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Sexual & Physical Assault Victim Services

Medical Forensic Exams (Rape Kit)

A comprehensive medical assessment conducted by our trained nurses to collect evidence, assess injuries, and provide medical care to victims of sexual assault or physical abuse.

*Any portion of the exam may be declined.

A Full Medical Forensic Exam consists of:

  1. Obtaining a medical history.

  2. Interview for specific details of the assault (to help determine the care needed and to potentially guide evidence collection).

  3. Physical exam and assessment: Ensuring any potential injuries sustained are stable and don’t require further medical attention or testing.

  4. Pelvic exam, if applicable, to ensure health and safety.

  5. Photographing of any injury/wounds if applicable.

  6. Obtaining forensic evidence: Swabbing areas of the body to collect possible DNA samples of the assailant).

  7. Medications are offered for pregnancy prevention, STI prevention, and HIV prophylaxis.

  8. Labs may be drawn if HIV medications are requested.

MFE collaborates with victim service agencies at all care locations. An advocate always accompanies each patient to ensure follow-up support and comprehensive care services.

Common Questions

  • If you have any injury that may warrant emergency room care or imaging, please report it to the nearest ER.

    If you are in Saginaw County, Call the 24-hour Crisis Line at 989-790-9118. We will help you identify the closest location site where our nurses can meet you for care.

    If you are in Sanilac, Tuscola, or Huron County, call the Thumb Area Assault Crisis Line at 989-551-8336. We will help you identify the closest location site where our nurses can meet you for care.

  • No. Victims may choose to call the police and report an assault; however, this is not mandatory for adults.

    All victims of sexual assault may receive care from Michigan Forensic Examiners, regardless of law enforcement involvement or reporting. If evidence is collected without a police report, the evidence kit is stored for 20 years with Michigan Forensic Examiners. During this time period, victims have time to decide whether to file a police report.

  • Medical forensic exams offer victims a 1:1 service with a trauma-informed RN who is specially trained in forensic evidence collection and sexual assault.

    Victims are able to have a thorough medical assessment to ensure their health and safety.

    Evidence can be collected during the exam, which may later assist in prosecution.

    Victims are offered medications to prevent STIs, pregnancy, and HIV.

    Any injury found can be documented and/or photographed as evidence. Injury documentation is also helpful in assessing healing when follow-up exams are performed.

    All victims can be set up with counseling services as well as additional resources as needed.

  • No. Everything is free to the victim, including testing and medication.

    See MI Law for more information: MCL 18.355a

  • Any victim of sexual violence within 5 days of assault.

    All genders.

    All ages.

    **Please note that forensic evidence may not be appropriate for collection after 5 days of the assault; however, an exam may still be done. Please contact us for any questions about exams, evidence collection and time frame.

  • For forensic evidence collection, victims must be seen within 5 days of the assault.

    HIV prevention medication must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure/assault.

    Pregnancy prevention medication must be taken within 72-120 hours after the assault.

  • Testing is done based on the type of assault, patient history, and whether medications are to be given at the time of the exam.

    All victims with a uterus will be offered a urine pregnancy test (required if pregnancy prevention medication is given). If receiving HIV prevention medication, blood will be drawn for baseline labs and STI testing.

    If there is any suspicion of "being drugged," blood or urine may be sent for toxicology testing.

  • All victims are offered medications to treat chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis (3 most common STIs).

    All victims with a uterus will be offered emergency contraception/pregnancy prevention medication if seen within 120 hours of assault.

    All victims are counseled on options regarding HIV preventative medication. If applicable, medications are offered at the time of the exam.