Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a sexual offense can result in survivors receiving treatment and authorities collecting evidence. A significant step in that process is knowing where to get a rape kit exam.

        The Wood County Hospital is the only location within walking distance of Bowling Green State University that offers rape kit exams. Students can’t receive a sexual assault forensic exam, or rape kit, at the Falcon Health Center due to a need for specialized nurses, said Deb Chatfield, the vice president of planning for Wood County Hospital.

        Rape kits must be administered by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. SANEs are nurses “who receive specialized education and fulfill clinical requirements,” according to the website of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.

        Chatfield cited Wood County Hospital’s 24-hour access and quiet rooms for the administering of sexual assault forensic exams as other reasons why the FHC refers student to the off-campus location instead.

        Sgt. Scott Sauer of the University Police Department, RN Dawn MacKay of the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network at the Wood County Hospital and campus advocacy manager Julie Broadwell of The Cocoon explain what the University’s students should do in case of sexual assault or rape.

Responding to the crime:

    “Let someone know immediately,” Sauer said. Going right to the campus police is the suggested first step since cases “ultimately end up with us anyway.”

        To receive medical treatment, counseling or collect evidence for reporting the crime, a survivor of sexual assault or rape should seek help soon after the attack. The first 72 hours after the incident is the best time for evidence collection, according to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

        A survivor intending to complete a rape kit exam should avoid doing anything that could damage evidence. “It is not recommended that they shower or change clothes” but rather get to the hospital as soon as possible, MacKay said.

        RAINN suggests bringing an extra pair of clothes to change into after the exam.

Getting to the hospital: The University Police Department offers rides to and from Wood County Hospital for survivors of sexual offenses. If a student feels uncomfortable arriving in a police car or speaking with police at that time, an officer can provide the survivor with a taxi voucher.

        Taxi vouchers are now available from hall directors in residence halls in cooperation with the campus police.

        Arriving at the hospital: The survivor of the attack should inform the nurse at the main desk of the emergency room that he or she would like to complete a sexual assault forensic exam. The patient will then be assigned to a quiet room where a nurse will ask minimal health questions about the incident as well as perform a triage evaluation of vitals and medical history. If a SANE is not on duty, the hospital has a 24/7 call system to bring one in to complete the sexual assault forensic exam.

Completing a rape kit exam:               

        A rape kit is “a container that includes a checklist, materials and instructions, along with envelopes and containers to package any specimens collected,” according to RAINN. During the exam, the SANE will explain the steps outlined in the kit to the patient. The SANE will also explain what will go into the kit and ask if the patient consents to any necessary photo documentation of injuries.

        The exam can take three to five hours, or less, depending on the number of injuries sustained from the attack. MacKay said the exam is “worth the time and attention” to obtain the DNA needed to prosecute, should the patient choose to do so.

The exam steps are:

=    A nurse will care to injuries that require immediate attention.

=    A SANE will discuss medical history and any recent consensual sexual activity. The patient will be asked to recount the sexual assault or rape to identify other injuries and points of potential evidence collection.

=    Depending on the patient’s account of the attack, a physical examination of various parts of the body will be conducted. This could include inspection of the mouth, vagina and anus as well as samples of blood, urine, hair and body surface swabs.

=    A SANE might collect the patients undergarments or other pieces of clothing for evidence.

=    The patient can receive tests and preventative treatment for any sexually transmitted diseases or emergency contraceptives.

=    After the completion of a rape kit exam, a physician will address other injuries or pain caused by force used in the attack. While the rape kit exam is paid for by the state, any CT scans or additional injury treatment are the responsibility of patients or their insurance company, MacKay said. Wood County Hospital has payment plans to assist patients without insurance.

Reporting the crime:

        Nurses at Wood County Hospital are required to report a sexual assault and release the rape kit to the University Police Department or the Bowling Green Police Division, depending on the location of the crime. However, patients can choose whether they file charges with the evidence collected in the rape kit.

        “The identification that goes on the kit is a number that will be matched with the name at a later date when and if the patient opts to proceed with legal proceedings,” MacKay said.

        Supplying support: In the case of every sexual assault, an advocate from the Sexual Violence Program at The Cocoon will also be called to the hospital “to provide support, medical and legal advocacy, information and any needed follow-up care,” said Julie Broadwell, campus advocacy manager for The Cocoon.

        A campus advocate can provide support for survivors of sexual assault and rape for years after the attack if necessary.

        “It is critical for survivors to know that there is always support, no matter at what time they seek assistance,” Broadwell said.