Sexual assault is a huge problem in the U.S. with an American being sexually assaulted every 107 seconds. However, despite the fact that sexual assault is happening so frequently within the U.S., not many Americans are aware of what kind of medical options are available to them or a loved one if they or their loved one are sexually assaulted. To help remedy this problem, a short video which gives a brief overview of rape kit exams, one of the most common options for medical care after a sexual assault, and what they involve has been provided.

If you or a loved one choose(s) to undergo a rape kit exam it is best to go to a hospital that has a SANE unit as nurses in this unit are specialists when it comes to performing a rape kit exam. Not all hospitals have a SANE unit so to find out what is the closest hospital to you that does have a SANE unit you can either call Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) or you can call your local Rape Crisis Center. And while a rape kit exam can be used as evidence of a sexual assault you do not have to press charges against your assailant if you undergo a rape kit exam nor do you have to talk to the police (though when you undergo a rape kit exam, SANE are legally required to call the police, but SANE can turn away the police for you when they [the police] arrive at the hospital).

Also, while strong antibiotics that prevent pregnancy and some STIs are provided for during a rape kit exam, not all STIs can be prevented or treated by SANEs during a rape kit exam and no STI testing is done during a rape kit exam. To learn more about where you can get STI testing or any other information about sexual assault and what kind of resources are available to you or a loved one who has been sexually assaulted you can call RAINN or the Rape Crisis Center or visit their websites.