What is a SAFE/SANE exam?

A SAFE exam is a sexual assault forensic exam. The purpose of this exam is to obtain DNA evidence. SAFE exams are completed if a survivor of an assault wants to report the assault to law enforcement to prosecute the suspect/perpetrator or if the survivor does not want to report, the kit that is collected during the exam is stored for 1 year. In the state of Kentucky, within that 1 year, the survivor can submit their kit to law enforcement at any time if they choose to report. SAFE exams include a thorough medical history, details about the assault, and physical exam [including pelvic exam if appropriate].