About the Forensic Exam at University Medical Center
What you should know about the Forensic Exam at University Medical Center, New Orleans (UMCNO)
What does a forensic medical exam entail?
A forensic medical exam may be performed at a hospital or other healthcare facility, by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), sexual assault forensic examiner (SAFE) or another medical professional. This exam is complex and on average, takes 3-4 hours. While this may seem lengthy, medical and forensic exams are comprehensive because the victim deserves and needs special attention to ensure that they are medically safe and protected. In addition, it is important to collect evidence so that if the victim chooses to report the crime to the police, they can access the stored evidence.1
After the forensic medical exam is performed and the evidence is collected and stored in the kit, the victim will be able to take a shower, brush their teeth, etc. — all while knowing that the evidence has been preserved to aid in a criminal prosecution if so desired.
Check out the RAINN website for tons more information on the forensic exam and criminal justice process: www.rainn.org/get-information/legal-information
- After a rape, there is sometimes evidence of the attack left behind on the victim's body and clothing. A forensic exam collects this evidence which may be used to identify the perpetrator or as evidence if your case goes to court.
- If you plan to report the attack to police, or think that there is a chance you will want to in the future, it is very helpful to have a forensic exam as soon as possible —while the evidence is still able to be collected. The sooner you get to the hospital, the better, but there is no time limit for when you can get an exam at UMCNO.
- The UMCNO Forensic Program (and other programs statewide) can collect “unreported” kits for victims that are not sure about reporting to police. This means your evidence will be collected and stored with only an identifying number, but not your name, and will only be used if you chose to report in the future.This is a great option to preserve time-sensitive evidence while you decide what to do.
- If you'd like, the police can interview you in the privacy of the Forensic Center while an advocate is present.
- If possible, don't bathe, use the bathroom, change clothes or brush your teeth, before visiting the emergency room in order to preserve the evidence
- The forensic nurse can also help with STIs, HIV and pregnancy prevention.
- The UMCNO Forensic Program provides free post-exposure HIV prophylaxis for victims of sexual assault. If you were exposed to HIV, these medications may help prevent you from getting infected.
- Even if you have no visible injuries it is still good to be checked by a medical provider to make sure nothing is wrong.
- Rape, just like consensual sex, can lead to pregnancy. Therefore, it is important for female victims to be tested after an assault.
What does a forensic medical exam entail?
A forensic medical exam may be performed at a hospital or other healthcare facility, by a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), sexual assault forensic examiner (SAFE) or another medical professional. This exam is complex and on average, takes 3-4 hours. While this may seem lengthy, medical and forensic exams are comprehensive because the victim deserves and needs special attention to ensure that they are medically safe and protected. In addition, it is important to collect evidence so that if the victim chooses to report the crime to the police, they can access the stored evidence.1
- To start, the medical professional will write down the victim’s detailed history.
- This sets a clear picture of existing health status, including medications being taken and preexisting conditions unrelated to the assault.
- Next there is a head-to-toe, detailed examination and assessment of the entire body (including an internal examination).
- This may include collection of blood, urine, hair and other body secretion samples, photo documentation of injuries (such as bruises, cuts and scraped skin), collection of clothing (especially undergarments).
- Finally, the medical professional will speak about treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may have been exposed during the assault.
- Depending on the hospital and state, the victim may receive prophylaxisas well as referrals for follow-up counseling, community resources and medical care.
After the forensic medical exam is performed and the evidence is collected and stored in the kit, the victim will be able to take a shower, brush their teeth, etc. — all while knowing that the evidence has been preserved to aid in a criminal prosecution if so desired.
Check out the RAINN website for tons more information on the forensic exam and criminal justice process: www.rainn.org/get-information/legal-information