- What is a forensic exam (rape kit)?
A Forensic exam (commonly known as a rape kit), is done to collect medical evidence within 72 hours of sexual abuse/assault.
- Do I have to get the forensic exam (rape kit) done?
You are not required to have a forensic exam. You can still get medical treatment from a doctor, clinic, or emergency room.
The benefit to forensic examination by a doctor is that the evidence is preserved for the future. You can report sexual abuse/assault at any time after the assault occurred—days, weeks, or even years later—however, the longer you wait the more difficult it is for police to gather other supporting evidence.
- What happens if I do not want a forensic exam?
Whether or not you get a forensic exam is entirely up to you! Still, we strongly encourage that survivors of sexual assault seek medical treatment for injuries, possible sexually transmitted infections (STI) and/or pregnancy.
- Where can I get a forensic exam (rape kit) done?
Medical evidence collection is available in Saskatoon at:
- City Hospital from 9am-7pm
- Royal University Hospital from 7pm-9am
St. Paul’s Hospital does not offer forensic exams or Plan B (emergency contraception)
Adults and youth 16 and older should report to the appropriate City or RUH emergency room, depending on the time of day (see above).
Girls who have begun menstruating should go to the appropriate City or RUH emergency room, depending on the time of day (see above).
Girls under 16 who have not started menstruating should go to RUH pediatric emergency department.
Boys under 16 years of age should go to RUH pediatric emergency department.
- What happens during a forensic exam?
After asking some questions to determine the nature of the assault, a doctor who is specially trained in medical evidence collection may do any of the following:
- Collect blood or urine samples
- Swab the body, genitals, or inside the mouth for traces of DNA evidence
- Comb the head or pubic area for the perpetrator’s hair
- Document bruising or other injuries on the body
- Rinse inside the vagina and collect the fluid
- Bag the clothing worn during the assault
This evidence does not establish that there was a sexual assault, only that sex occurred.
The police will be called to take a statement, and will take custody of any/all evidence that the doctor has collected.
The victim may need to go to the police station for photographs of any bruising or injuries.
This evidence is labelled and sent to a lab for testing. Evidence will be logged and stored for investigation and/or prosecution purposes.
