National Protocol For Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations of Adults/Adolescents

The National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations was designed as a guide for health care practitioners who respond to adolescent and adult victims of sexual assault. It is intended as a guideline for suggested practices, and can be a useful tool for those wishing to develop new protocols or to review or revise their existing protocols.

The protocol also offers recommendations to help standardize the quality of care for sexual assault victims around the country. Throughout the protocol, the need for the use of coordinated multidisciplinary community responses to sexual violence is encouraged as the approach that will address both the needs of the victim and the justice system. The protocol is divided into 3 sections: overarching issues, operational issues and the examination process. 

Looking for just one section of the protocol?  Download individual sections of the National Protocol by clicking on the links below:

The National Protocol Goals Recommendations at a Glance Introduction Use of terms

Section A: Overarching Issues Coordinated Team Approach Victim-Centered Care Informed Consent Confidentiality Reporting to Law Enforcement Payment for the Examination Under VAWA

Section B: Operational Issues Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners Facilities Equipment and Supplies Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Timing Considerations for Collecting Evidence Evidence Integrity

Section C: The Examination Process Intial Contact Triage and Intake Documentation by Health Care Personnel The Medical Forensic History Photography Exam and Evidence Collection Procedures Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault STI Evaluation and Care Pregnancy Risk Evaluation and Care Discharge and Followup Examiner Court Appearances

Additional Sections Bibliography Appendix A: Developing Customized Protocols: Considerations for Jurisdications Appendix B: Creation of Sexual Assault Response Teams