A message from Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services
We understand the desire to not engage with treatment providers or official methods of care following a sexual assault. The desire to seek control and a sense of agency is completely normal.
USC honors your decisions as a survivor and seeks to support your immediate and future needs. We care about your well-being, and want you to know about the concerns related to this product as well as the ways in which using this product limits your future choices. Utilizing an RSVP confidential advocate can help you explore truly meaningful options that will give you a sense of agency over your health, provide the opportunity to report in the future should that interest you, and support your overall healing.
“At Home” kits are being marketed to college students as an alternative to professional forensic exams.
The university strongly advises students read the USC advisory about these products, as well as read the California Department of Justice warning against using these kits:
The California Department of Justice issues the following warning to victims of sexual assault regarding the use of self-administered “at-home” evidence kits.
These “at-home” kits may be advertised as “evidence kits” however, trained medical professionals are essential in collecting samples, examining and treating the victim, and preserving and testing evidence that is obtained during the exam.
At-home kits should not be used where the identity of the perpetrator is at issue and we strongly encourage victims to obtain medical exams from trained professionals.
Why a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Center is a recommended resource
SART centers and forensic exams offer specially trained, trauma-informed forensic nurses who will take the time necessary to collect and preserve any evidence available after an incident.
Survivors have up to 5 days (120 hours) following a sexual assault (any non-consensual sexual contact, even if the survivor does not have a memory of the assault due to being unconscious) to engage in a SART/forensic exam.
USC works with the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center which is the only SAR T/forensic exam organization in Los Angeles that allows for a survivor to remain anonymous and freezes evidence (in perpetuity) if a survivor is uncertain whether they want to file a criminal report at the time of the exam.
During these exams, survivors will be given the option to address any concerns about STIs or pregnancy through preventative treatment, which is the only medical intervention recommended for these concerns following a sexual assault. If you are considering a SAR T/forensic exam, please contact an RSVP confidential advocate who can help you explore options, arrange transportation to the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center and can go with you to an exam, if desired. Survivors can also involve support persons of their choice.
Confidential advocates are available to students 24/7 and can be reached through the Student Health phone line, 213-740-9355 (WELL) or through secure messaging in MySHR (usc.edu/myshr).