A National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations: Adults/Adolescents

 This protocol was designed as a guide for practitioners who respond to victims of sexual assault, including health care professionals, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, interpreters, advocates, and others. Combining cutting edge response techniques with collaboration among service providers greatly enhances our ability to treat and support victims. This protocol lays the foundation for these efforts.

Since this protocol was initially released in 2004, the “state of the art” for forensic medical examinations has improved. This revised edition of the protocol has the same emphasis and values as the original but has been updated to reflect current technology and practice. It has also been updated to include additional information reflecting changes from the Violence Against Women Act of 2005. It also includes minor technical changes identified in May, 2013.