Advancing the Health of Victim-Survivors of Sexual Assault: The Role of the Forensic Medical Examination

Sexual assault (SA) is traumatic and causes devastating health impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, reproductive health issues, and chronic pain. Victim-survivors can opt to attend a post-assault Forensic Medical Exam (FME) which includes emotional support, a health assessment, and the collection of evidence to build a criminal case. The evidence might be photographs of genital injuries, blood samples, or swabs for semen. FMEs address immediate physical health needs (e.g., via STI treatment) and can feel validating for patients, but they can also be traumatic due to their invasive nature and negative reactions from nurses. They can add to the trauma already experienced and worsen the health impacts of SA. Given the lack of research in this area, this project will explore FME experiences to understand how they can be less traumatizing so that negative health impacts are reduced. First, a review of existing research will be conducted. Then both patients and nurses will be interviewed. Prior research has focused on professionals’ views, but in this study, we will hear the other side of the story. Findings could inform FME practice and will be shared with stakeholders via briefing documents and workshops.