Sexual Assault: Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers
- What is a Medical Forensic Exam?
- How will an exam benefit me?
- What can I expect during this exam?
- Where do I go? Who will I meet?
- What if I have already taken a shower?
- If I have an exam do I have to report to the police?
- What is the difference between making a police report and criminal prosecution?
- What are some things I can do to prevent this from happening to me again?
- What is the statue of limitations for sexual assault in Michigan? What does that mean to me as a victim?
- Will I ever feel O.K. again?
- What are some common emotional responses to sexual assault or rape?
- How can I best support a victim of sexual assault?
- Are men sexually assaulted / raped?
- What services are available to male victims?
- How much will this cost?
What is a Medical Forensic Exam?
After a sexual assault, and with patient consent, a Medical Forensic Exam can be conducted. Evidence is collected and documented by specially trained, professional nurse examiners in a supportive environment. They are performed on a 24-hour, on call basis for females and males age 13 and up within 96 hours of the incident.
How will an exam benefit me?
Throughout the process of the exam, nurse examiners and advocates strive to ensure that victims are not re-traumatized by their exams but are supported in the healing process. Evidence collected by nurse examiners is essential to prosecuting a case, and can help link the victim and suspect to the crime scene, indicate sexual penetration or activity, and establish lack of victim consent (e.g. bumps on the back of the head, abrasions on the back, and non-genital bruising). All of the nurses are prepared to testify in court with regard to the evidence they have collected during the exam.
What can I expect during this exam?
Pictures may be taken of injuries for evidence collection, and a series of lab tests will be completed to collect evidence from the body including oral and genital swabs and hair combings. Every part of the exam is voluntary and can be stopped at any time, and you have the right to have any procedures explained to you if you have any questions. Also, you have the option of having an advocate present to provide additional support.
Where do I go? Who will I meet?
The services of the YWCA are free and available 24 hours, 7 days a week by calling 616-776-7273 (616-776-RAPE). The YWCA is located at 25 Sheldon in downtown Grand Rapids. You will meet with a specially trained advocate and also a nurse examiner, who will perform the exam.
What if I have already taken a shower?
While it is best after a sexual assault to not shower or bathe following a sexual assault for evidence collection purposes, sometimes evidence can still be found on the body within the 96 hour time frame and a forensic exam may still be beneficial. Also, the victim can receive services and treatment for STI's (sexually transmitted infections) as well as emergency contraception.
If I have an exam do I have to report to the police?
Having an exam done does not mean that you have to report to the police. You can choose to speak with police officers. If you are unsure of whether or not you want to report at the time of treatment, evidence can be kept for up to a month as you consider your options.
What is the difference between making a police report and criminal prosecution?
Reporting to the police also does not necessarily mean that there will be prosecution of a case. One can report an assault for information purposes only without the intention of any other action. After a report is made, the crime will be investigated and submitted to a prosecutor's office; the decision to prosecute belongs to the prosecutor and is based on evidence available. Sometimes cases are not prosecuted-however, this is because it is believed there is not enough evidence, and is not because the prosecutor does not believe you.
What are some things I can do to prevent this from happening to me again?
While there are many things you can do to prevent sexual assault: keep an eye on your drinks, use the buddy system when going out with friends, take self defense classes, clearly state your sexual limits in intimate relationships, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. However, it should be noted that even following all of these guidelines cannot entirely "save" you from being sexually assaulted-the fact is, anyone is a potential victim of sexual assault.
What is the statue of limitations for sexual assault in Michigan? What does that mean to me as a victim?
First-degree criminal sexual conduct, like murder, has no time limit on when someone can be charged. The statute of limitation on second, third and fourth degree criminal sexual conduct is ten years. Michigan law also puts the statute of limitation on hold for crimes where DNA evidence is available but no suspect matching the evidence has been found. For victims, it is never too late to receive medical care, emotional support in the form of professional counseling and/or survivor support groups.
Will I ever feel O.K. again?
Healing is possible but will take time and work. You may need the support of people you care about as well as professional counselors to aid you in recovery from your sexual assault. Remember that others have gone through this and survived, and most importantly, you are not alone.
What are some common emotional responses to sexual assault or rape?
There are many common reactions to sexual assault or rape. These can include shock and numbness, a loss of control, anger, fear, guilt, self blame, isolation, vulnerability, and distrust. Victims can also have sexual fears and disruptions in their daily lives from the emotions that they are feeling. You may wonder when you will get your life back, or you may feel nothing at all. There is no right or wrong way to emotionally react to a sexual assault.
How can I best support a victim of sexual assault?
There are many ways to support a victim of sexual assault. Most importantly, believe him or her and reinforce to the person that the assault was not his/her fault. Be supportive, don't overreact, and also don't pry; victims of sexual assault need power back in their lives, and you can give that to them by letting them share information about the assault with you on their own time. Avoid being overprotective, and remember that this experience is just a part of the victim's life; don't allow it to overshadow the rest of the elements. Don't take decision making power away from the survivor, and remember that it is also important to take care of yourself.
Are men sexually assaulted / raped?
In 2002, one in every eight rape victims were male. While it is less common, men are also sexually assaulted, although most often the perpetrators are other men.
What services are available to male victims?
The same services available to women, such as counseling and the nurse examiner program, are available to men.
How much will this cost?
The treatment and evidence collection provided by the nurse examiner program at the YWCA is completely free. Also available at no cost are support groups, crisis intervention through a phone hotline, and short term counseling. Other services, such as ongoing therapy, are available on a sliding fee based on ability to pay.
