What is a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination?

The sexual assault medical forensic exam is an examination of a sexual assault patient by a health care provider, ideally one who has specialized education and clinical experience in the collection of forensic evidence and treatment of these patients. ​ The examination includes gathering information from the patient for the medical forensic history; an examination; coordinating treatment of injuries, documentation of biological and physical findings, and collection of evidence from the patient; documentation of findings; information, treatment, and referrals for STIs, pregnancy, suicidal ideation, alcohol and substance abuse, and other non-acute medical concerns; and follow-up as needed to provide additional healing, treatment, or collection of evidence. The exam is referred to as the “forensic medical examination” under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Source: A National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations Adults/Adolescents, Second Edition. U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. April 2013. NCJ 241903  

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance can be defined as targeted support to an organization, system or individual regarding a specific topic. In this case, the SAFEta project provides guidance, information and support to individuals and agencies responding to sexual assault. As questions arise during the process of developing, implementing, refining and enhancing victim services in communities, the SAFEta project is here to help.

Who can access SAFEta?

SAFEta provides technical assistance (TA) to service providers including:

• Medical professionals
• Law enforcement officers
• Attorneys
• Victim advocates
• First responders

Access TA

Call the helpline 1-877-819-SART