What happens before and during the examination?

Before the examination

The crisis worker will discuss any immediate worries or concerns with you and any urgent issues that arise can be dealt with immediately
The crisis worker will explain what will happen when the FME joins you and what is involved with the examination
The role of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) is explained to you and you will be offered a referral to an ISVA
You may be asked about the assault and the crisis worker or FME will record as much of this information as possible
You will have any necessary consent forms explained to you before you sign them
You will be asked if you would like the crisis worker or a friend or member of your family to be with you during the examination

During the examination it is routine to measure your height, weight and if necessary, take a urine sample
It is also possible to carry out a pregnancy test during the examination if you think you might be pregnant
The FME will then carry out a ‘top to toe’ examination taking appropriate samples
All samples are passed to the SOLO or crisis worker then labelled and bagged in accordance with very strict procedures
The cover from the examination couch is included in the evidence and any clothes that might be needed as evidence are put into a police evidence bag and labelled