Swab With Results

Exercising in the gym they had not one, but three television screens broadcasting. One was the “Price is Right”, which has been on the air for decades. It shows people having fun, trying to bid all the right prices for the grand prize. The second was the “Megyn Kelly Show”, reporting on the Royal Engagement. Two love birds announcing and professing their love in front of millions. The third, it talked about SA (Sexual Assault) allegations regarding another perpetrator. 

The words “sexual assault” caught my attention even with no earbuds to hear the audio. Here are some details in which people (especially women) should know.

 Sexual assault includes; verbal threats, unwanted contact, may or may not involve force (www.ovttac.gov). SA garners trauma which does not fade away in a day or two, rather, healing and recovery take place in time.

The alleged made sexual advances to yet another female dishonoring her boundaries, personal respect, violating her body and stole her dignity with an intrusive act.

Women need to know that SA is not their fault, ever. These ladies have copious rights too, and they are:

•  Receive medical care, mental health treatment and/or participate in legal procedures after giving informed consent.

• ·         Refuse to answer questions about prior sexual experiences.

•  ·         Keep your name from the media.

• ·         Be protected against future assaults.

• ·         Decide against making a report to the police.

• ·         As much credibility as a victim of any other crime.

• ·         Be treated with respect, dignity, and cultural sensitivity regardless of your race, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.

• ·         You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Women need to know this is an emotional decision which becomes part of a criminal report and made available to the public. Make note, without reporting the information to the authorities and filing a formal complaint to see necessary justices, the alleged perpetrator will strike again with his school yard bullying attitude.

Contrary, the alleged perpetrator has the right to an attorney until proven guilty.

In the 70s, victims had to wait four to 12 hours to be seen by a physician due to their lack of training regarding sexual assault and “the potential of being subpoenaed and taken from the ER to be questioned by a sometimes- hostile defense attorney while testifying in court.” (www.ovttac.gov)

Today, we live in a different generation, one which takes generous and aggressive steps to empower women from difficult situations.

Case in point, SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner).

“This exam can be performed up to 120 hours after the assault. An exam typically takes about three hours. While forensic exams are invasive, they are done to protect you.” (www.shs.wustl.edu)

 Part I of the SANE Exam explain how to empower women against sexual abuse.

Initially, there is an “interview; tell about the assault, giving details. It is always your choice not to answer any question or questions about the assault, but the more information SANE can have concerning the assault, the more thorough the examination can be.” (www.shs.wustl.edu)

Part II-

“A physical exam- For females, it is very similar to a well-women exam. Swabs will be obtained from the pelvic area and a speculum exam is done if indicated. This exam may also consist of swabbing with a cotton applicator or any other areas of the body indicated in the interview. An alternative light source may be used to look for saliva or semen on the body to obtain swabs from those areas well. A thorough exam may also require nail clipping, hair samples, and photographs; all of which are completely confidential. If available, SANE will ask for clothing worn during or immediately following the assault to be sent with the kit as evidence.

The final part of the exam is a blood and urine collection. If the interview indicates a possible Drug Facilitated Assault, blood and urine samples will be obtained and sent with the evidence kit.” (www.shs.wustl.edu) 

Also, I would like to make a note, a SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) volunteer will meet you at the hospital to offer confidential support and review options and services which are available to you.