What is the rape exam?
The rape exam is the collection of evidence off of a rape survivor s body. It can be a time consuming exam taking 2-3 hours to complete. The rape kit contains a standardized kit of instructions and materials for collection of forensic evidence. The evidence collected can be very important in the successful prosecution of rapists. If at all possible, do not eat, drink, go to the bathroom, shower or change clothes before having the rape kit. All of these things remove important evidence. Rape kits are usually not collected if more than 72 hours (3 days) have passed since the rape.
