While survivors of sexual and physical assault are often afraid to come forward, seeking medical care is vitally important to their health, well-being and recovery.
In addition to caring for injuries and offering medications that can prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, our specialty-trained nurses at Houston Methodist Emergency Departments also provide forensic medical exams to survivors of sexual abuse, interpersonal violence, and sex and labor trafficking, as well as child and elder abuse.
After a sexual assault, it’s critical for the individual to receive a medical-legal exam, including evidence collection within five days of the assault. If the individual is a minor, then there is no time limit.
Here at Houston Methodist, we strive to ensure that you receive quality health care. Our goal is to lessen the impact of violence by empowering survivors to find strength in taking control of their health and well-being following a traumatic act of violence.
Nurses Specializing in Caring for Assault Victims
Our forensic nurse examiners are registered nurses who are committed to providing care and support to individuals who experience sexual and/or physical assault. They hold specialized certifications in forensic nursing.
Our forensic nurses are specially trained to:
Conduct a head-to-toe medical-legal forensic examination
Provide trauma informed care
Collect forensic evidence
Document and photograph injuries and history of assault
Provide testimony in a court of law
In addition, our certified forensic nurse examiners will refer you to a licensed community partner offering help with a safety plan, advocacy support and follow-up wellness care.
About Forensic Medical Examinations for Sexual & Physical Assault
Our forensic nurses provide care to any individual 13 years of age or older who has experienced:
Sexual assault
Domestic violence
Physical assault
Strangulation
Human trafficking
Child and elder abuse
It is mandatory to report any sexual or physical assault that has occurred to an individual who is under 18, older than 65 and/or an adult with disabilities.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 65 and not an adult with disabilities, you can choose whether you would like to report the assault to law enforcement. In the event you decide to come forward later, the crime lab will store your evidence kit for up to five years.
Regardless of whether you choose to have a sexual assault exam with evidence collection, you can still receive medical care from one of our board-certified providers and an evaluation from one of our certified forensic nurses.
With sexual assault, you have up to 120 hours (five days) from the time of the assault to receive a forensic medical exam. The sooner you come forward, the better for evidence collection.
During a forensic medical exam, you will receive care from a specialty trained registered nurse who conducts your exam with respect, compassion and confidentiality.
The exam entails a thorough, head-to-toe medical-forensic evaluation and any necessary treatment. Your nurse will provide medication to address sexually transmitted infections, HIV and pregnancy prevention, as well as identify and document any injuries. Your nurse will collect forensic evidence that may lead to the successful prosecution of the perpetrator.
Upon discharge, a safety plan is implemented with medical, advocacy and social services referrals.
No, the forensic portion of the exam is not your responsibility.
The medical costs of the exam, including medications, X-rays, laceration repair and provider fees may be your responsibility. Your medical insurance may cover these costs. If not, Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) can make a payment to you, or on your behalf, for the reasonable costs incurred for the medical care provided.
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