'Rape Kits': option for victimized
By: Aditi Dubey
Issue date: 5/18/07 Section: News
Originally published: 5/18/07 at 4:09 AM EST
Last update: 5/18/07 at 4:09 AM EST
Originally published: 5/18/07 at 4:09 AM EST
Last update: 5/18/07 at 4:09 AM EST
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"A rape kit is basically an examination that is conducted in a way so that evidence can be properly collected and subsequently used in a court of law," Molyneux said. "There is a procedure that has to be followed exactly so that the findings of the exam will hold up during a trial, if the victim decides to pursue legal action."
Rape kit use can only be performed by a certified SANE nurse, or doctors who are specifically trained to conduct that type of exam and collect and report on essential evidence. According to the International Association of Forensic Nurses website, which has developed this certification program, SANE certification recognizes that the highest standards of forensic nursing for sexual assault nurse examiners has been achieved.
According to Molyneux, the doctor or the SANE nurse will examine the student's body for injuries. They will also look for any pieces of evidence such as clothing fibers, hairs, saliva or semen that may help identify the attacker. Next, the doctor will need to do a blood test. Women will be checked for pregnancy and all students will be tested for diseases that can be passed through sexual contact. Cultures of the cervix may be sent to a lab to check for disease, too.
The entire procedure needs to be performed with utmost care and accuracy because of the liabilities involved.
"The legal liabilities are only that, if the evidence isn't properly collected and preserved, a victim's right to pursue a legal case may be compromised," Molyneux said.
There is no substitute procedure for rape kits. Alternative therapies may be given to traumatized victims to ensure their safety and well-being. According to Molyneux, students can receive a gynecological exam and be treated and helped, but the evidence collection process should be conducted by a SANE nurse at either of the two hospitals designated by the city.
"If a student reports sexual violence, our first response will be to care for the medical needs of the student and make sure that the student is safe," Molyneux said. "The choice to have a rape kit done is the student's. That process is explained to the student, and we support the student in whatever choice she or he makes."
Rape kit use can only be performed by a certified SANE nurse, or doctors who are specifically trained to conduct that type of exam and collect and report on essential evidence. According to the International Association of Forensic Nurses website, which has developed this certification program, SANE certification recognizes that the highest standards of forensic nursing for sexual assault nurse examiners has been achieved.
According to Molyneux, the doctor or the SANE nurse will examine the student's body for injuries. They will also look for any pieces of evidence such as clothing fibers, hairs, saliva or semen that may help identify the attacker. Next, the doctor will need to do a blood test. Women will be checked for pregnancy and all students will be tested for diseases that can be passed through sexual contact. Cultures of the cervix may be sent to a lab to check for disease, too.
The entire procedure needs to be performed with utmost care and accuracy because of the liabilities involved.
"The legal liabilities are only that, if the evidence isn't properly collected and preserved, a victim's right to pursue a legal case may be compromised," Molyneux said.
There is no substitute procedure for rape kits. Alternative therapies may be given to traumatized victims to ensure their safety and well-being. According to Molyneux, students can receive a gynecological exam and be treated and helped, but the evidence collection process should be conducted by a SANE nurse at either of the two hospitals designated by the city.
"If a student reports sexual violence, our first response will be to care for the medical needs of the student and make sure that the student is safe," Molyneux said. "The choice to have a rape kit done is the student's. That process is explained to the student, and we support the student in whatever choice she or he makes."
