Do I Have to Report to Police to Get a Forensic Exam in Madison, WI?

After a sexual assault, you may have questions about medical care, evidence, and whether seeking an exam means you have to involve law enforcement. One of the most important things to know is this:

Getting medical care does not automatically mean you have to make a police report.

In Madison and throughout Wisconsin, adult survivors have options when deciding whether to report. One of those options is undecided evidence collection during a forensic nurse exam. This allows survivors to receive medical care and have potential evidence collected while they take time to decide what they want to do next. 

You do not have to make that decision while you are still processing what happened.

What Is Undecided Evidence Collection?

You may hear forensic evidence collection described as a “rape kit,” SANE exam, or forensic nurse exam. In Madison, the term Forensic Nurse Exam (FNE) is commonly used. When an adult survivor is unsure about reporting to law enforcement, an FNE may provide an option to collect and preserve evidence without requiring an immediate police report.

This can give you time. You may decide later that you want to report. You may decide that you do not want to report. You may still be figuring it out. The point of undecided evidence collection is to preserve options while allowing you to focus on your health and wellbeing.

In Wisconsin, evidence collected through this process may be preserved for up to 19.5 years, giving survivors additional time to consider their choices. Individual circumstances and current procedures can vary, a forensic nurse or trained advocate can explain what options apply to you.

What Happens If I Choose Not to Report Right Away?

Choosing not to report immediately does not mean you have to give up medical care. A forensic nurse can provide or discuss care related to:

• Injuries or physical concerns
• Pregnancy prevention and pregnancy testing
• Sexually transmitted infection prevention and testing
• Drug or substance testing when appropriate
• Follow-up medical care
• Forensic evidence collection, if you choose it
• Referrals to advocacy, counseling, and other support

The medical portion of care is separate from your decision about whether to contact law enforcement or evidence collection. You can ask questions about each part of the process and decide what you are comfortable with.

Will the Police Be Called?

For an adult survivor seeking an FNE, you are not required to make a police report simply because you receive medical care or have evidence collected.

A forensic nurse should not pressure you into reporting. If you are unsure about reporting, tell the nurse or advocate. They can explain the available options and what may happen with evidence that is collected.

There are circumstances involving minors or mandatory reporting requirements where different rules can apply. If you have questions about confidentiality or reporting requirements, ask the medical provider before or during your care.

How Is My Evidence Identified?

Survivors may worry having evidence collected means their name and personal information will immediately be connected to a police investigation. In Madison and Dane County, forensic evidence collection uses processes designed to protect survivor privacy while evidence is preserved, kits have a barcode provided by the State of Wisconsin. DaneMAC’s forensic nurse program, does not place any other information on the kit box. The barcode does not give your identity.  A forensic nurse can explain how your evidence is identified, stored, and what would happen if you later decide to report.

You should never have to guess what happens to your information or evidence. Ask questions.

Can I Change My Mind Later?

That’s one of the reasons undecided evidence collection can be important.

You may not know today whether you will want to report months or years from now. Preserving eligible evidence can give you additional time to consider your options. If you later decide you want to involve law enforcement, an advocate or forensic nurse can help explain the next steps. And if you ultimately decide you do not want to report, seeking medical care was still a valid choice.

Receiving an FNE is not a promise to report.

How Hazel Helps Can Help

Finding out that you have options is one thing. Figuring out which option is right for you can be another.

Searching online for “rape kit Madison WI,” “SANE exam Madison,” or “sexual assault medical care near me” can lead to a confusing mix of hospitals, agencies, hotlines, and other resources.

Hazel Helps is designed to simplify that first step.

Through www.hazelhelps.me, survivors can connect with local resources and get help understanding available options. You do not have to know exactly what service you need before reaching out.

You can simply start with a question.

“I think I need medical care, but I don’t know where to go.” “I’m not sure if I want an exam.”

“I want evidence collected, but I don’t want to report.” “I’m not ready to talk to the police.”

“I just want to understand my options.”

These are all valid reasons to reach out.

You Are Still in Control

A sexual assault can take away someone’s sense of safety and control. The care you receive afterward should work toward giving some of that control back. An FNE can provide medical care and, if you choose, preserve potential evidence. Undecided evidence collection can give eligible adult survivors additional time to consider whether they want to involve law enforcement.

You do not have to decide everything today.

Your next step might be seeking medical care. It might be talking with an advocate. It might be asking a question through Hazel Helps. It might simply be learning what your options are.

Whatever your next step is, it should be based on your safety, your needs, and your choices.

Hazel Helps is here to help survivors in Madison and Dane County understand those choices and connect with local support—24/7.