Who is primarily responsible for providing after-care instructions?

Medical professionals conducting the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) are primarily responsible for providing after-care instructions. This is due to their specialized training and expertise in the medical and emotional needs of survivors of sexual assault. After a SAFE, the medical team is equipped to offer guidance on follow-up care, information about potential physical and psychological effects of the assault, and instructions regarding the collection of evidence.

While law enforcement officials may be involved in the overall process of reporting and investigating a crime, and advocacy groups can provide support and resources, they do not typically deliver medical after-care. Friends and family members can offer emotional support and help navigate the aftermath of an assault, but they are not trained professionals and may lack the necessary knowledge to provide detailed medical advice. Therefore, it is the medical professionals who are best suited to inform survivors about their care and recovery options.