Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations in the Military

Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations in the Military

Revelations regarding the status of sexual assault in the U.S. military has appropriately spurred action in Congress with legislation to reauthorize the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In 2013, Congress passed landmark legislation (H.R.3304) addressing important elements of the problem. IAFN applauds those efforts signed into law on December 26, 2013 (P.L.113-66).

IAFN urges Congress to now consider legislation within the NDAA to address military personnel access to necessary health care services to ensure forensic evidence is properly collected and that the physiological and psychological needs of victims are addressed.

The following are proposed remedies to existing problems that have been identified.

Problem 1: No consistent training standards exist across Military Services for Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations (SAFE) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)

It is clear that no consistency in the training standards for personnel performing forensic exams on assault victims exists within the military. The General Accounting Office (GAO) report states Navy medical providers “do their best to conduct the forensic examination using the instructions provided with examination kits” when transferring the victims is not possible. The Army and Air Force base their training on 40 hours of didactic and clinical experience based on the 2006 National Training Standards for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiners and International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN), respectively. The Navy, in contrast, conducts training using a 14.5-hour DVD. The Coast Guard does not currently have sexual assault examiners.

Problem 2: Lack of trained forensic personnel available to the military at locations within the contiguous United States (CONUS), outside the CONUS, and contingency locations

The Army performs sexual assault examinations at 60% of their military treatment facilities and has a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with local civilian hospitals for the other 40%. It is currently training more examiners to support pre-deployment and local requirements.

The Air Force does not currently track the number of examiners it has on hand but does ensure trained personnel are placed in remote locations such as, Japan, Korea, Italy, Turkey, and England. It is currently training additional personnel. Examiners are placed at CONUS medical facilities that provide ER services and do not typically have a MOA with a local hospital.

The Navy does not currently track the number of examiners it has on hand. Trained personnel perform exams as an additional duty or on-call basis. It is currently increasing capabilities at all sites.

Problem 3: No established recommendation exists in the military for timing of a sexual assault forensic exam

Experts in sexual assault treatment state that exams should be conducted within 120 hours of an assault in order to collect possible DNA evidence. Pregnancy prophylaxis is most effective if provided within 72 hours of the assault and HIV prophylaxis must be started within 72 hours of a potential infectious contact. Therefore it is essential that once a victim makes a sexual assault disclosure a forensic medical examination with a properly trained examiner should be provided as soon as possible.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) is working on legislation to establish consistent training standards across the military branches, ensure facilities are staffed with trained, qualified personnel and to standardize timing of the examination. Please consider joining with her effort. To learn more you can contact Nicole Motyleski in Senator Boxer’s office at .

Please contact Patrick Cooney at or at 202-347-0034 x101 with any questions you might have regarding this issue.

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