A forensic exam is a comprehensive exam conducted by a specially trained nurse (a forensic nurse) after a patient has experienced physical or sexual violence.

DCFNE's services are available regardless of immigration status, sex, gender, income level, and disability. DCFNE's nurses can provide forensic exams to:

• People who have experienced a sexual assault (ages 13+)

• People who have experienced an assault by a current or former intimate partner (ages 12+)

• People who have experienced an assault by a relative or family member (ages 18+)

No. All of DCFNE's services are available regardless of whether you choose to report your assault to the police. Your information will remain confidential unless you request that we share it, or if we are required to make a mandatory report.

Yes. The forensic nurse will explain their reporting duties before beginning the exam. If you have any concerns about mandated reporting, call 844-4HELP-DC and ask to speak to a confidential advocate before your exam.

You have control over every aspect of the exam. You have the right to decline any part of the exam or request that the nurse use different techniques to ensure your comfort.

During the exam, the forensic nurse may:

• Ask you to describe the assault

• Do a complete physical exam

• Review your medical history and any physical symptoms

• Identify and document your injuries

• Take photos of injuries or other findings

• Collect physical evidence (for sexual assault exams)

• Administer medications to prevent sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and/or HIV (for sexual assault exams)

• Make referrals for advocacy or other services, as needed

Even if you don't see injuries, you may still be at risk of complications, especially if you were strangled or "choked" during the assault. The forensic nurse will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you need follow-up care or testing. Special forensic tools may be used to detect bruising and/or injuries that are difficult to see with the naked eye. These injuries may be documented with photographs and detailed descriptions.

In DC, the "rape kit" is called a Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) and it is used to collect physical evidence for DNA and other testing. If you were sexually assaulted and consent to having evidence collected, a PERK may be used to gather this evidence.

If you decide to make a police report, we will release your Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) to the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) within 7 days for testing. It can take up to 90 days from the day of receipt for DFS to process your PERK. If you do not make a police report, DCFNE will store your PERK for up to 2 years.

An exam is about more than just collecting evidence. Forensic nurses are specially trained to care for your health after an assault. They will assess for visible and hidden injuries, identify any symptoms of complications, and recommend follow-up care. They can also help you prevent unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). If you later choose to report to the police, the documentation and specimens collected during the exam can be used.

The forensic nurse will ask you some questions about what happened, including whether you suspect that drugs or alcohol played a role in your sexual assault. If you choose, the nurse can collect blood and urine samples for toxicology testing. This testing is done by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). You can request toxicology testing regardless of whether you decide to report your assault to police. It can take up to 90 days for OCME to process your toxicology.

Sexual assault exams can take up to 4 hours or more. Domestic violence exams take 1-3 hours. The length of the exam depends on your unique circumstances. DCFNE sees patients in the order that they arrive at the hospital, so you may have to wait for your exam to begin. While you wait, the forensic nurse and an advocate will check in with you and help you prepare for the exam.

The forensic exam is always free. For sexual assault patients, the emergency room visit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center is also free. If you require any additional testing or treatment, you may receive a bill. Your advocate may help you apply for reimbursement for your medical bills, if applicable.

Your comfort and health is our main priority. However, if you are concerned about preserving potential evidence, here are some actions you can avoid:

• Showering

• Using the bathroom

• Eating

• Drinking

• Smoking

• Chewing gum

• Douching

• Changing your clothing

If you have already removed the clothing you wore during the assault, bring them to the exam in a paper bag, if possible.

You can bring a friend or other support person to the hospital, but they cannot be with you during the exam. Typically, only the patient, the forensic nurse, and an advocate (with your consent) will be present in the exam room. The exam room is small, and limiting the number of people reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

Forensic exams are accessible 24 hours a day at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Emergency Department at 110 Irving Street NW. 

If you are not medically stable and cannot come to MedStar, exams may also be available at other district hospitals. 

For patients who have experienced physical violence, appointments may be available at DCFNE’s Forensic Nursing Clinic.

Call the DC Victim Hotline at 844-4HELP-DC to arrange for free transportation to MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

A forensic exam can provide evidence that may be used in a criminal investigation, prosecution, or civil case, but the exam itself cannot definitively prove that an assault occurred. However, it can offer important information that may help you decide what steps to take next.

Feel free to contact us at 844-4HELP-DC with any additional questions.