sexual assault forensic exams
Choosing to get a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (commonly known as a rape kit) is a decision that is 100% the survivor's. A rape kit is done to gather evidence that could be used if a survivor decides to report the sexual assault. Many people decide to get a rape kit done, even if they don't plan on reporting the assault, just in case they change their mind.
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Getting a rape kit done can be intimidating and scary if someone doesn't know what to expect. This section lays out exactly what happens during a rape kit so survivors can be prepared.
Who does the exam?
Rape kits are completed by nurses who are specifically trained to work with sexual assault survivors. These nurses are called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and have gone through specific training and licensing to work with sexual assault survivors. SANEs conduct the rape kit in a sensitive, non-threatening manner and ask for consent before every step. SANEs can also assist survivors in reporting assault, if the survivor chooses to. Before a SANE completes a rape kit, she will explain the process carefully to the survivor. She is also able to help address pregnancy or STI related concerns.
Time, cost, and results
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Rape kits can take anywhere between 2 to 6 hours, depending on a few different factors.
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Rape kits should not cost the survivor anything. The Violence Against Women Act requires that states provide rape kits free of cost if they receive anti-crime funding. If someone is charged for their exam, they should contact their nearest sexual assault service provider. In La Crosse, it is Gundersen Health System, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
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Getting a rape kit done gives survivors time to decide what they want to do about their assault. The decision whether to report an assault or not can take time, but evidence needs to be collected as soon as possible. Rape kits give survivors the option to report in the future if they choose to.
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Rape kits can help survivors get the medical care they need, and treatment for injuries, STIs, or pregnancy.
where to go
In La Crosse, Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare has SANEs on staff and the resources necessary to complete a sexual assault forensic exam and provide care after an assault.
Their phone number is: (608-392-7804).
Their address is:
700 West Ave S.
La Crosse, WI 54601
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Gundersen Health System also has SANEs on staff and the resources necessary to complete a sexual assault forensic exam, and provide care after an assault.
Their phone number is: (608) 775-5950
Their address is:
1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601
Before an exam
Ideally, if someone decides to get a rape kit, it should be completed as soon as possible. If possible, avoid bathing, showering, using the restroom, changing clothes, combing hair, or cleaning up the area. Many survivors naturally want to do these things after an assault, but it's easiest to collect evidence if they haven't been done.
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If someone does do any of these things, it's still possible to get an exam done. DNA evidence can usually be collected up to 72 hours after an assault. If someone does come in later, they should store the clothes they were wearing and any belongings in a paper bag to try to preserve evidence.
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When a survivor goes to the hospital to get an exam done, they should bring a change of clothes with them. They can also bring an advocate to the hospital with them for support. If a survivor calls the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) or Gundersen Health System, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, they will be matched with an advocate to help them through the exam. It is important to note that, if a survivor chooses to report the assault, the advocate may be called as a witness in the case.
During the exam
When a survivor goes to a hospital to get a sexual assault forensic exam done, they will be taken care of by a SANE.
First, any injuries that require immediate attention will be treated.
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Second, the SANE will take a history of the survivor. This includes medications, pre-existing conditions, and other health history questions. The SANE may also ask personal questions about recent sexual history. This is to make sure that evidence collected is connected to the perpetrator, not a consensual sexual partner. The SANE will then ask for details about the assault and what happened, to identify injuries or places on the body that may contain evidence.
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Third, the SANE will do an examination. This part is dependent on the specific incident. In some cases, this might include a full-body examination, including internal examinations of the mouth, vagina, or anus. This is when the SANE will collect evidence using swabs. The SANE may also take photographs of injuries to include in the kit. They may also collect physical evidence, such as undergarments. Every action during the examination is done with the survivor's permission and consent.
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Fourth, the SANE will complete pregnancy or STI tests, if desired by survivor.
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Fifth, if the survivor is a minor, the SANE is required to report it to law enforcement. If the survivor is over 18, if they choose, the SANE can help them report the assault to law enforcement.
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Finally, the survivor may receive follow-up care, depending on their injuries or needs.
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After the exam
After the exam, the kit follows strict chain of custody procedures to ensure no evidence is tainted. The kit will be stored in a secure area under law enforcement until a survivor decides they want to report an assault. For information about statute of limitation laws, click here.
Sources:
https://www.rainn.org/articles/rape-kit
https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/la-crosse/services-and-treatments/domestic-abuse/assault-assistance
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Additional Resources:
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RAINN.org
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RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest​ National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. Their website contains informations about SANEs, rape kits, survivor's rights, and information about why someone should have an exam done.
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Mayo Clinic
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Mayo Clinic's Assault Assistance webpage provides information about what assault is, ​what happens during an exam, and how to prepare for an exam. Their information is more specific to La Crosse.
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