MUSC SANE Blog: Anonymous Reporting

Anonymous Reporting Protocol for victims 18 years old or older

What do you need to know about Anonymous Reporting Protocol?http://www.sova.sc.gov/compensation.html#anon

Adult victims of sexual assault will be presented with all options for reporting the sexual assault.
Victims are offered a sexual assault/forensic evidence collection examination regardless of their decision to participate with the criminal justice system.
As far as law enforcement is concerned, no crime has occurred and there is no investigation until the victim chooses to make a full report.
No information linking the victim to the crime will be placed on the outside of the SLED kit.
When providing law enforcement information on the outside of the SLED kit, write in ‘ANONYMOUS’ instead of the name of law enforcement agency.
On the SOVA medical release form write the incident location (county and state) to establish that the crime/incident occurred in SC (required).

Is there a difference between an anonymous report and traditional report forensic evidence collection kit and exam?

When the victim elects not to report the crime to law enforcement, what happens to the evidence?

The SANE will release the sealed forensic evidence collection kit and all physical evidence to MUSC Public Safety without providing any personal indentifying information on the victim.
The evidence will be stored for 1 year.
If the victim decides to remain anonymous, the evidence collection kit will be destroyed after 1 year.

What happens if the victim decides to report the crime to law enforcement?

If the victim wishes to move forward with law enforcement investigation, he or she will need to contact the law enforcement jurisdiction where the assault occurred with the anonymous report number.

If the perpetrator was the victim’s legal spouse, how long will she/he have to report the crime?

Under South Carolina’s law, if the victim reports that the individual perpetrating the sexual assault is the victim’s legal spouse, the victim has only thirty (30) days to report the crime to law enforcement.

How is the anonymous report (AR) number assigned?

Beginning 10/25/2012, the AR number will be the "Pat Com" number from the patient's sticker, preceeded by AR.
The SANE office will follow up with all Anonymous Report patients.