Do You Need a Sexual Assault Exam? What to Know About ‘Rape Kits’ and Forensic Exams

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If you've been sexually assaulted, you may feel lost about what to do next. You aren't alone. And there are steps that you can take to get help. One of the things you may want to consider is getting a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) - often referred to as a "rape kit." This is a way to collect evidence and information about what happened. It will also help connect you to any medical care you need, including testing and medications to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If doing this feels overwhelming, we get it. And we're here to help. This article will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you know what to expect and how to get one.

What is a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE)?

A sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) collects evidence and information about what happened when you were assaulted. It uses an evidence kit - which we describe next - to preserve DNA and evidence from:

• Your body

• Your clothes

• Other personal belongings that you had with you at the time of the assault (like a purse)

During the exam, you don't need to report the sexual assault as a crime. The DNA evidence can be used at a later time to help identify the person who assaulted you. The evidence will be kept sealed in a safe place for future use if you do decide that you want to report it.

The exam is performed by a healthcare professional who's specifically trained to do it. These professionals can be called a few different names:

• SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner)

• SAMFE (sexual assault medical forensic examiner)

• SAFE (sexual assault forensic examiner)

• SAE (sexual assault examiner)

The sexual assault evidence kit (rape kit)

A sexual assault evidence kit (rape kit) is the name of the actual kit that allows your examiner to collect evidence. What's in a rape kit isn't always the same. It depends on the state you're located in. Generally, most rape kits include:

• Labels and other forms for documentation

• Swabs, used to gently collect fluids like saliva, blood, or semen

• A comb, which may be used on pubic hair to collect any loose strands of hair

• Cups, tubes, or glass slides to store any samples

• A nail pick to clean underneath your nails and collect dirt or debris

• White paper sheets to catch any debris that falls during the exam

• Envelopes and/or bags to store samples and other evidence

Who needs a sexual assault exam?

Anyone who has experienced a sexual assault can have a sexual assault exam done. Sexual assault can mean many different things, including:

• Vaginal penetration

• Anal penetration

• Oral sex

• Any unwanted touch of sensitive body parts

• Forcing you to perform sexual acts or touch body parts on another person

Sexual assault can happen to any person of any gender, sexual orientation, or age, including children. Sexual assault exams can be performed on children, and for kids, the abuser is most often a relative. Recognizing the signs of abuse in others, especially children, can help them get the support that they need.

You don't need to have a sexual assault exam if you don't want to - it's your choice. You can also choose to have a medical exam that doesn't collect evidence. This will allow you to receive any treatment for bodily harm and STIs.

Where do you go for a sexual assault forensic exam?

You can go to any local emergency room for a sexual assault forensic exam. Most of them have the supplies and trained examiners on hand (or nearby) who can perform them. But some smaller hospitals may not.

An online resource can help you figure out if your nearest ER or clinic will have what you need before you go. A good starting place may be:

• Using the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network's (RAINN) local provider search tool

• Calling RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673)

• Chatting online with a RAINN representative

• Using NBC News' state-by-state examiner locator

RAINN and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center may also be able to connect you with an advocate who can be present with you during your SAFE exam if you would like one.

How long do you have to get a SAFE exam done?

The time window for a SAFE exam varies by state. Certain locations will offer exams for 72 hours, while others will offer them for up to 96 hours after the assault. The above resources can help you figure out how long you have depending on where you are.

This time restriction is put into place since the exam collects DNA evidence. But it's okay if you don't make it there within that time frame. Evidence can still be collected when you're able to go, even if it's later than 72 hours. And it's never too late to report sexual assault.

Professionals also recommend that you have the exam done before you:

• Go to the bathroom

• Change your clothes

• Shower

• Brush your teeth

But it's alright if you have already done these things. You can still have the exam performed.

What to expect during a sexual assault exam

A sexual assault exam may feel scary or intimidating - especially after the physical and emotional trauma of a sexual assault. Remember that you don't have to agree to all parts of the exam. If you're feeling uncomfortable at any time, you can ask to take a break or stop.

At the start of the exam, any injuries that you have (like cuts, scratches, or bruises) will be treated. From there, you'll be asked a series of different questions. Some of the questions will be about you and your overall health. Some will be about the assault itself and recent sexual activity.

Next, the physical exam will begin. The licensed professional will perform a thorough exam of your whole body, which may include your vagina, penis, and/or anus. During this process, they may collect different samples using tools from the rape kit. It often happens in this order:

1. Oral swabs, which look like large Q-tips, are used to take samples from the inside of your mouth, around your gums and tongue, and inside of your cheeks.

2. Buccal swabs, which resemble a Q-tip with bumpy edges, can be used to collect DNA from the inside of your cheek.

3. Evidence collection may involve getting undressed while standing over a paper sheet. This helps collect any evidence that falls, like a loose hair.

4. You will change into a gown so that your clothes can be kept sealed in a bag in case they contain any evidence (like a drop of blood).

5. Secretion and dried blood swabs, which look like the oral swabs, are used to dab any fluids or blood that is on your body.

6. Pubic hair is combed gently to see if any loose hairs or debris are caught there.

7. Any dirt underneath your nails is collected using a tool that looks like a large toothpick.

8. Genital swabs can be used around and/or inside the vagina or the penis, on the cervix, and around and/or inside the anus.

9. Blood or urine samples are collected to look for sexually transmitted infections.

If certain steps aren't needed - for instance, if there was no vaginal penetration during the assault - those parts of the exam can be skipped. Only the necessary parts will be done based on the details that you provide to the person performing your exam.

Before or after your exam, the SAFE professional will also help you get connected to any resources or medical care you may need after the assault. Similar to the exam, you can accept or decline any of them. Most locations will offer:

• Antibiotics to prevent certain STIs (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or bacterial vaginosis)

• Prophylaxis for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

• Emergency contraception

• Medical follow-up

• Mental health and supportive resources

Frequently asked questions

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