ABSTRACT
Chapter 16 addresses the medical examination of the victim which was one of the most difficult and frustrating aspects of the entire sexual assault investigation during the 1970s and 1980s. Many times, victims were not seen for hours, not all medical professionals even wanted to get involved in the examination, and because many were not injured, they were seen as less urgent than other patients in the emergency department (ED) This chapter also introduces the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, and additional medical forensic examiners, who are generally registered nurses with additional training in conducting sexual assault examinations and collecting forensic evidence. In addition, the concept of medical hearsay exceptions, and the importance of establishing a close working relationship with the SANE personnel, is covered.
