Sexual assault that occurred—or in instance of child or vulnerable patient, the last contact with suspect occurred—within seven days prior to medical examination (U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, 2017).
- All patients who were acutely sexually assaulted should be offered a medical forensic assessment.
- Facilities that are not on a military installation follow state statutes regarding evidence collection up to 120 hours post-assault (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §56A.303). Some jurisdictions, including military installations, collect evidence up to seven days after the sexual assault.
- Evidence is typically collected when sexual assault occurred within seven days, or with examiner discretion if beyond seven days (U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, 2017)
- All children, regardless of when last contact occurred and type of contact described or suspected, should be assessed by an expert (sexual assault nurse examiner, specially trained medical forensic professional or child abuse pediatrician) as soon as possible.
- Children assaulted more than 120 hours ago and who are not in danger of being re- assaulted may have a scheduled examination later. Check local jurisdiction for examination time frames.
X
Instagram
Linked in
RSSYouTube