The preservation of evidence in incidents of sexual assault is critical to potential criminal prosecution and to obtaining restraining orders, and particularly time-sensitive. NMJC will inform the Complainant of the importance of preserving evidence by taking the following actions:
- Seek forensic medical assistance at an appropriate medical facility, ideally within 120 hours of the incident (sooner is better)
- Avoid showering, bathing, washing hands or face, or douching, if possible, but evidence may still be collected even if you do.
- Try not to urinate.
- If oral sexual contact took place, refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, or brushing teeth.
- If clothes are changed, place soiled clothes in a paper bag (plastic destroys evidence) or secure evidence container available from Campus Security and Safety.
Seeking medical treatment can be essential even if it is not for the purposes of collecting forensic evidence.
During the initial meeting between the Complainant and the Title IX Coordinator, the importance of taking these actions will be reiterated, if timely.
