Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault About a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam You Are Not Alone We Believe You It Is Not Your Fault

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE)

What is a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination?

A Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination is authorized by law enforcement and focuses on collecting potential evidence from the body of the victim/survivor. Throughout the forensic evidence collection process, examiners identify and collect evidence necessary to consider for prosecution. The SAFE examiner uses specific techniques, using state-of-the-art equipment, and photography to identify and document injuries associated with sexual assault. Medical forensic examinations can take anywhere from between 2-4 hours. A separate examination room ensures that victims' privacy is maintained and respected.

Components of the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination include:

Completing a victim/survivor assessment/history
A physical assessment of the victim/survivor
A detailed genital examination
Physical evidence collection:
Forensic photography
Documentation of all findings

Victims/survivors of sexual assault are provided excellent medical care in addition to objective, thorough evidence collection from specially trained examiners. Taking care of medical concerns is an important part of the recovery process for the victim. Important medical options to consider are:

Medical evaluation and treatment
Emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy
Medications for STDs (Sexual Transmitted Diseases)
HIV Prophylaxis, a series of medications to reduce the risk of HIV infection

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If you were assaulted in the last 72 hours (3 days) AND report the assault, the police may authorize a medical forensic examination.

If you would like to request a medical forensic examination:

Report the assault to the police or hospital emergency room staff. All hospital personnel are required by law to automatically report to police if a sexual assault victim/survivor comes to the emergency room for treatment resulting from a sexual assault.

Ask the law enforcement if a medical forensic examination is an option for you.

Try not to eat, drink, wash your hands, shower, use the restroom, or change your clothes until you speak with a law enforcement. Evidence may be on your body. It is vital to collect this evidence as soon as possible.

What you need to know about evidence:

Evident collected from your body may assist in catching your attacker.

Evidence starts to disintegrate immediately following the assault.

Evidence is lost as you begin everyday activities.

Eating, drinking, smoking, bathing, combing your hair, brushing your teeth, washing your hand, and changing clothes are all activities which may destroy evidence.

If the medical forensic examination is NOT an option for you:

You can call the Center Against Sexual Assault's crisis line for other options at 1-800-4001001 or (520) 327-1171

Call your physician or a local medical clinic (listed in the phone book).
Doctors or other medical personnel are mandated to report to law enforcement.
However, victims/survivors do not have to talk with law enforcement if they
do not want to prosecute. We do recommend that you still receive immediate
medical care and treatment.

Questions about the Medical Forensic Examination:

When do I have the option of getting a medical forensic examination?

You may be given a medical forensic examination if law enforcement authorizes the Center Against Sexual Assault to conduct an examination.

Most examinations that are authorized are for assaults that occurred within the last 72 hours.

When will law enforcement authorize a medical forensic examination?

At a minimum, law enforcement must first determine that there may be potential evidence of the crime on your body; and that you are willing to cooperate with the investigation and prosecution. Other factors may apply.

If a medical forensic examination is NOT authorized, does that mean that law enforcement does not believe you?

NO! It may be determined that there is no evidence on your body.

If you have questions about this decision, it is important that you speak with the detective assigned to your case.

Can I get a medical forensic examination after 72 hours (3days)?

In most cases, no. Research has shown that after 72 hours most biological evidence is destroyed. However, there are exceptions. Talk to the detective assigned to your case.