Working to Increase Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams

Currently, sexual assault survivors must go to particular hospitals to get a sexual assault medical forensic examination (often called a “rape kit” or a SAFE/Sexual Assault Forensic Exam).  Victim/survivors who go to the “wrong” hospital must be transported to the “right” hospital.  Victims are expected to delay bathing, drinking, cleaning, using restroom facilities or changing until after the exam.  HB963 would require that any hospital that provides emergency services also provide sexual assault forensic exams.  Hospitals can comply by retaining staff or by making arrangements for forensic examiners to visit from another location so that victims could receive services at all hours of the day. For adult victims, generally only one hospital in each county is designated as a SAFE hospital. As a result, victims may be transported to another facility or sent to another facility, which could result in victims not receiving the exam and potentially not received comprehensive services after their assault.  Lisae Jordan, Executive Director and Counsel for MCASA notes, “Other states bring forensic nurses to [victims].  Other states don’t make patients move and that’s really all we’re saying. If you’re raped, you should be able to get an exam in an emergency room. Don’t move the patient.  Move the medical care provider. Bring the medical care provider to the rape victim.” Studies show that if survivors of sexual assault experience a more compassionate and collaborative response, they may be more likely to want to make a police report and participate in prosecution. HB963 would help advance that level of care for sexual assault survivors. Click here to access video coverage, including statements from MCASA's Executive Director, Lisae Jordan. -Sources:  ABC News 2, Baltimore; The Report of the Michigan Sexual Assault Systems Response Task Force, 2001