If you have been sexual assaulted and feel that you have sustained physical injury and/or need medical attention we recommend that you seek medical attention and encourage you to make an informed decision about forensic evidence collection.

• Information and support provided by a sexual assault crisis advocate or member of the hospital staff regarding your rights and options concerning medicacal treatment, forensic evidence collection and reporting to the criminal justice system.
  
  
• A comprehensive medical examination preformed by a qualified physician or sexual assault examiner.
  
  
• Treatment or injuries.
  
  
• Collection of forensic evidence in a state-approved Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit.
  
  
• Photography of injuries for legal purposes if appropriate.
  
  
• Evaluation of risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) and Emergency prophylactic (preventive) medication if appropriate.
  
  
• Evaluation of risk for pregnancy and emergency prophylactic (preventive) medication if appropriate.
  
  
• Referrals for follow-up care.
  
  

A sexual assault medical examination will include the steps listed below. You have the right to refuse any or all parts of the examination.

The steps to exam are as follows:

1. The examiner asks questions regarding your general health. If you are female, you are asked about your menstrual history, use of birth control and most recent occurrence of consensual intercourse.
   
   
2. The examiner asks a more detailed question about the sexual assault. This information is used to guide the physical exam to make sure that any injured areas are evaluated. It is also important in making sure that any potential evidence is collected and documented in the medical record.
   
   
3. The examiner conducts a head- to-toe examination looking for areas of tenderness, swelling, bruises and cuts or scrape. If any of these types of injuries are present, you may be asked for consent to photograph these injuries.
   
   
4. The examiner conducts a visual examination of the external genital area. If injuries are present, the examiner may use a colposcope (a microscope/camera that can magnify and take pictures) to document the injuries. The photographs taken with the colposcope will be part of the forensic evidence.
   
   
5. The examiner collects forensic evidence as part of the examination. This includes samples taken from various parts of your body that will be put into the evidence kit. The examiner will also collect your underwear and any other clothing that might be used as evidence because of rips, stains or debris.
   
   
6. The examiner will conduct an internal bimanual examination.
   
   
7. Finally, the examiner will discuss your risk factors for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. If you are at risk, preventive medications and emergency contraception will be offered.
   
   

Most of the time, a rape crisis advocate will be called to help you. Advocates are volunteers from the community who have been specially trained by the St. Luke's Crime Victim Treatment Center. The advocate will explain what is going to happen, make sure your questions are answered, and provide support. If a rape crisis advocate isn't available, an emergency Department staff member will be available to you. If you want, the advocate or a friend or family member can be with you during your examination.

The information above is adapted from the St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Crime Victims Treatment Center. To contact the Center call (212) 523-4728, e-mail cvtcsx@aol.com or stop by at 411 West 114th Street, suite 2C.