If you’ve experienced sexual abuse or assault, getting a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) (sometimes called a “rape kit”) is an essential step toward protecting your health and preserving evidence of the crime—even if you aren’t currently interested in reporting to law enforcement.
What Is a Rape Kit?
Some people use the term “rape kit” when talking about the exam survivors can obtain after sexual assault. However, a “rape kit” is actually the sexual assault evidence kit (SAEK) used to collect DNA during a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE).
Forensic exam kits typically include these items:
- Instructions for the Forensic Examiner
- Forms for documenting the exam and the collected evidence
- A large paper mat for catching loose evidence as you remove your clothes
- Paper bags for storing physical evidence, such as clothing
- Dental floss for removing evidence from your mouth
- Small sticks for removing evidence from your fingernails
- Swabs for collecting biological evidence
- Containers for storing biological evidence, such as blood and urine
- Glass slides for securing various types of evidence
- Sterile water and saline solution
- Envelopes, boxes, and labels for all of the evidence collected
Why Get a SAFE?
There are two BIG reasons to consider requesting a SAFE:
- You deserve trauma-informed medical attention. During a SAFE, a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) will check your body for injuries and help you make the best aftercare decisions for your physical and mental health. The SANE will collect forensic evidence samples during the exam. SANEs are also trained to provide expert testimony if a case goes to trial.
- You deserve justice. Whether you choose to press charges now, later, or never,* the DNA evidence collected during a SAFE can help law enforcement identify perpetrators and hold them accountable.
*Note that if you are under 18 or over 65, your SANE may be legally required to notify law enforcement.
Where To Get a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)
Find a local clinic or hospital that performs SAFEs:
Before, During, & After a Forensic Exam
Here are some steps you can take to preserve evidence, obtain a SAFE, and take care of yourself after sexual assault:
1. Preserve Evidence of the Crime
If you contact the police after the assault, they may come and collect evidence from the crime scene. However, if you prefer not to involve law enforcement now, you can place potential evidentiary items in a paper bag to protect any forensic evidence.
If you plan to obtain a SAFE, these steps will help preserve any evidence on your body and belongings:
- Avoid showering, bathing, or cleaning yourself
- Avoid removing or changing your clothes
- Avoid using the restroom
- Avoid combing or brushing your hair
2. Prepare for the Forensic Exam
If possible, bring comfortable clothes to change into after your exam. The SANE may ask to keep your clothing and other belongings as evidence.
3. Get a SAFE Sooner, Not Later
Obtain a SAFE as soon as possible after a sexual assault to increase the chances that your SANE will collect undamaged forensic evidence.
In most cases, DNA evidence must be collected within 72 hours of the assault, though other forms of evidence may be present even after the 72-hour window.
4. Don’t Stress About the Cost
You should not be asked to pay for a sexual assault forensic exam. The Violence Against Women Act requires states to provide zero-cost SAFEs if they wish to receive federal anti-crime funds. If you are billed for the exam, immediately contact your local sexual assault service provider.
You may also qualify for financial reimbursement for medical costs or lost wages.
5. Bring or Ask for a Support Person
A SAFE can take a few hours to complete, so you may want to bring a trusted support person. This person could be called as a witness if you decide to report the crime.
Depending on where you live, RAINN may be able to help locate a trained victim advocate who can support you through the SAFE process. Contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline or find a local sexual assault service provider for assistance finding an advocate.
6. Meet Your Care Provider
Undergoing a SAFE can feel scary and even retraumatizing. That’s why SANEs and other care providers are trained to provide trauma-informed, age-appropriate, culturally sensitive care to survivors of sexual assault.
One of these specially trained experts will perform your exam:
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are registered nurses who are trained to provide comprehensive care to survivors of sexual assault. These nurses may also be called Forensic Nurse Examiners.
- Physicians and other types of healthcare providers may use the title Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners, Sexual Assault Examiner (Indian Health Services), or Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner (military).
SAFE providers are trained to comprehensively address survivors’ immediate needs and provide resources for ongoing aftercare. They can also testify in court proceedings if needed.
7. Participate in a SAFE
When you’ve survived sexual violence, getting poked and prodded by healthcare providers can trigger severe trauma symptoms. Try to remember that a forensic exam is a collaboration between you and your SANE. You are in charge when you visit a clinic or hospital for a SAFE. You can stop, pause, or skip any step at any time.
Your SAFE will include some or all of these steps:
- Emergency care. If you have injuries that need immediate attention, a medical provider will take care of those first.
- Medical history. You’ll be asked to share personal information about your health. Don’t hold back from discussing your medical history with your care provider; that information will help them give you the support you need.
- Recent consensual sexual activity. The examiner will ask you to share any recent consensual sexual activity. This information is important for eliminating suspects and identifying the correct perpetrator.
- The assault. You may be asked to describe details of the sexual assault. Your care provider will use this information to identify where you may be injured and where they’re most likely to find DNA evidence.
- Head-to-toe examination. Your SAFE may include external and internal examinations of the most intimate parts of your body, including your mouth, genitals, anus, and other areas typically covered by clothing.
- Sample collection. To collect evidence for DNA testing, your care provider may draw blood, ask you to pee in a container, wipe the surface of your skin with a cotton swab, or collect strands of your hair.
- Photographing the evidence. The provider may take pictures of your body to document your injuries and record the exam steps.
8. Talk About STIs, Pregnancy, & Mental Healthcare
Along with caring for your injuries and performing your forensic exam, SANEs are trained to discuss your immediate and longer-term wellness needs.
The SANE may offer treatment options for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They may also discuss the possibility that you could become pregnant from the assault. Finally, they may share how the sexual assault could impact your mental health.
Some issues may require a follow-up appointment with a medical specialist. Your SANE can either help you schedule these aftercare appointments or refer you to the right resources. You can also find nearby aftercare resources through RAINN.
9. Consider Reporting to Law Enforcement
Your SANE may ask if you would like to report the sexual assault to the police. If you say yes, some SAFE facilities will contact law enforcement on your behalf and request that an officer come and speak with you.
If you don’t want to talk to the police, that’s okay. Any forensic evidence collected during your SAFE will be preserved in case you wish to report the crime in the future.
Medical Disclaimer: Please note that the content on this site does not constitute medical advice, and RAINN is not a medical expert. If you have further questions after reading this information, please contact a local healthcare professional or hospital.