{"id":3144,"date":"2025-09-03T16:15:51","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T20:15:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/?page_id=3144"},"modified":"2025-09-03T16:18:52","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T20:18:52","slug":"sane-exams","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/survivor-support\/the-first-five-days\/sane-exams\/","title":{"rendered":"Evidence Collection After Sexual Assault"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve experienced sexual assault, it&#8217;s important to know that there are resources available to help protect your health, document evidence, and support you in making decisions about next steps. One of the resources available is the <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014a detailed examination by a <\/span><b>Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that includes evidence collection. This web page provides information about the <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, what happens during the process, your rights, and the resources available to <\/span><b>Boston University students<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Is a SANE Exam?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> exam is a medical exam performed by a specially trained nurse or clinician. During the exam, evidence related to the assault may be collected, and you may receive medical care for injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other health concerns. The exam can be an important part of your decision to pursue justice, but it is <\/span><b>not<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> required in order to receive medical care or other resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Why Would I Want a SANE Exam?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is often called a <\/span><b>rape kit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>forensic exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s a way to gather <\/span><b>physical evidence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that may be helpful if you decide to pursue legal action in the future. Here\u2019s why you might want to consider getting a <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Preserves evidence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The exam can gather physical evidence from your body, clothing, and other materials that could help in a criminal investigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Helps with medical care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The exam also includes a general medical assessment to address any injuries, infections, or other health concerns.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Confidentiality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You can have the exam performed <\/span><b>without reporting to the police<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The evidence will be stored for <\/span><b>at least 15 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, giving you time to decide if you want to pursue a criminal investigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Evidence may help build a stronger case<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you choose to report the assault to the police later, the evidence collected could be important in building your case.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>What Happens During the SANE Exam?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a 16-step process, and it\u2019s important to know that <\/span><b>you are in control<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> throughout the process. You can decline any part of the process, and by initiating it, all care associated with the assault will be covered by the Massachusetts Victims Compensation Fund. Here\u2019s what you can expect:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Initial Discussion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The nurse will explain the process, answer any questions you have, and ask if you would like someone to accompany you (e.g., a support person or advocate).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will be asked to describe the assault and provide any relevant details that might help with evidence collection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Physical Examination<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>SANE<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will examine you for any physical injuries and may take photographs to document any visible injuries (e.g., bruises, scratches, etc.).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evidence may be collected from your body using cotton swabs and other tools. This is done gently, and you can stop the exam at any point if you feel uncomfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Evidence Collection<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothing: If your clothes have evidence (e.g., semen, blood, fibers), they may be taken as part of the exam. You may be provided with hospital clothing to wear afterward.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swabs: The SANE will use swabs to collect evidence from areas of your body that may have been touched or penetrated during the assault.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood and Urine Samples: If you suspect you were drugged, a toxicology test (blood and\/or urine) can be done to detect the presence of any substances that may have been used to impair you during the assault.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other Tests<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be given medication to prevent <\/span><b>sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>pregnancy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are concerned about being exposed to HIV, you may be offered <\/span><b>PEP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), which can prevent HIV infection if started within 72 hours of exposure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>After the Exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The evidence collected will be stored in a <\/span><b>rape kit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the hospital for <\/span><b>at least 15 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even if you choose not to report the assault to the police immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can choose to report the assault to the police at any time in the future, and the evidence can be used in an investigation if you decide to proceed with legal action.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>What Are My Rights During a SANE Exam?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have the <\/span><b>right to make decisions about your care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during a <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Choose to have a support person<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a friend, family member, or advocate) with you during the exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Decide if you want to report the assault to the police<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or remain anonymous.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stop the exam at any time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You are in control of the process and can choose not to complete any part of the exam if you are uncomfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Refuse any tests or portions of the exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you do not want to participate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>SANE nurse<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will explain each step of the exam and ensure that you understand what is happening. You will never be forced to undergo any part of the exam that you do not consent to.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Can you give an example of what this could look like?<\/b><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recommend going to Beth Israel emergency room, where you will tell the front desk that you have been sexually assaulted and are there for a SANE exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A nurse should come to get you right away to get your information and take you to a private room. The medical resident will come to make sure you do not have any injuries that need immediate attention, then will clear you for the SANE exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SANE nurse will be called. This is someone who is on-call, meaning they are not already in the hospital. It could take up to 45 minutes for them to arrive.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once they arrive, they will review the process with you and confirm you wish to initiate the exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They will open the SANE kit, once this is opened the nurse cannot leave the kit alone, but you can decline any part of the exam and take breaks as needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The nurse will prescribe any medications you need, the hospital should be able to give them to you directly, as they will be covered by victim\u2019s compensation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might be asked for your insurance, do NOT give it. Remind them that this is covered by victim\u2019s compensation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will be given the tracking info for your SANE Kit and toxicology screen (if taken). And given info about follow-up care.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are now free to leave. Please take care of yourself for the rest of the day\/ night and call for support if needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>What Happens to the Evidence?