Rape Victim

Medical evaluation and treatment of rape cases victims are a part of Police work that leaves Officers in a realm that makes them social workers and detectives at the same time.

When a rape victim is taken to the hospital they must undergo a series of questions and test. At the time the rape victim may be experiencing psychological issues such as hysteria or denial. Psychological issues present themselves as common responses to rape victims.

The Police Officer dealing with the rape victim must first be able to find a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) that is able to help them.  SANE are certified to deal with Sexual assaults and provide vital information to the Police Officers in charge of the investigation.

First the Nurse will ask for general information to complete the rape kit. The questions they will ask are demographic data, name, address, Police Officer name, badge, date and location.

Next is the history section of the rape kit. This provides the circumstances of the attack, date, location of attack, information about the attacker, threats, restraints, weapon if one is used, sexual contacts and injuries.

Third the rape kit will include tests that the victim may or may not consent to. The tests consist of urine sample, saliva, smears of buccal mucosa, fingernail clippings, and fingernail scraping.

Feeny Norah  Ph,D (2009, Aug)  Merck & Co. Inc. Medical Examination of the Rape Victim from http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec18/ch252/ch252a.html

911rape.Org (2010) Rape Treatment Center, Medical Care from http://www.911rape.org/getting-help/medical-care/a-medical-examination