

as they do this work. These trainings can also stress the difficulty of working on sexual assault cases and 

the secondary trauma that responders can experience. They can facilitate discussion among responders 

about self-care and preventing or coping with secondary trauma, so they in turn can provide optimal 

interventions and assistance to victims. 

• There are more informal educational opportunities and tools that can foster coordination among SART 

members. For example, all key responders, especially those newly involved in sexual assault cases, may 

find it useful to tour sites and offices involved in SART response. Such tours and discussions with 

site/office staff can help build knowledge of what response by each discipline entails and the logistics of 

that response. Sharing related educational materials and literature is an easy way to continuously 

expand the base of common knowledge among SART members. Tools such as flow charts and 

discipline-specific checklists that help SART members understand the continuum of response and 

appropriately coordinate their interventions may also be useful. 

Trainers. In addition to involving representatives from health care, advocacy, law enforcement, prosecution, 

the judiciary, and crime and toxicology laboratories as SART trainers, include defense attorneys to educate

participants on defense tactics. Utilize local agencies and leaders that serve specific populations to educate 

the SART on the needs of residents and services they offer relevant to victims of sexual assault. 

Outreach to rural, remote, and poor communities. It may be difficult for rural, remote, and poor communities 

to offer training for SART members, due to lack of resources and/or expertise. States, Territories, and tribes

may want to consider forming specialized teams that can offer multidisciplinary training consistent with 

cutting-edge practices across all of their jurisdictions. These teams can work with local responders to ensure 

that the training sessions they offer address unique community needs and challenges. 

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