Sexual assault is never your fault. If you choose to seek medical care after an assault, it’s important to know what options are available and what to expect — both medically and emotionally. This article explains what happens after a forensic exam (sometimes called a sexual assault evidence kit or “rape kit”) in Canada, how decisions about reporting to police work, and what support options you may be able to access.

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🩺 Your Rights and Choices

Before anything else, it’s important to know:

• You do not have to have a forensic exam to seek medical care or counseling.
• You do not have to report the assault to police to access a forensic exam.
• All exams and evidence collection are voluntary and based on your consent.
• You can choose what parts of any exam or evidence collection you are comfortable with, and you can pause or stop at any time.

Every survivor’s experience is unique — your care should respect your pace, your needs, and your comfort.

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🏥 What a Forensic Exam Is

In Canada, a forensic exam may be offered at a hospital or health centre that has trained staff to provide sexual assault medical care and evidence collection. This is often done by specially trained clinicians, such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).

A sexual assault forensic exam may include:

• A medical check-in to assess any injuries and address immediate health needs.
• Documentation of injuries and relevant observations.
• Collection of samples that may contain evidence (e.g., swabs, clothing).
• Optional tests and treatments, such as for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or emergency contraception.
• Support and information about your options afterward.

The exam can take several hours, depending on your needs and how much of the process you choose to complete.

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🧠 Consent and Your Choices in Detail

You have choices about:

Medical care vs. forensic evidence

• You can receive medical care only, without collecting forensic evidence.
• You can have a forensic exam with evidence collected but not report to police — the samples can be stored securely if you later decide to involve police.
• You can choose a forensic exam and police reporting right away.

Reporting to police

Choosing a forensic exam does not automatically mean reporting to police. That decision is separate and entirely yours.

Some hospitals offer the option to have forensic evidence stored for a specific period (e.g., one year) if you’re unsure about reporting immediately — so you can decide later if you wish to involve law enforcement.

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⏱️ Timing Is Your Choice, Too

• Forensic evidence may be best collected as soon as possible after an assault. Evidence collection can be most helpful within about 72 hours (3 days).
• However, obtaining evidence isn’t required for accessing care, and you can still get support even if more time has passed.

If possible and comfortable for you, avoiding activities like showering or changing clothes before evidence collection may help preserve forensic traces — but your emotional and physical well-being comes first.

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💌 What Happens After the Exam?

After your forensic or medical care:

Health follow-up

• You may be offered testing or treatment for STIs, pregnancy prevention, ongoing wound care, or mental health referrals.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled depending on your health needs.

Forensic kit handling

• If you choose not to report, the evidence kit may be held at the hospital for a period (varies by region) in case you decide later to report.
• If you choose to report to police, the kit is usually released to law enforcement and may be submitted to labs for analysis.

Emotional supports

• Many hospitals and sexual assault programs offer advocates, counselors, and support workers who can talk with you about your experiences and options.
• Community-based sexual assault centres can support you before, during, and after care.

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💬 You Are Not Alone

Choosing to seek care after sexual assault is a deeply personal decision, and there is no right or wrong timeline. Whether or not you choose a forensic exam, you deserve dignity, respect, and support every step of the way.

👉 You are not alone. Explore survivor support services and advocacy near you to connect with care in your province or territory.

If you’d like, I can provide a list of sexual assault support resources in Canada and crisis lines next — just let me know.

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📌 Summary

• Forensic exams in Canada are voluntary and confidential.
• You can get medical care even if you don’t want forensic evidence collected.
• Reporting to police is your choice and doesn’t have to happen immediately.
• Evidence may be collected and stored if you choose to delay reporting.
• Emotional support and health care are available regardless of reporting decisions.