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What is a rape exam?

A rape exam is a multifaceted procedure that involves attending to a rape victim's medical and emotional needs while at the same time collecting forensic evidence. A rape exam is typically performed in the emergency department of a medical facility by a specially trained nurse. Rape exams play a very important role in supporting rape victims and catching criminals.

Why is the Montana Department of Justice interested in rape exams?

Two functions of the Montana Department of Justice are to hold criminals accountable for their crimes and to ensure that crime victims are supported and compensated. Rape exams serve both of those functions. The evidence collected during a rape exam plays a critical role in prosecuting sex crimes and rape survivors receive support, care and information.

What is a rape kit?

A rape kit is a device that contains the instructions and materials necessary to conduct an adult/adolescent rape exam. The rape kit used in Montana is specially designed by the state crime lab and should be used for all exams conducted in the state. The Montana rape kit can also be used for rape exams performed on Indian reservations. Order rape kits.

What about rape exams on children?

Collecting and documenting evidence in sexual assault cases involving children requires a unique set of skills and considerations that are beyond the scope of this training program at this time. We encourage healthcare facilities to develop their own protocols, resources and expertise in this area.

If a rape kit contains everything I need, why the additional training?

Rape exams are complicated procedures. The rape kit contains 12 pages of instructions and an exam can take as long as four hours to complete. In addition, rape exams involve concepts in forensics and criminal justice that are not taught in the typical nursing curriculum. It is very important that nurses conducting rape exams be familiar with these concepts and well-versed in using the Montana rape kit before they are faced with doing a rape exam.

Why online training?

Montana is a large and predominantly rural state. Geographic isolation and lack of training opportunities often prevent nurses from receiving the proper training on conducting rape exams. This program is designed to overcome these barriers by offering an up-to-date training program that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to any nurse in Montana with an Internet connection. Work at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.

I'm a nurse. What will I get out of this training program?

The main thing to get from this training program is competence in performing rape exams using the Montana Rape Kit. This will not only benefit you, but also the rape survivors and criminal justice system of Montana. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a certification of completion that can be used in court as documentation of your training. In addition, we are currently working with the Montana Nurses' Association to approve this training program for continuing education credit. The goal of this website is to provide every nurse in Montana faced with performing a rape exam the skills to do it with competence and confidence. Learn more about the training program.

Will I be a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) after taking this course?

No. This training course is just a basic introduction to the Montana Rape Kit and will take approximately three hours to complete. Becoming a certified SANE requires more advanced and extensive training. Learn more about forensic nursing and SANE training.

What are the "Information and Resources" links all about?

This diverse collection of links is designed to provide resources to Montana healthcare professionals who want to learn more about rape exams and sexual assault response. There is information specific to Montana such as statutes dealing with sexual assault, county-by-county resources, and policies and programs, as well as information specific to Indian reservations. Another set of links provides nation-wide resources for learning more about forensic nursing and sexual assault response. Our goal is to provide a clearinghouse of information for Montana healthcare professionals who perform rape exams. In the interest of accuracy and relevance, we welcome input on correcting, deleting or adding information to these pages. (Contact Us)

What is a sexual assault response team (SART)? Am I a member?

A sexual assault response team is a coordinated collection of agencies and individuals who respond when a sex crime is committed. This includes victim advocates, healthcare providers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and forensic scientists. Studies across the nation have shown that, when all of these entities work together, the end result is a more effective response to sex crimes -- a community-based response. One of the goals of this website is to help Montana communities develop a community-based response to sexual assault, including the formation of SARTs. Find out more about a community-based response to rape.

I'm not a healthcare provider but I'm involved in sexual assault response. What can I get from this website?

From this website you can browse the rape kit training program or take the full course and get a certificate of completion. You can also explore the information and resources links to learn more about rape exams in Montana, because the more the sexual assault response community knows about other members the better. For instance, police officers can benefit from knowing what types of questions are asked during the forensic interview. If you're an advocate, it is extremely helpful to know everything you can about rape exams so you can provide information and support to victims going through the procedure. So even if you're not the one doing the exam, you can still benefit from knowing the procedure. Get an overview of the Montana Rape Kit.