The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) would like to hear from you about your experiences, suggestions, and opinions about rape kit examinations (formally known as “sexual assault forensic exams” or SAFEs). These exams collect evidence that can be used in sexual assault prosecutions.
Last year, the Maryland legislature heard testimony about barriers that victim/survivors face when they sought an exam after sexual assault. Advocates and survivors have reported that many women and men do not realize that only designated hospitals perform the exams. As a result, some survivors had to go from one hospital to another. Other concerns included having little information about where to go or what to do after a sexual assault has occurred, fears about costs (exams are free), not knowing if the doctors or nurses will speak the same language, long waiting times at the hospital, and transportation issues. Nurses and other medical professionals report having too few trained forensic examiners. Attorneys have emphasized the need to have stringent standards so evidence collection will stand up in court.
In response to concerns raised, the General Assembly created the Planning Committee to Implement Improved Access to Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations in Maryland to help improve the current system. MCASA is part of this committee, and we are seeking input from victim/survivors of sexual violence, nurses, advocates, service providers, and anyone else who would like to share their experiences, suggestions, and opinions.
We invite you all to participate in this effort. You may provide your personal information or complete this Request for Public Testimony anonymously. Thank you for taking the time to share your stories and experiences with MCASA and the Planning Committee to Implement Improved Access to Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations in Maryland. Your voice is very important to us and we want to make sure it’s heard.
