- What is a forensic exam (rape kit)?
A forensic medical exam (commonly known as a rape kit), is done to collect medical evidence within 72 hours of a sexually violent incident.
- Do I have to get the forensic exam (rape kit) done?
You are not required to have a forensic exam. You can get medical treatment from a doctor, clinic, or emergency room regardless of your choice to receive a forensic exam.
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 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 (Emergency Room hours apply) Phone: (306) 655-8230
- Royal University Hospital Emergency Room Phone: (306) 655-1362
- St. Paul’s Hospital Emergency Room Phone: (306) 655- 5000
Adults and youth 16 and older should report to a Saskatoon hospital emergency room.
Girls who have begun menstruating should report to a Saskatoon hospital emergency room.
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
- 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.
- What happens after the forensic exam?
For more information on the police reporting process, please visit the Saskatoon Police Service website.
