Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Kits
COMMONLY USED TERMS
Commonly Used Terms
The Sexual Assault Response Team
The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is a multidisciplinary team of support providers available to any victim 13 years or older who reports an assault within seven (7) days. The SART is comprised of a confidential sexual violence advocate (CSVA), a forensic nurse examiner (FNE), and a law enforcement officer. Victims may request SART services by calling 9-1-1 or presenting at a law enforcement agency, a healthcare facility, or a sexual violence service organization. A victim may choose any, all, or none of the services offered by SART.
Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate
A Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate (CSVA) is a specially trained advocate qualified to provide crisis intervention and emotional support, as well as referrals to other support services and resource information to a victim of sexual violence. A victim of sexual assault has the right to speak to a CSVA prior to having a forensic medical exam or giving a formal statement to the police. The CSVA will discuss the victim’s rights and options regarding the exam and the aftermath, and may provide in-person support throughout the Exam. The CSVA may provide accompaniment through subsequent medical, legal, and court procedures.
Forensic Nurse Examiner
A Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) is a specially trained nurse qualified to provide a victim of sexual assault with initial medical treatment, conduct a forensic medical examination, and collect forensic evidence in a Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Kit or Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) Kit. The FNE will examine the victim for physical injuries, including internal/unseen injuries, and provide preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and pregnancy. The nurse can also explain the victim’s options and answer any questions about the examination. Information will also be provided about medication, medical concerns, and aftercare referrals.
Law Enforcement
With the permission of the victim, the law enforcement officer will begin an investigation into the allegation of sexual assault, which includes gathering information from the victim. The law enforcement officer will take a report and may start an investigation. The law enforcement officer can answer questions about possible next steps of an investigation.
Forensic Medical Exam
Within seven (7) days of a sexual assault, any victim 13 years or older may obtain a Forensic Medical Exam (the Exam) by a specially trained Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) or a medical professional with specialized training in the examination of adolescent and adult victims of sexual assault. Exams are guided by the victim and can be paused or stopped completely at any point. The purpose of the Exam is to identify injuries and collect forensic evidence. The Exam consists of an assessment and gathering of medical history, a physical examination, diagnosis and treatment by medical protocol, and the collection of evidence through a Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Kit or Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) Kit. Prophylactic care is also offered which can prevent pregnancy and the contraction of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Kits / Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) Kits
Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Kits and Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) Kits are the contents of a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam (the Exam). A Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) collects specimens (such as blood, urine, saliva, semen, hair or skin) swabbed from body surfaces (such as the skin, mouth, anus, and genitals), photographs any injuries and/or physical evidence, and collects physical evidence (such as undergarments, clothing, and linens/bed sheets). Evidence collected in a kit that is submitted to law enforcement can be used in a criminal sexual assault investigation.
Hold Kits
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- Unreported kits or “Hold Kits” are when the victim does not consent to release their SAFE/DFSA Kit to law enforcement. Instead, the victim chooses to “hold” their kit within a secure evidence facility.
- Hold Kits are retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of collection.
- If the victim is a minor, the 20 years will begin after the victim reaches the age of 18.
Kits Released to Law Enforcement
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- At the conclusion of the Exam, if a victim consents to release their SAFE/DFSA Kit to law enforcement, it will be tested and the case will be criminally investigated.