Elizabeth Adeyemo

- min read

Sexual assault exams provide important, time-sensitive care. If you’ve been sexually assaulted, we believe you, and we encourage you to seek care as soon as possible. Click here to find the closest exam to you.

How long do I have to request a sexual assault exam?

Exams are only offered in the days immediately following assault, so it’s important to seek care quickly. The amount of time you have to request a sexual assault exam depends on where you live. Reference the chart below, and click the corresponding hyperlink for the most updated information from your state.

As a rule of thumb, seek care as quickly as possible after sexual assault. We can help you find an exam here.

State	Sexual Assault Exam Timeline
Alabama	72 hours
Alaska	96 hours
Arizona	120 hours
Arkansas	96 hours
California	120 hours - 168 hours Note: varies by county
Colorado	72 hours (prepubescent) and 120 hours (adolescents/adults) Note: varies by hospital
Connecticut	120 hours
Delaware	120 hours
Florida	120 hours
Georgia	120 hours
Hawaii	120 hours
Idaho	72 hours (children) and 120 hours (adolescents and adults)
Illinois	168 hours
Indiana	72-120 hours Note: varies by county
Iowa	120 hours
Kansas	120 hours
Kentucky	96 hours
Louisiana	96 hours
Maine	120 hours
Maryl and	120 hours
Massachusetts	120 hours
Michigan	120 hours
Minnesota	72-240 hours Note: varies by hospital
Mississippi	96 hours
Missouri	120 hours
Montana	72 hours
Nebraska	120 hours
Nevada	120 hours
New Hampshire	120 hours
New Jersey	120 hours
New Mexico	120 hours
New York	96 hours
North Carolina	120 hours
North Dakota	96 hours
Ohio	96 hours (adults) and 72 hours (minors)
Oklahoma	120 hours
Oregon	120 hours (complete exam), 168 hours (partial exam)
Pennsylvania	120 hours
Rhode Isl and	96 hours
South Carolina	120 hours
South Dakota	120 hours
Tennessee	96 hours Note: may be flexible up to 168 hours
Texas	120 hours
Utah	120 hours
Vermont	120 hours
Virginia	120 hours
Washington	120 hours
West Virginia	96 hours
Wisconsin	96 hours
Wyoming	120 hours

Why should I seek a sexual assault exam?

A sexual assault exam, formally called a sexual assault evidence kit (SAEK), is the most comprehensive option for immediate care after sexual assault. In addition to thorough DNA collection and a full-body examination for injuries (both seen and unseen), you’ll have access to important health services, like emergency contraception, STI testing, and PEP, as well as advocacy and law enforcement support if you desire. We encourage you to seek an exam as quickly as you can after assault, and our Exam Location Map can help you find one in seconds.

How should I prepare for my exam?

After sexual assault, your safety and wellbeing are the most important things. Call 911 if you are in danger, need emergency support, or immediate medical attention. To find an exam, visit Leda.co/exam-locator. Before your exam, it’s best to avoid things that may disrupt DNA collection, like showering, brushing your teeth, eating, or changing clothes. Even if you can’t avoid these things, you should still seek care.

What if I wait too long to receive an exam?

If you are no longer able to receive a sexual assault exam, you can still receive follow-up medical care, and it is important that you do so. You can receive a full-body examination for injuries even if the timeline for DNA collection has passed. You may also receive STI testing, emergency contraception, and PEP depending on the timeline and circumstances. No matter when you seek support, we can help you find a care center here.

Need support?

We’ve been there ourselves, and we’re here for you. Explore Leda’s News Feed for more content written by survivors and advocates.

If you’re experiencing a crisis, text Leda to 741741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor. This free service is available 24/7 in partnership with Crisis Text Line®.

To explore Leda’s other services, built for survivors and by survivors, visit Leda.co.

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Sexual Assault Exam Timeline By State

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Apr 13, 2022

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