Date of Award
Spring 5-7-2022
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Criminal Justice
First Advisor
Dr. Bridget Diamond-Welch
Second Advisor
Luke Mack
Third Advisor
Dr. Thomas Mrozla
Keywords
Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam, Rape Kit, Well-Being, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, SANE
Subject Categories
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Abstract
This study examined how the quality of a sexual assault medical forensic exam, or SAMFE, affects the well-being outcomes of sexual assault victims. A SAMFE is used to collect forensic evidence and provide comprehensive care to victims. Furthermore, SAMFEs are typically collected by a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or medical practitioner. It was hypothesized that a more trauma-informed and victim-centered SAMFE allowed victims to have better physical, psychological, and social well-being outcomes. In this study, a victim’s well-being outcomes were measured through the dependent variables of the TSC-40, Brief-COPE, and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory scales. Furthermore, the quality of the SAMFE was measured using a scale created out of existing research. Results were controlled through the Social Reactions Questionnaire-Shortened and demographic variables. Overall, as a victim’s perception of how quality their SAMFE was increased, their positive well-being outcomes also increased. Also, this study’s results highlighted the importance of other people’s reactions to a victim’s disclosure of their sexual assault.
Recommended Citation
Zimmer, Brianna N., "The Well-being Outcomes of Sexual Assault Survivors After Sexual Assault Kit Examinations" (2022). Honors Thesis. 263.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/263