Getting a Forensic Exam

Survivors can get a forensic exam done at any DC hospital emergency room, but the DC Rape Crisis Center, along with the Metropolitan Police Department, recommends that survivors get an exam done at Howard University Hospital where Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), trained specifically to conduct forensic exams, are located.

Forensic exams are conducted in the designated SANE area of the Washington Hospital Center’s Emergency Department. DCRCC advocates are available for every survivor who has the forensic exam done.

Survivors can receive a SANE exam at Washington Hospital Center free of charge if:

• they are 18 years of age or older (younger survivors should go to the National Children's Medical Center),
• the assault occurred in the District of Columbia,
• the assault occurred within the last 72 – 96 hours,
• the survivor agrees to press charges, and
• the Sexual Assault Unit detective decides to open an investigation.

Survivors who decide to go to another DC hospital can be met by a DCRCC advocate - you don’t have to be alone!

If you have any questions about getting a forensic exam, or you are still trying to decide whether or not to report - Call Us - we’ll listen.