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- Domestic abuse: Domestic abuse is suspected if patients have signs and symptoms characteristic of domestic abuse victims. Domestic violence may be suspected if the patient suffers from frequent injuries, such as broken bones, burns, severe bruises, or other injuries. Healthcare providers are required by law to report suspected cases of domestic abuse to the local authorities.
- Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse in children is suspected if they have signs and symptoms characteristic of sexual abuse victims. The child's statements on the event(s) are especially important. A counselor may be consulted if the child is hesitant to talk about what happened. The counselor may ask the child to draw pictures or use dolls to show what happened to them.
- If rape is suspected, a healthcare provider is required to use a sexual assault evidence kit, also called a sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kit or rape kit, to gather evidence of the attack. This information gathered may be used to prosecute the abuser in court. A sexual assault evidence kit contains tools, such as cotton swabs, urine collection containers, sterile sample containers, and envelopes for holding physical evidence, such as hair, semen, blood, and body tissues. The patient's clothing is collected as evidence and he/she is provided with new clothes. Blood and urine samples are taken. Loose hairs or debris from the pubic region are collected. The nurse examines the body, including the legs, buttocks, face, and breasts for samples of semen. If semen is detected, a sample is collected. Swabs are also taken from the vagina, anus, and mouth to check for semen, sexually transmitted diseases, and infections. A pelvic exam is also performed. Pictures are taken of areas of the body that are bruised, cut, or injured. The sexual assault kit is then sealed in a box and secured at the hospital until given to the police for further laboratory analysis. Females who are suspected of being raped will undergo pregnancy testing.
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