The full forensic exam is used to collect evidence from a sexual assault or domestic abuse incident. The priority is to collect evidence to help with an investigation. Law enforcement is involved, as they pay for the exam. Although, law enforcement is necessary for this exam, you have the CHOICE to continue with the investigation, even after the exam is completed.

How to request a Full Forensic Exam:

• Call to report the sexual assault or domestic abuse to the police department (make sure it is the police department in the city where the crime occurred). A Victim Advocate and Forensic Nurse will be dispatched to meet you at the exam site.
• You may also call UCI CARE (949-824-7273) and ask to speak with a Victim Advocate OR call Waymakers (949-831-9110) for 24-hour response for resources and support.
• The police may ask you questions related to the assault or abuse and they will ask for your contact information to give to the Forensic Nurse.
• You can always ask more questions to ensure your understanding throughout the process.
• If you are uncomfortable at any time, you can stop and take a break or stop the process.
  
  
• If necessary, you may request the police office take you to the UCI Forensic Exam Site and bring you back after the exam. You are welcome to call a support person to be there with you and transport you back home after the exam. 
• You may receive an examination from emergency services on the scene if Forensic Nurses or the police are concerned for your immediate health. If you are treated for any major injuries, these services may not be covered under the Forensic Exam costs paid by the state.
• The Forensic Nurse and Victim Advocate will meet you at the UCI Forensic Exam Site.
• The Forensic Nurse will explain the procedure, and the Victim Advocate will be there to support you throughout the process or answer any questions you may have.
• The Victim Advocate will provide information and resources that may be beneficial for future counseling or other support services.
• The Forensic Nurse and police will ask you questions related to your assault and the date the assault may have occurred.
• The Forensic Nurse will perform the forensic exam, collecting evidence of the sexual assault or domestic abuse. You can choose to have the Victim Advocate or other support person with you in the room. The police officer will not attend the medical exam and will wait outside.
• Throughout the exam process, you may determine which aspects of the exam you do and do not want to take place. 
• The Forensic Nurse may offer pregnancy testing or preventive medications for possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Once the evidence is collected, you may request the police officer take you home or, if a support person drove you there, you can choose to go back with them.
• If you have any others concerns, the Victim Advocate can work with you to find options or other referrals.
• The exam may last two to three hours, but it can go longer, depending on several factors. The exam can be performed at any time during the day or night. You can even choose to have the exam right after the assault or abuse.

*Note: If you choose to go to the Emergency Room yourself, please understand that doctors are mandated reporters. They can contact law enforcement upon your request for a forensic exam. Also, if you do not let the Emergency Room know that you want a forensic exam first, you may be charged for the emergency room visit. The full forensic exam is of no cost to you.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Exam or Abbreviate Exam allows you to have evidence collected without law enforcement involvement. The interview process is abbreviated – you will answer a short questionnaire rather than direct questions from law enforcement or nurses. This is not a walk-in appointment like a full forensic exam. It is a scheduled appointment during normal business hours.

This can be a good option if you want evidence collected but are still considering whether you want to open an investigation or do not want law enforcement involvement at this time.

How to request a VAWA Exam:

• Call the Waymakers hotline at 949-831-9110.
• You may also call UCI CARE (949-824-7273) and ask to speak with a Victim Advocate during business hours 8am-5pm.
• Let the Responder know that you are interested in a VAWA Exam.
• The Responder may ask you general questions related to the assault or abuse and they will ask for your contact information to give to the Forensic Nurse.
• A Forensic Nurse will call you to discuss your request for a VAWA Exam.
• The Forensic Nurse will ask you questions related to your assault or abuse and the date the encounter(s) may have occurred.
• If you are uncomfortable with providing your contact information, then you can ask the Responder for other options to reach the Forensic Nurses to coordinate the appointment yourself.
  
  
• The Forensic Nurse and Victim Advocate will meet you at the UCI Forensic Exam Site.
• The Forensic Nurse will explain the procedure, and the Victim Advocate will be there to support you throughout the process or answer any questions you may have.
• The Victim Advocate will provide information and resources that may be beneficial for future counseling or other support services.
• The Forensic Nurse will perform the forensic exam, collecting evidence of the sexual assault or domestic abuse. You can choose to have the Victim Advocate or other support person with you in the room. The police officer will not attend the medical exam and will wait outside.
• Throughout the exam process, you may determine which aspects of the exam you do and do not want to take place. 
• The Forensic Nurse may offer pregnancy testing or preventive medications for possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• If you have any others concerns, the Victim Advocate can work with you to find options or other referrals.
• The exam may last two to three hours, but it can go longer, depending on several factors. The exam can be performed at any time during the day or night. You can even choose to have the exam right after the assault or abuse.

For support, questions, or further information, you may call UCI CARE (949-824-7273) during business hours 8am-5pm and ask to speak with a Victim Advocate OR call Waymakers (949-831-9110) for 24-hour response.