Evidence Preservation
Preserve any evidence
Evidence of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking should
be preserved as soon as possible, even if you are unsure about reporting to the University
or filing criminal charges. Preservation of evidence is essential for both law enforcement
and campus disciplinary investigations.
Write down, or have a friend write down, everything you can remember about the incident,
including a physical description of the assailant. You should attempt to do this even
if you are unsure about reporting the incident in the future.
Forensic Evidence
If you choose to report the assault and pursue legal options, a prompt forensic examination
can be crucial.
Steps to Preserve Forensic Evidence
• Avoid drinking, bathing, showering, brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or combing
your hair
• Do not change clothes. If you have already changed your clothes, place your clothing
and other items (sheets, blankets) in a brown paper bag (a plastic bag may destroy
evidence)
• Go to a hospital emergency department which has the capability to provide a Sexual
Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE or "rape kit") and medical care for victims of sexual
assault and intimate partner violence. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), a healthcare
provider trained to provide comprehensive care for a victim, can collect forensic
evidence
• A SAFE (rape kit) can only be completed within five (5) days of the assault. You
have the right to refuse the entire exam or any part of it at any time
• You may also decide to complete a forensic exam anonymously
• If you suspect that you are the victim of a drug-facilitated sexual assault, ask
the hospital or clinic where you receive medical care to take a urine sample. Drugs,
such as Rohypnol and GHB, are more likely to be detected in urine than in blood. Rohypnol
stays in the body for several hours, and can be detected in the urine up to 72 hours
after taking it. GHB leaves the body in 12 hours
• Consider bringing someone to the hospital with you for support
• The hospital automatically calls a WISE advocate to be available any time someone
comes in for a SAFE. You can decide whether or not you want to speak with the advocate.
The advocate is a confidential resource who is not affiliated with the College. They
can provide you with confidential support and talk with you about your options
• If you need a ride to or from the hospital, ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Police will escort you 24/7 at no
charge. ContactÌý ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ PoliceÌýat 318-342-5350
• You do not have to specify the details of why you need to go to the hospital to
the police officer
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Physical Evidence
Physical evidence should be preserved even if you choose not to go to the hospital
for a forensic exam. Save all of the clothing you were wearing at the time of the
assault. Put each item in a separate paper bag (do not use plastic bags). Save all
bedding (blankets, sheets) and put each in a separate paper bag. Take photographs
of any visible physical injuries (bruising, scratches) for use as evidence. If you
report to law enforcement, they may want to take their own photos as evidence.
Electronic Evidence
Evidence such as texts, emails, Facebook posts, chats, pictures, videos or other forms
of electronic communication can be helpful in a college or criminal investigation.
Download, save to a .pdf, take screen shots, or use other methods to preserve electronic
evidence.
