Can a victim have a sexual assault examination at the hospital even if they are unsure they will report to law enforcement?

Absolutely! Some victims aren’t sure if they want to go forward with a criminal investigation, but they want to make sure the evidence is available if they decide to report the sexual assault to police. A victim of sexual assault can undergo a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination, or what is frequently called a CSC Kit or Rape Kit, and ask that the kit remain anonymous. Hospitals are required to hold the kit for one year, for the victim to decide how he or she wants to proceed. While one major benefit of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination is the collection of evidence, another very important part of the examination is the treatment and health component for the victim. A Sexual Assault Forensic Examination includes medicine for the victim to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy as a result of the sexual assault.

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This website was made possible by a subgrant from the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) pursuant to Grant No. 2017-VF-GX-K130, awarded to NCVLI by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of NCVLI.

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This Web site was made possible by a subgrant from the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) pursuant to Grant No. 2017-VF-GX-K130, awarded to NCVLI by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of NCVLI.