Exams are available within 120 hours (five days) from the time of assault. The exam process includes a head-to-toe medical check, including injury documentation and collection of physical evidence. If the patient reports to law enforcement, the evidence is provided to the appropriate law enforcement agency for processing. If the patient chooses not to report, the evidence is stored by law enforcement for a period of up to two years.
The SAFE Program team consists of a Medical Director, Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners and trained Advocates. Examiners are trained in forensic evidence collection, sensitivity and expert witness testimony. The Medical Director is a licensed MD and provides supervision for program protocols and staff.
The WCJ’s Rape Recovery Team and the State Attorney’s Office 4th Judicial Circuit have worked in partnership with local law enforcement and FDLE to eliminate the kit backlog in our area. All backlogged kits have been tested.
If you think your kit might have been part of the backlog, and would like to know the status of your kit and case, please reach out to the State Attorney’s Office on their cold case hotline at: 904-255-3076 or email them at SAOSAKI@coj.net for more information. An advocate with the WCJ can also help support you through this process. To access our services, call the 24-hour rape crisis hotline at 904-721-7273.