Which professional conducts the sexual assault forensic examination and handles evidence collection and preservation?

• A. Law enforcement officer
• B. Victim advocate
• C. Health care provider
• D. Judge

Answer: (C)

The main idea is recognizing who is trained to perform the sexual assault forensic examination and handle the evidence. A health care provider—such as a nurse, physician, or specifically a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)—is trained to conduct the medical/forensic exam, document injuries, collect evidence using a rape kit, and ensure all samples are properly labeled, preserved, and kept under chain of custody. This role combines medical care with careful evidence handling, following established protocols to maintain the integrity of the investigation. Law enforcement handles the investigative side and securing the scene, victim advocates provide support, and judges oversee legal proceedings, but they do not perform the medical exam or manage the evidence collection in the clinical sense.