About this Document

Organization. Protocol recommendations are organized into several broad sections: A) overarching issues, B) operational issues, and C) the examination process. Each section builds on information presented in previous sections and comprises tasks to be addressed, issues to be considered, and related recommendations. Although an effort has been made to avoid repetition of information throughout the document, there are instances where data is repeated for clarity or emphasis. The appendixes discuss the topics of protocol customization by jurisdictions and creation of sexual assault response teams.

Protocol foundation. This protocol is based on a belief that it is possible, with a victim’s consent, to simultaneously address the two primary purposes of sexual assault forensic examinations: the immediate health needs of a victim and the future needs of the justice system.

Key principles underlying response to sexual assault victims as discussed in this document include:

  • Recognition of victim safety and well-being as paramount goals of response;
  • Recognition that victims know far more about themselves and their needs than responders;
  • Respect for victims’ right to make their own choices;
  • Recognition that providing victims with information about their options during the exam process, expected consequences of choosing one option over another, and available resources can help them make more informed decisions;
  • Recognition that all victims, regardless of differences in backgrounds and circumstances, have the right to receive a high-quality medical forensic exam and to be treated with respect and compassion;
  • Respect for victims’ right to confidentiality; and
  • Recognition of the importance of victims’ feedback to improving the exam process.

Another important principle is recognition that the vast majority of sexual assaults are committed by assailants known to victims. Historically, sexual assault committed by nonstrangers was not taken seriously and interventions were less than adequate. It is imperative that all involved responders acknowledge that sexual assaults committed by persons known to victims are as grave a crime as those committed by strangers. Responders should be aware that victims’ reactions to an assault are affected by a multitude of factors: one of them being the prior relationship between the victim and the offender. They should also understand that many variables may affect the relevance of certain types of evidence to a particular case, including whether an assault was committed by a stranger, a known offender who claims no sexual contact with the victim, or a known offender who claims the victim consented to the contact.[1]


[1] For example, evidence that identifies a suspect in a stranger case, such as DNA evidence, is critical to the continuing investigation. In cases in which the victim knows the suspect, evidence that identifies suspects is important if suspects claim they had no sexual contact with victims. In cases in which suspects claim that victims consented to the sexual contact, evidence identifying suspects is less crucial and evidence and documentation related to whether force or coercion was used against victims is often more important.