Why is it important?

• To assess and care for physical injuries, emotional traumas.
• To test for possible infections and/or pregnancy.
• To have forensic evidence collected.

If you go to the hospital, it is your choice:

• To have a physical exam and medical treatment only.
• To report to the police and have a sexual assault evidence kit completed.

What can I expect from my hospital visit?

• To be treated with respect.
• To wait in a private room in the Emergency Department.
• Confidentiality.
• If you go to QEH or Prince County Hospital you may be seen by a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, someone who has been specially trained in responding to patients who have been sexually assaulted and in collecting evidence). If a SANE is not available you may be seen by a physician, nurse practitioner or registered nurse.
• To have the processes of examination, treatment, and collection explained to you.
• To have the choice to report or not report (unless your situation requires reporting under the PEI child Protection or Adult Protection Acts).
• To be allowed a support person with you, however, they may be asked to leave the room during some parts of the exam.

What is a “rape kit” or “forensic evidence kit”?

• A box that holds the swabs, bags, and containers used to collect and store evidence from your body.
• During the collection, you will be asked questions about what happened to you so that they know what evidence to collect. The kit can take a long time to complete and can feel intrusive at times. You can refuse any part of the kit at any time.
• Evidence can be collected up to 72 hours after a sexual assault.
• A completed kit can provide useful evidence if you decide to pursue criminal justice.
• If you decide to have a kit completed police are contacted and come to the hospital, they do not remain in the room while evidence is collected.
• You can still report to the police if you decide not to have a kit collected.

(Adapted from PEIRSAC resource Seeking Medical Attention)