Forensic Medical Exam

What is a forensic medical exam?

The forensic medical exam is a comprehensive medical exam. The SANE Nurse assesses and documents injuries associated with the assault and collects forensic samples. A forensic medical exam with the collection of samples may be completed up to three days (72 hours) for children and five days (120 hours) for adults - but it is always important that samples are collected as soon as possible. 

A patient has the right to decline any or all parts of the exam. The SANE nurse may collect the clothing that was worn at the time of the assault. The samples collected may be used in investigating and prosecuting the crime. Even if it has been longer than the specified time frame, a patient is still entitled to an exam to ensure physical health and well-being.

While a forensic medical exam cannot determine if a sexual assault occurred, this does not mean that an assault did not happen. The length of the exam varies among patients and is based on injuries and participation. The exam itself usually takes one to two hours, but could be longer if necessary.

What is a SANE?

SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. A SANE Nurse is a registered nurse who is specially trained to provide comprehensive care to trauma patients. They are able to identify physical trauma and psychological needs. They have training and knowledge about neurobiology of trauma, and deliver trauma informed care.

A SANE Nurse can also testify as an expert witness in court. SANE Nurses conduct forensic medical exams for ALL ages and perform acute as well as delayed disclosure exams.

Child Forensic
Medical Exam

  • Call law enforcement in the county where the incident happened. Call Harmony House for any assistance, questions or support on the 24/7 crisis hotline at (706) 680-4723.

  • If an assault has occurred within the past 72 hours, do not bathe the child because doing so can wash away or destroy crucial physical and DNA evidence related to the assault. Do not change their clothes: Keep your child in the exact clothing they wore during or immediately after the incident. If they have already changed, place the original clothes in a paper bag and bring them with you to the Forensic Medical Exam.

    If your child has already bathed or changed, you should still bring him/her to the child advocacy center immediately. Important medical care, testing, and supportive evaluations can still be performed.

  • Medical services are provided in our child-friendly examination room. A patient advocate always remains in the room with the child. The medical exam is not painful or invasive.

    The examination begins with the provider getting a health history from the parent or guardian. A general physical exam with head to toe assessment is performed and is similar to a well-child visit with their primary care physician.

    Based on the child’s disclosure, DNA evidence is collected. Digital photographs are taken for injury documentation.

    After the examination, the medical provider will meet with the family to explain the results of the medical examination and answer questions the family may have. Any questions or concerns the family has may be discussed without the child present.

  • Victims have the absolute right to a free forensic medical examination. You cannot be charged directly or indirectly for the exam.

Adult Forensic
Medical Exam

  • First get to a safe place. Call law enforcement in the county where the incident happened. Call a friend or family member for support. Call Harmony House for any assistance, questions or support on the 24/7 crisis hotline at (706) 680-4723.

  • To prepare for a forensic medical exam, it is highly recommended to avoid bathing, showering, brushing teeth, using the restroom, or changing clothes prior to arriving, as this can wash away important forensic evidence.

    If you have already changed clothing, place the original clothes in a paper bag and bring them with you to the Forensic Medical Exam.

  • The exam is conducted with the patient’s full consent. Patients are in control the entire time and can ask questions, request breaks, or stop any part of the process at any moment.

    History: The nurse records vital signs and takes a confidential medical history. They will ask basic questions about the traumatic event and any recent consensual sexual contact to help separate past DNA from potential new evidence.

    Physical & Injury Exam: The nurse performs a gentle head-to-toe physical assessment. Any visible injuries like bruises, cuts, or redness are measured, described, and photographed.

    Evidence Collection: If the exam takes place within 120 hours of the incident, evidence such as swabs (from the skin, mouth, or fingernails), combings for trace DNA, and clothing may be collected using an evidence collection kit.

    Medical Treatment: The nurse assesses non-acute medical needs, offers testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, provides emergency contraception (when applicable), and discusses ongoing medical care.

    Discharge & Follow-up: The patient is connected with advocates, counselors, or community resources, and a personalized follow-up plan is established for future medical and testing needs.

  • Victims of sexual assault have the absolute right to a free forensic medical examination. You cannot be charged directly or indirectly for the exam.

  • While a patient has the right to report a sexual assault, a patient also has the right NOT to report the crime to Law Enforcement.

    However, it is Harmony House policy that a Law Enforcement Officer be present to take possession of evidence after the Forensic Medical Exam even for non-reports.