Who pays for a sexual assault victim’s forensic medical examination?
A new federal law was enacted as part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

The law requires states to ensure that sexual assault victims can receive forensic medical examinations free of charge, regardless of their decision regarding making a police report. The law is effective in January of 2009.

This means that victims cannot be required to make a police report, or participate in the criminal justice system, in order to obtain a free forensic medical examination.

Victims may receive forensic medical examinations free of charge, or they may receive reimbursement for the costs of a forensic medical examination. However, victims may be charged for other types of medical care and treatment following a sexual assault. The law does not require states to pay for tests, medications, or other treatment and care for sexual assault victims.

The Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center has always provided free forensic medical examinations for victims regardless of their decisions regarding reporting these crimes.

To find information about how forensic medical examinations are paid for in your community, contact your local rape crisis center, victim assistance program, or police department.