About

This protocol provides recommendations to medical, legal, law enforcement, advocacy and forensic science professionals on the identification, collection and preservation of physical evidence and the minimization of physical, psychological and spiritual trauma to the patients who present after sexual assault, as designated by Texas Government Code §420. It is designed as a resource for responders rather than persons who have experienced sexual assault.

The content and discussion in this protocol will necessarily discuss the sexual assault of individuals. Much of it may be emotionally and intellectually challenging. We have done our best to make this protocol trauma informed. Additionally, we recommend children do not see this content. Resources and references for secondary trauma are accessible from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and in the reference section (n.d.).

The Texas Evidence Collection Protocol, the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAEK) forms and diagrams are accessible through: