Sex Crimes Unit
Investigative Section-Sexual Assault Squad
What is a Sexual Assault Evidence Kit?
(below information previously offered in How to Report: If You go to the Hospital)
The Sexual Assault Evidence Kit is a collection of evidence that will
be used during the police investigation and trial. The medical evidence
should be collected prior to any bathing, eating, drinking, or going to
the bathroom.
Preamble: Reactions to sexual assault vary widely and the examination
may be difficult for the patient. In all cases the patient must be respected
and parts of the examination may have to be omitted or deferred unless medically
indicated. Note that a lack of physical evidence neither confirms nor refutes
a recent sexual assault. (from sexual assault evidence kit instructions).
The Sexual Assault Evidence Kit is provided to document the collection
of physical evidence that may assist in the investigation of a sexual
assault. Urgent medical needs must always take priority
In order to preserve the evidence for court, the doctor will perform different
tests. The nurse or doctor will perform some or all of the following during
the examination:
- scrape under fingernails;
- take samples of head and pubic hair;
- take blood samples;
- take vaginal and anal swabs;
- take vaginal swabs, looking for sexually transmitted diseases;
- look for injuries;
- collect clothing.
Each sample is carefully sealed, labeled and sent to labs for tests. The
forensic tests may help to:
- determine the time of the assault;
- identify the accused ;
- provide evidence of the amount of force used during the assault.
The police may also want to take pictures of your injuries. The pictures
are very important because after the wounds have healed the evidence
is still visible in the pictures. If photographs are necessary,
you will be given the option of a male or female police photographer.
KIT IS ONLY TO BE USED WHEN:
1. The patient/guardian gives informed consent and;
2. The
assault is being reported to the Police or;
3. The patient
is undecided whether or not to report the assault to the Police. (Swabs
must be air-dried, kit sealed, seal number recorded and kit refrigerated
up to 6 months.)
TIME GUIDELINES:
The most useful physical evidence is collected within 24 hours of the
assault. However, useful evidence can be found up to 48 hours after an assault.
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