In many cases, yes. The following steps will help to preserve evidence of a rape or other sexual assault:
- Do not shower or douche.
- Try not to urinate. Urinating may reduce the ability to detect “date rape” drugs.
- If there was oral contact, do not smoke, eat, or brush your teeth.
- Do not change clothes. If you have already changed your clothes, place them in a paper bag, as plastic may destroy evidence. If you haven’t changed, keep the original clothes on and bring an extra set to wear home.
- A Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) will preserve help preserve forensic evidence of an assault and can be performed by staff at the OCH Regional Medical Center. Inform your medical care provider that you wish to have a PERK performed as soon as possible.