Frequently Asked Questions

  • Anyone who has been impacted by sexual assault, family violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, strangulation, physical assault, elder abuse, and other forms of violence or abuse.  TXFNE cares for victims of all ages. TXFNE’s services are available regardless of sex, gender, income level and disability.

    If you are unsure whether a forensic exam may be appropriate, please contact us to discuss your situation. 

  • 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.

    A forensic nurse can explain available options and answer questions so you can make informed decisions about what is right for you. 

  • Yes. 

    You do not need to decide whether to report to law enforcement before receiving a forensic medical examination. A forensic nurse can discuss your options, answer questions, and help you make informed decisions about what is right for you. 

  • No. Patients are not charged for the forensic medical examination itself. 

    However, you may receive a bill from the healthcare facility for medical services unrelated to the forensic examination. 

  • Yes. 

    Even if time has passed since the incident, medical care, support services, advocacy, counseling resources, and other options may still be available. 

    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. We encourage individuals to seek care and discuss available options with a forensic nurse. 

  • 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.

    Forensic exams are thorough and patient-centered. A forensic nurse will explain each step of the process and answer questions along the way. 

  • 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 as 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 care and have evidence collected, if you choose.

    A forensic nurse can discuss available options with you. 

  • 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.

  • That is not uncommon following a traumatic event. 

    You do not need to have every detail or remember events in a specific order to seek care, ask questions, or explore available options. 

  • No. 

    The forensic nurse will explain each part of the examination and discuss available options. You may choose whether to participate in recommended portions of the process. 

  • Every patient receives follow-up care information, safety planning, and information about available advocacy services and community resources. 

    An advocate will also contact you directly to provide support, answer questions, and help connect you with additional resources that may be available. 

  • Yes. 

    Your privacy is important to us, and information about your care is kept confidential.

    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.

    If there are any circumstances that require reporting, the forensic nurse will discuss them with you and answer any questions you may have. 

  • Interpretation services are available to help individuals communicate effectively and understand their options. 

    If you need language assistance, please let us know when you contact us or arrive for services. 

  • Yes. 

    We understand that every situation is unique. If you have questions about the examination process, available services, or your options, please contact the hotline serving your region or visit our Contact Us & Access Services page. 

    Our team is here to help. 

Hotlines