Evidence Handling

Evidence Handling

The forensic exam is critical for gathering evidence that may help law enforcement investigate the crime and support any potential legal action. This section explains in more detail what happens to the evidence:

  • What Happens to the Evidence? During the forensic exam, the SANE nurse will collect a variety of samples from your body and clothing, including:

    • DNA samples: Swabs from your skin, genitals, mouth, or other areas that may have been in contact with the perpetrator.
    • Photographs of injuries: If you have visible injuries, the nurse will take photos to document them.
    • Clothing and items: Any clothing or personal items (such as a tampon or undergarments) that may contain evidence like bodily fluids, hair, or fibers.
    • Hair or nail clippings: If relevant, the nurse may take samples of hair or nails to look for DNA evidence.

    All of this evidence is securely stored. If you decide to pursue legal action, it can be handed over to law enforcement to be analyzed. If you choose not to report the crime right away, your evidence will remain sealed and stored securely for up to a year in many cases, allowing you time to decide whether to involve law enforcement.

  • Retention of Evidence:
    If you decide not to report the incident to the police right away, the evidence can still be stored in a sealed kit for up to a year in many jurisdictions. After this period, you can choose to have the evidence destroyed, or if you decide to press charges, the evidence will be ready for use in legal proceedings.

  • Impact of Evidence on Legal Proceedings:
    The evidence collected during the exam plays a critical role in helping investigators reconstruct the events of the incident. For example:

    • DNA evidence can be used to identify the perpetrator or confirm the presence of an assailant at the crime scene.
    • Injuries and physical evidence can be used in court to support your case.
    • Clothing and fibers may link the perpetrator to the scene.

    If you decide to report the crime to law enforcement at any point, the evidence will be submitted for analysis. Even if you do not report it right away, you can still choose to do so in the future and the evidence will be available.