Trauma During a Medical Examination

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on navigating trauma during a medical examination. I would like to remind you that suggestions on this post should not be taken as medical advice, legal advice, therapy, etc. or as a one-size-fits-all approach.  Keep in mind that every individual’s journey of  experiencing and navigating through stress or trauma is distinctive because you are one of a kind and no person is truly like you!  Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid.  Please know that healing is not a formula and is not for anyone else to define for you. You do you, and you follow all that you need to follow, to help yourself. If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."

What does a forensic medical examination involve?

Forensic medical exams help identify and document evidence through the help of a professional medical support provider. In order for the medical exam to capture the evidence in full, immediately after an incident of sexual assault has happened, it is ideal to avoid:

• bathing

• showering

• using the restroom

• changing clothes

• combing hair

• douching

• rubbing or wiping the area so that the forensic examination is able to capture all the evidence as it stands.

How can you watch out for trauma before the forensic medical exam?

It is perfectly natural and understandable that one may want to do some or all of these things after facing an assault. Not being able to shower or change may make you feel uncomfortable, and violated. It may cause you to replay the events as they took place in your mind, and this can be disconcerting.

It would be a good idea to rely on a trusted friend to be by your side through this time. If it is possible, a conversation with a trusted therapist through this waiting window can help you cope with the trauma.

What does the procedure of a forensic medical exam typically look like?

1. It might be a good idea to take along a spare set of clothing when you head to a forensic medical exam, because sometimes, they may retain your clothing to test for DNA evidence.

2. During a medical exam, if you feel that you want to report the sexual assault immediately, or, a little while later, you can request forensic evidence to be collected.

3. Medical forensic evidence comprises taking DNA samples by evaluating blood, sweat, semen, urine, skin tissues and saliva. The extraction of medical forensic evidence will help you submit evidence of your sexual assault and seek out the law enforcement to intervene and take the perpetrator to task.

4. It is most often the case that DNA evidence should be collected within 72 hours of the occurrence of the incident.

5. Usually a medical forensic exam takes a few hours’ time.

6. One is asked about their medical history – particularly allergies, medication if you are on any, pre-existing conditions if they have any, sexual activity and in some instances, if you are able to recount what had happened.

7. Asking about sexual activity is usually done only to construct an accurate history.

8. The entire body is examined externally, and the mouth, vagina and anus are examined internally.

9. Blood, urine and semen swabs and samples maybe taken.

10. Swabs of different body surface areas may also be taken.

11. In some instances, hair samples are also collected.

12. Clothing, particular items and objects may be collected for analysis

What can you watch out for during the forensic medical exam?

The process of being examined, probed, investigated, and asked difficult questions can be traumatizing, disconcerting, and challenging. You may be asked to recount events as they took place - and in some situations, multiple times. In the course of the exam itself, samples may be drawn from your body - and this may or may not involve the use of swabs, injections, and other medical implements. Your injuries may be examined, as well.

How can you handle trauma during the forensic medical exam?

You are well within your right to take someone along – an advocate, a friend, a social worker, or a trusted family member. During the exam itself, you are free to ask them to stop at any point, or ask for a break and return after a short interval.