WARNING: This article contains graphic content relating to sexual assault.
A Western Australian woman who was raped in 2008 waited more than eight hours in the clothes she had been assaulted in before she could be forensically examined — an experience that advocates say reflects a systemic failure that continues to this day. Angel Love Owens, who has chosen to be publicly identified, said the ordeal left her feeling dehumanised at one of the most vulnerable moments of her life.
"It felt like I was just walking evidence," Owens said. "And the lack of forensic expertise at the hospital meant that my medical and emotional care was significantly delayed."
A Long Day in Traumatic Circumstances
Owens was 25 years old when a man raped her while she slept at a friend's home. Despite wanting to shower immediately, she made the decision to report the crime and drove herself to hospital. She arrived at Rockingham Hospital, south of Perth, at around 10.30am, only to be told the facility did not conduct forensic examinations.
Police then escorted her to Perth's Sexual Assault Resource Centre, where she was finally examined at approximately 6pm. By the time she returned home, more than 12 hours had passed since the assault.
"I didn't get home until about eight o'clock at night, so this had been on me for 12 hours before I could have a shower," she said.
Nearly two decades on, Owens says the situation in WA has barely improved — a view supported by a formal government review.
Forensic Examination Gaps Persist Across Western Australia
A forensic medical examination (FME) is a critical procedure used to gather evidence of sexual assault, including DNA samples and documentation of physical injuries. It also screens for health concerns, sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The examination must be carried out by a specially trained doctor or nurse, and the findings can be used as evidence in criminal proceedings.
A review by the WA Department of Justice, published in December 2025, found that in regional areas — including Kalgoorlie — it is not unusual for victim-survivors to wait between six and twelve hours for a forensic examination due to a shortage of trained staff. Those outside Perth may be required to travel to the capital, where the only dedicated full-time forensic doctors in the entire state are based, or wait at a local public hospital until a trained professional becomes available.
Campaign group Fair Agenda, which has been pushing for reduced wait times, has spent two years attempting to secure a meeting with the state's health minister.
"The Western Australian government is failing victim-survivors of sexual assault," said Fair Agenda campaign manager Daisy Gardener. "The only dedicated forensic examiner positions that exist in the whole state are in Perth."
Justice and Health Concerns Intertwined
Owens emphasised that the problem is not just one of medical care — it has direct consequences for legal outcomes. Lengthy waits can discourage victim-survivors from completing the examination process altogether, weakening potential criminal cases.
"It's a justice issue because we need it for the courts, but it's a health issue because we need to be able to access it in a timely manner," she said.
The delays place WA well behind other Australian states that have already moved to address the shortfall. South Australia committed $36 million to improve FME access in its most recent state budget, while Queensland pledged $56 million over four years in 2024.
What Comes Next
WA's auditor general is currently assessing access to forensic medical examinations across the state, with a report expected to be tabled by the end of 2026. Health Minister Meredith Hammat was contacted for comment but had not responded at time of publication.
For Owens, the wait for systemic change mirrors the wait she endured on the day she was assaulted — prolonged, painful, and long overdue for resolution.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
