4. Support
Validate the survivor’s feelings. Help them take appropriate action and affirm their decision to do so.
4.1 An Overview of Medical Advocacy
4.2 First Steps at the Health Center
4.3 Navigating the Medical Exam
4.3.1 The Importance of the Medical Exam
4.3.2 Emergency Medical Advocacy
4.3.2.1 Medical Providers Trained to Work with Sexual Assault Survivors
4.3.3 What to Expect from a Forensic Exam
4.3.3.1 Forensic Exam Overview
4.3.3.2 Treatment Overview
4.3.4 Forensic Exam Steps
4.3.4.1 Interview and Forms
4.3.4.2 Photographs
4.3.4.3 Clothing
4.3.4.4 Taking Swabs
4.3.4.5 Fixing the Slides
4.3.4.6 Pubic Hair Combings
4.3.4.7 Genital Swabs
4.3.4.8 Anal Swabs
4.3.4.9 Internal Exam
4.3.4.10 What Happens to the Evidence?
4.3.5 Payment at the Health Center
4.4 Evidence Kit Instructions for Healthcare Providers
4.4.1 Pre-Exam Considerations
4.4.1.1 Sexual Assault History Form
4.4.1.2 Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Exam
4.4.1.3 Exam Room Preparation and Supplies
4.4.2 Exam Steps
4.4.2.1 Responding to Child Sexual Abuse
4.4.2.2 Clothing and Patient Disrobing
4.4.2.3 Patient Assessment and Urine Collection
4.4.2.4 Blood Standard
4.4.2.5 Head Hair Standard
4.4.2.6 Oral Swabs
4.4.2.7 Genital Exam
4.4.2.8 Pubic Hair Combings
4.4.2.9 Anal Swabs
4.4.2.10 Vaginal Swabs
4.4.2.11 Cervical Swabs
4.4.2.12 Male Genitalia Swabs
4.4.2.13 Miscellaneous Evidence
4.4.2.14 Other Evidence Collected: Photographic Film and Urine
4.4.3 Suggested Medications for Sexual Assault Survivors
4.5 Creating Sexual Assault Evidence Kits
4.5.1 Materials
4.5.2 Minimum Criteria for Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits
4.5.3 Law Enforcement Responsibilities for Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits
4.5.4 Tracking the Chain of Custody
4.5.5 Forms to Print