National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations: Adults/Adolescents, Second Edition

• NCJ Number: 228119
• Date Published: April 2013
• Length: 144 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored; OVW
• Publication Type: Policy/Procedure Handbook/Manual

Annotation

This second edition of the National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations provides guidelines for criminal justice and health care practitioners to respond to the immediate needs of sexual assault victims.

Abstract

This second edition provides updated guidelines for criminal justice and health care professionals whose job it is to respond to the immediate needs of sexual assault victims. The national protocol has five primary goals: to supplement efforts at the local, tribal, and State levels to assist victims of sexual assault; the provide guidance to jurisdictions on responding to adult and adolescent sexual assault victims; to support the use of coordinated community responses to sexual violence; to address the needs of victims while promoting the criminal justice system response; and to promote high-quality, sensitive, and supportive exams for all victims. The 21 chapters of the protocol are presented over 3 broad categories. Section A: Overarching Issues contains six chapters that cover the Coordinated Team Approach, Victim-Centered Care, Informed Consent, Confidentiality, Reporting to Law Enforcement, and Payment for Examination Under VAWA. Section B: Operational Issues, contains six chapters that cover Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners, Facilities, Equipment and Supplies, Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, Timing Considerations for Collecting Evidence, and Evidence Integrity. Section C: The Examination Process, contains 11 chapters that cover Initial Contact, Triage and Intake, Documentation by Health Care Personnel, The Medical Forensic History, Photography, Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures, Alcohol and Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault, STI Evaluation and Care, Pregnancy Risk Evaluation and Care, Discharge and Follow-Up, and Examiner Court Appearances. Bibliography and appendixes