<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>If you report to the police<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The <\/span><b>rape kit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and any other collected evidence will be sent to a <\/span><b>crime lab<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for analysis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>If you do not report to the police<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The evidence will be stored securely for up to <\/span><b>15 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, giving you time to decide if you want to report the assault. If you decide to report it later, the evidence can still be analyzed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Important note<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The evidence is stored <\/span><b>confidentially<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You will be given information to track the location of your evidence, and you can choose to have the evidence destroyed at any time, should you decide not to pursue legal action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Where Can I Get a SANE Exam in Boston?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We often recommend student\u2019s go to Beth Israel Hospital; however, you can also get a SANE exam at:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>SANE-designated hospitals<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Boston Medical Center<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Brigham and Women\u2019s Hospital<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Cambridge Hospital<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Children\u2019s Hospital<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Massachusetts General Hospital<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Newton-Wellesley Hospital<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Non-SANE hospitals<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you go to an emergency room that is not part of the SANE program, the hospital can call BARCC&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/barcc.org\/help\/services\/hotline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hotline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a medical advocate.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital &#8211; Needham<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carney Hospital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CHA Everett Hospital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emerson Hospital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Faulkner Hospital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lahey Clinic-Burlington<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melrose-Wakefield Hospital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mt. Auburn Hospital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New England Medical Center (NEMC)\/Tufts Medical Center<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Elizabeth\u2019s Medical Center<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winchester Hospital<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>What If I Don\u2019t Want to Report to the Police?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You do <\/span><b>not<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> need to report the assault to the police in order to receive a <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or have evidence collected. You can choose to have the exam and collect evidence <\/span><b>anonymously<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, giving you time to decide whether or not you want to pursue legal action.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Evidence will be stored confidentially<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for at least <\/span><b>15 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you decide later that you want to report the assault, the evidence can be sent to law enforcement at that time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Support Resources<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re considering a <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or need support, there are confidential resources available to you:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Boston University Survivor Advocacy Response and Prevention Center (SARP)<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Phone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: (617) 353-7277<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Website<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: BU SASS<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SASS offers <\/span><b>confidential support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, resources, and guidance for students affected by sexual assault.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/barcc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Phone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: (617) 492-7273 or 1-800-841-8371 (24-hour hotline)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BARCC provides <\/span><b>confidential support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rainn.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>RAINN (Rape, Abuse &amp; Incest National Network)<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Phone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>24-hour confidential support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for survivors of sexual assault.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<h2><b>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><strong><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><\/strong><b>Do I have to report the assault to get a SANE exam?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, you can have a <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and collect evidence without reporting to the police. The evidence will be stored confidentially for <\/span><b>15 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><\/strong><b>How long do I have to get a SANE exam?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can have a <\/span><b>SANE exam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> up to <\/span><b>5 days (120 hours)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after the assault. The sooner you get to the hospital, the more options you will have for evidence collection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><\/strong><b>Can I get a SANE exam anonymously?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can have the exam done anonymously. You do not have to decide whether to report the assault to the police right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><\/strong><b>Do I need to prepare for a sexual assault forensic exam?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are able to, try to avoid activities that could potentially damage evidence such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Showering<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using the restroom<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changing clothes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combing hair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleaning up the area<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s natural to want to go through these motions after a traumatic experience. If you have done any of these activities, you can still have an exam performed. You may want to bring a spare change of clothes with you to the hospital or health facility where you\u2019re going to have the exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, DNA evidence needs to be collected within 72 hours in order to be analyzed by a crime lab\u2014but a sexual assault forensic exam can reveal other forms of evidence beyond this time frame that can be useful if you decide to report. Place your belongings, including the clothes you were wearing, in a <\/span><b>paper bag<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to safely preserve evidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><\/strong><b>How long is the exam?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The length of the exam may take a few hours, but the actual time will vary based on several different factors. It would not be unusual for you to spend 6-8 total hours at the hospital. It may be helpful to have someone to support you during this time. Be aware that if you invite someone other than an advocate into the exam room, they could be called as a witness if you decide to report the crime.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><\/strong><b>Who can perform the exam?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every hospital or health facility has someone on staff that is specially trained to perform a sexual assault forensic exam and interact with recent survivors of sexual assault.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 registered nurses who receive specialized education and fulfill clinical requirements to perform the exam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFEs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Sexual Assault Examiners (SAEs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 other healthcare professionals who have been instructed and trained to complete the exam<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><\/strong><b>Do I need to give my insurance?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>NO! <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You do not need to give your insurance because the SANE exam and any medications will be covered by the victim&#8217;s compensation fund. You may be asked for your insurance, it is ok to say <\/span><b>no<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as giving it sometimes results in accidental charges (which can later be removed).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve experienced sexual assault, it&#8217;s important to know that there are resources available to help protect your health, document evidence, and support you in making decisions about next steps. One of the resources available is the SANE exam\u2014a detailed examination by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner that includes evidence collection. This web page provides [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23490,"featured_media":0,"parent":3105,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3144"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23490"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3144"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3144\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3148,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3144\/revisions\/3148"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3144"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}