Frequently Asked Questions

  • Anyone that has been impacted by violence (sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, physical assault, child abuse and elder abuse) can receive a forensic exam. TXFNE cares for victims of all ages. TXFNE’s services are available regardless of immigration status, sex, gender, income level and disability.

  • Click the link here for our locations.

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 64 and can make your own medical decisions, you do not have to report to law enforcement. You can still receive an exam and even have evidence collected that will be stored up to 5 years at the Houston DPS warehouse in case you decide to report in the future.

    Nurses are mandatory reporters and must report to law enforcement and DFPS for all children under the age of 18, all adults 65 and older, and any person that is unable to make their own medical decisions.

  • Yes, we still encourage a medical forensic exam for patients that are passed the window of evidence collection. All other portions of the exam remain the same. There are many medical and emotional needs following an assault, therefore receiving a medical forensic exam to address medical and safety concerns is important.

  • The exam takes 2-4 hours for a sexual assault exam and 1-3 hours for a domestic violence exam. This time frame can depend on many factors.

  • If you’re still wearing the clothes you were wearing at the time of the assault, leave them on. If you’ve taken them off but haven’t washed them yet, bring them to the exam (in a paper bag if possible). Try not to shower, go to the bathroom, eat/drink/smoke/chew gum, or douche before your exam, this can help to preserve evidence for collection. If you must urinate, pat dry instead of wiping. Do not be discouraged if you have already done one of the above listed activities, it is still important to receive a medical forensic exam and have evidence collected.

  • Yes, you can bring a support person with you to the exam. They may be asked to step out for some portions of the exam, but the nurse will inform you when they will be allowed back into the exam room window of evidence collection. All other portions of the exam remain the same. There are many medical and emotional needs following an assault, therefore receiving a medical forensic exam to address medical and safety concerns is important.

  • Yes, call our hotline for your area and press 1 to speak directly to a forensic nurse.