What Is A Rape Kit? How Are Rape Kits Used?

A rape kit is a medical tool used to gather proof from the body and clothing of a person who has experienced rape or another type of sexual assault. In addition to bags and paper sheets, this kit frequently includes a comb, documentation forms, envelopes, instructions, supplies for blood samples, and swabs.

These are used to collect and store bodily fluids like saliva and menstrual fluids, which can be used to identify the rapist, as well as to gather and store fibers from hair and clothing. All together, this information could be used to prosecute a rapist.

A blood test is performed following the initial gathering of forensic evidence. The purpose of these blood tests is to look for infections and diseases that are transmitted through sexual activity, as well as for pregnancy. Cervical tissue samples are also collected and sent to a lab for examination.

To review the results of these tests, you must visit your own doctor within the two weeks that follow your emergency room visit. If these lab tests yield positive results, your doctor will then advise you to start a particular course of treatment.

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Exactly How Are Rape Kits Used?

Critical forensic evidence that can be used to identify a sexual attacker is gathered using rape kits. bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and sperm, as well as hair and body fluid-derived fibers) may all be collected during a rape kit exam. Also possible is the removal of cervical tissue samples for further examination in a lab.

Additionally, blood and urine tests are carried out. Blood tests are used to check for pregnancy or STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

Before An Exam

After a sexual assault, there will always be a desire to “cleanse yourself.” It is only natural for you to want to try and wash what happened away because you feel violated. It is imperative that you wait until a qualified examiner has completed the examination. This examiner is typically a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE), or a Sexual Assault Examiner (SAE).

Before the exam, it is essential that you avoid any of the following:

• Having a bath or shower
• Using the toilet
• Changing your clothes
• Combing or brushing hair
• Cleaning of any intimate areas

Take a change of clothes with you because the police might want to keep some of your clothing in some circumstances.

What Takes Place During The Test?

Throughout the exam, you will follow a number of procedural steps.

Injuries

Any injuries you may have will be attended to first and given priority.

History

A number of questions will be posed to you, some of which will be medically related, such as whether you are currently taking any medications and whether you have any health problems. Additionally, very private inquiries about sexual behavior, such as any most recent consensual acts, will be made. These might seem intrusive, but they could be very important to your case and your efforts to prove the offender’s guilt. You will also be required to review the specifics of the assault.

Physical Exam

Although it is painful, this step is essential to the process. You’ll undergo a full physical examination. This might consist of images of various body parts. Additionally, it might contain samples of hair, urine, and blood. There may also be internal examinations of the mouth, vagina, and anus, depending on the type of attack.

Follow-ups

Additional appointments to check for STDs or pregnancy may also be provided. Patients are frequently offered antibiotics to treat infections and prevent pregnancy, along with Plan B contraceptives, to combat illness.

Support

The rape crisis and support organizations in Louisiana will either be recommended to you or information will be given to you about them.

What Takes Place Once A Rape Kit Is Complete?

While forensic rape kits are typically conducted at hospitals, once the exam is completed a couple of key steps occur:

• Usually, the police receive the evidence gathered through the rape kit and open an investigation.
• The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national FBI database that aids law enforcement in tracking serial sex offenders across the nation, receives the DNA from the kit and the potential rapist.

What Should You Do Right Away Following A Rape Or Sexual Assault?

Even though undergoing a rape kit is challenging enough on its own, having to do so right away after being sexually assaulted or raped only makes it more challenging. But it is strongly advised that survivors visit a hospital right away to have a rape kit performed in order to preserve evidence that might eventually aid in prosecuting the sexual offender.

It is advised that you refrain from showering, bathing, using the restroom, combing your hair, changing your clothes, or cleaning any part of your body, if at all possible. This goes against every survivor’s natural instinct to want to wash away all signs of the attack. Basically, the rape kit will work best if you don’t change any of the potential evidence that might be on or inside your body, clothing, or belongings.

Within 72 hours of a sexual assault incident, DNA evidence via a rape kit typically needs to be gathered. The evidence that might eventually support an arrest and conviction will, however, inevitably be lessened if you wait that long. Even though it’s challenging, it’s strongly advised to get checked out with a rape kit right away after a violent attack.

What Happens If No Semen Is Found?

Even though finding semen is still the main goal of any exam, DNA technology advancements allow for the collection and use of additional genetic data. Within 72 hours of the attack, DNA evidence must be gathered.

Swabs from body parts the attacker may have touched, kissed, or bit, fingernail clippings in case the victim was able to collect any DNA under their nails, and the collection of scalp and pubic hair are all potential sources of evidence that may help identify and convict a rapist.

Do Police Reports Always Need To Be Filed When Using A Rape Kit?

A forensic examination or rape kit are entirely different from a police report. In fact, you have the choice to undergo a rape kit and have that evidence kept, allowing you to decide later on whether to call the police and file a report or not.

At the time the rape kit is being examined, you are not required to disclose your sex crime. But by having the evidence gathered and preserved right away, you give yourself options for legal action down the road, should you choose to pursue such a course of action. In addition, there are other legal options besides just filing a police report and opening a criminal case.

Survivors may undergo a rape kit examination, have that evidence preserved, and then at a later date decide to:

1. File a police report and pursue criminal charges
2. Not file a police report but instead file a civil claim in pursuit of financial compensation from the attacker
3. File both criminal and civil claims and have the police investigate the crime in pursuit of criminal charges while a civil attorney pursues a case towards maximum financial compensation

In essence, even though it is undoubtedly a challenging process, going through a rape kit right away after a sexual assault can ensure that the evidence is preserved and that you, as the victim, have all of your options open to you, regardless of what you decide to do.

The Significance Of Forensic Exams

Many sexual assault victims are reluctant to seek medical attention after their attack. They might be scared or ashamed, and they might not want to put themselves through the invasive nature of the evidence gathering process.

However, it is critical to have this forensic examination done if you have ever been the victim of a sexual assault. Even if you decide not to file a report, you might have second thoughts. A rape kit’s availability ensures that any necessary evidence is kept safe in the event that this occurs. You will receive crucial medical care during your examination as well.

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