Overview of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection (SAEC) Program

ABSTRACT

Cases of sexual assault are often difficult to investigate and prosecute. The collection of evidence is a crutial factor when determining if such a case will go forward. Evidence contained in a rape kit plays a significant role in whether or not a crime of sexual assault can be prosecuted. It is important not only that the evidence be collected properly but also that the kit itself provide for the proper collection of evidence and materials. Because most hospital emergency departments throughout the country use their own kits, or none at all, there is a vast inconsistency in evidence collection. Different kits collect different amounts of evidence. For this reason, we established a kit committee to evaluate the contents of victim evidence collection kits. We propose that most hospital emergency departments and some clinics across the country be provided with rape kits to be used during forensic medical examinations of sexual assault victims and that those kits should be supplied the Sexual Assault Evience Collection (SAEC) Program, commonly referred to as the Rape Kit Program.