What Is a Rape Kit?

If you have been a victim of a rape or sexual assault, the hours following your attack are crucial ones. During this time, invaluable evidence can be collected from your body, evidence that can be used to prosecute your attacker and put him behind bars. Although you are frightened and suffering deeply, it is crucial that you have physical evidence from your sexual assault collected. A “rape kit” is the term for a set of items used by medical personnel for collecting and preserving evidence that can be used in rape investigations. If the case goes to trial, it can mean the difference between your attacker being convicted or being set free, and if you don’t know whom your attacker is, a rape kit might collect DNA evidence that can help pinpoint his identity.

Here is the procedure for an examination using the rape kit:

An examination is performed at the hospital by compassionate and supportive staff members. Many hospitals and police stations now have SARTs (sexual assault response teams) and these individuals will help you through the process of the rape kit, including taking you to the hospital and supporting you throughout the exam.

Fibers, hairs, semen, saliva, and other DNA evidence will be collected from your body, including your skin, your nails, your clothing, and your genitals.

This will require you to undergo a brief but crucial genital, oral, and rectal exam, but the doctor will be gentle and sympathetic with you every step of the way. You may also have a nurse or a friend in the room with you.

The doctor will take notes of any physical damage, such as bruising, bites, or other trauma, all of which will be documented and photographed for evidence.

Along with collecting evidence, the doctor will also help you to safeguard your own health and well-being, such as by performing STD testing and giving you the “morning after” pill to prevent pregnancy. (The morning-after pill is not an abortion pill. Instead, it works to prevent pregnancy from ever occurring.)

If you aren’t sure that you want to report your rape, you can still go to the hospital and have an examination with a rape kit performed. In most cases, the hospital will simply perform the necessary tests and safeguard the evidence until you decide whether or not you want to go forward. (Keep in mind that the sooner you report your crime, the more likely police will be able to arrest and prosecute your attacker. You should also keep in mind that rape does fall under a state’s statute of limitations, which differ depending on the state, so delaying your police report will complicate matters.)

It is recommended that you have evidence collected using the rape kit within 72 hours of your attack, and that you do not shower or wash your clothing until you have had the physical evidence gathered and preserved. Although you might feel disgusted or dirty after your attack, showering will destroy evidence and wash away potential DNA from your attacker. Although this is a scary and awful time, you can rest assured that the staff at the hospital and police station will treat you with the utmost dignity and respect.

Remember, you have the right to decide whether or not you want to report your crime, but for many victims, reporting the crime helps them to feel empowered and establish a sense of safety. You have the power to help put your attacker behind bars and prevent other people from suffering the same pain, and a rape kit can help to ensure that.

Find additional rape support resources here