A forensic exam is a type of medical test that is done to get evidence after a rape or sexual assault. It is offered in a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU).
The best time for forensic samples to be collected is in the first 72 hours (3 days) after the assault. But samples can still be collected within 7 days of the assault.
The Gardaí uses this evidence to investigate the crime. You can choose to report the assault to the Gardaí immediately. If you need time to think about whether to report the assault, we can store the samples in the SATU for up to 1 year.
If a child under 14 has been sexually assaulted, you can get help at Child and Adolescent Forensic Medical Assessment Services.
What happens at a forensic exam
We will ask you:
- general health questions
- questions about the assault
We only need to know what happened to your body and how you were harmed. This is to make sure that we can do the correct physical checks and collect forensic samples. You do not have to tell us about the events around the rape or sexual assault.
We know that it may be difficult for you to answer our questions. We will help you through it.
Collecting forensic samples
A doctor or nurse will do the forensic exam.
They will:
- document any injuries you have
- take combings from your hair and swabs from your nails
They may need to take:
- clinical photographs of your injuries - only with your permission
- swabs from your vagina, penis or bottom
You may also be asked to have a blood test and give a urine sample.
If you report the assault to the Gardaí, they may take your clothes. We will give you a change of clothes.
Stopping the exam
If you change your mind once you are at the SATU, you can choose not to go ahead with the exam. You can stop the exam or ask for a break at any time.
After the exam
After the exam, we will give you:
- a health check
- details for follow-up appointments
- any referrals you may need, such as counselling
We will offer you medicine to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
You will have access to shower, fresh clothes and refreshments.
If you're not sure about reporting the incident
If you were sexually assaulted within the last 7 days but you are not sure if you want to report it, we can still help.
We can collect forensic samples and store them for up to 1 year without the Gardaí being there. This means that if you decide to report it to the Gardaí, you will have forensic evidence to support your statement.
We will look after your healthcare needs first. You can then decide later if you want to report the assault. Your decision will be supported by the SATU team.
If you decide to report later
If the incident is not officially reported to the Gardaí, there will be no investigation.
Reporting later may mean that other evidence is lost.
For example:
- CCTV footage may no longer be available
- witnesses may be hard to find
- forensic evidence may be lost from the scene
If the sexual assault was more than 7 days ago
SATUs also provide care if you come to us after 7 days. We can document and treat your injuries and help you with any worries you may have.
We can provide you with:
- sexual health screening and treatment
- a general health check
- follow-up care if you need it
If you were sexually assaulted a long time ago, we can discuss what care options are most suitable for you now.
There is no statute of limitations in Ireland when reporting rape and sexual assault. This means that you can report the incident to the Gardaí at any time. Even many years after it happened.
Rape crisis centre
You can also get support from a rape crisis centre.
24-hour helpline: 1800 77 88 88