Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault
According to Kansas Statutes, everyone has the right to a sexual assault examination. Patients 18 years of age and older have a right to choose whether they report to law enforcement or not; this means patients can be examined, have evidence collected and be treated without notifying law enforcement. The evidence collected will be held by the Kansas Bureau of Investigations for five years, should you change your mind and later decide to report to law enforcement.
If you are or have been a victim of sexual assault or abuse, there is help available for you.
ESCAPE
What to Expect
- Compassionate, supportive medical care
- Your privacy to be maintained
- Have everything explained to you
- A complete history will be taken
- Seek informed consent
- Conduct a head-to-toe examination
- Conduct a detailed genital examination
- Collect evidence as indicated
- Perform lab work, if needed
- Discuss and/or provide medication options
- Provide follow-up and referrals
- Provide community resources
Preserving DNA Evidence
Evidence preservation following a sexual assault is important to building a case and assisting forensic nurses and law enforcement. Patients should refrain from showering or bathing until they come to the hospital to be examined.
- Do NOT drink any liquids
- Do NOT brush your teeth
- Do NOT use mouthwash
- Do NOT take a shower
- Do NOT take a bath
- Do NOT douche (flush the vagina)
- Do NOT change your clothes
- Do NOT urinate (if at all possible)
- Do NOT have a bowel movement
Bring any other items related to the assault with you to the hospital or give them to law enforcement.