DOD Ends Sexual Assault Forensic Exams for Most Civilians Abroad

According to a memo obtained by reporters on March 13, the Department of Defense has directed the Defense Health Agency to cease providing rape kits and sexual assault forensic examinations to the majority of civilian workers and contractors stationed overseas.

Stephen L. Ferrara, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, signed the directive, which states that providing such services to individuals who are ineligible for care through the Military Health System (MHS) is not in accordance with DOD policy.

"Forensic healthcare examinations, including sexual assault forensic examinations, are exclusively available to active-duty service members and their dependents," the memo reads.

Up until now, these services had been accessible to numerous civilian personnel and contractors employed outside the United States as part of restricted emergency care. Emergency medical services, including triage and treatment for life-threatening injuries, and initial assessments of symptoms of interpersonal violence, are permissible under DOD policy. Nevertheless, the memo clarified that sexual assault forensic examinations are no longer included in that category.

The definition of limited emergency services does not encompass forensic healthcare examination or follow-up care, according to the document.

The Defense Health Agency is now obligated to locate and account for all sexual assault forensic kits that were collected from civilian employees between October 1, 2019, and March 13, 2025, as a consequence of the policy transition. The memo also specifies that none of these devices may be destroyed, although it does not provide any further information regarding their disposition.

This decision represents a substantial reduction in the services available to non-military personnel stationed abroad under Pentagon contracts. There are concerns among advocates that the policy may result in victims being unable to access essential documentation and care in the aftermath of a sexual assault.

No additional guidance has been provided regarding the potential effects of the change on the support services, prosecution, or reporting of civilian employees who are affected.