Rape Kit Exam: TV's Sensitive Portrayal Revealed

The medical drama 'The Pitt' recently aired an episode, "1:00 P.M.," offering a detailed and sensitive portrayal of a sexual assault forensic exam. This procedure, often referred to as a rape kit exam, is crucial for collecting evidence following an assault.

The episode centers on a young woman named Ilana, who undergoes the exam with the assistance of charge nurse Dana Evans, the department's certified SANE nurse. The narrative aims to educate viewers about the comprehensive nature of the exam and the support SANEs provide to survivors.

To ensure accuracy, the show collaborated with consultants from institutions like the UCLA Health Rape Treatment Center and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR). These experts helped actors and writers depict the meticulous process of evidence collection, including obtaining DNA and documenting injuries.

Dr. Kathleen Sekula, a SANE nurse from Duquesne University who consulted on the episode, stressed the importance of understanding the full scope of the exam, noting common misconceptions. The episode also subtly weaves in Dana's personal journey, exploring how her own past assault influences her empathetic yet professional approach to Ilana's case.

Filming prioritized sensitivity, with directors and intimate coordinators ensuring the scenes were not invasive. The episode highlights that a survivor's decision to press charges can be made later, emphasizing that the exam process itself does not pressure them into immediate legal action.