I am way behind on reading so I hope others have not answered this again and again. I have been a rape/sexual abuse counselor and sat in the room with many people who consented to do this exam. Even with full consent, the forensic rape exam is traumatic. It is invasive--vaginally, anally, and/or orally. The full body is scanned. Blood may be drawn to test for presence of drugs. There is a combing for public hairs. They are looking for any and all evidence. If there is bruising, the bruises are measured and/or photographed. The survivor is photographed. Camera with a photo capability takes internal photos of any genital injuries. All clothing is collected and bagged. Plan B may be given. STD medications are given prophylactically. HIV follow-ups would be done. Each of the medications are described with side effects and benefits. This process can take up to four hours.
I have been with survivors who just sob the whole time even though they are consenting. It is really a re-traumatizing even though it is a necessary process.
They may actually sedate a younger child to avoid further re-tauma.
The nurses and doctors I have worked with have always been kind, gentle, and professional but this is a devastating process for them as well.
My understanding is that she would need to consent. Even if her family consented and she refused, she might not have one done.
