As a result of the review, Queensland's guidelines for responding to sexual assaults will be amended to give victims more time to decide if they want to report their attack. Mr Miles said the process would be overhauled. "When victims present at our emergency departments, their health and wellbeing is the priority," he said. "The decision to make an official complaint to police at that time - while they are traumatised and in pain and shock - may be the last thing they want to think about. "But by offering to perform a forensic medical examination and ensuring forensic evidence is collected and stored, clinicians can remove that burden and enable victims to make an informed decision when they are mentally and emotionally ready to do so."

Mr Miles said the government would invest $1.39 million in specialised training for nurses and doctors to ensure the process was effective, legally-compliant and considerate of the victim's needs. Loading "This reform is aimed at ensuring victims of sexual assault understand their rights and are being treated with courtesy, compassion and respect throughout such a traumatic ordeal," he said. A rape victim, who earlier told Brisbane Times she was appalled to discover she had a small window of time to make the decision on whether to report her attack to police, welcomed the changes. "Obviously it's a bit sensitive to me in the sense that it isn't now an option for me because it's too late but I'm really glad that other people in the same position will get that opportunity and will have that safety net," she said.

"Because it's a life-altering decision I think it's important to have some time where you can chat it over with professionals and loved ones and decide whether it's the best decision for you and your life." Evidence kits will be provided to police, who will log them as part of the evidence chain and store them securely for 12 months. Police will be notified and will receive the evidence but will not take a statement or begin investigating the incident unless the victim formally reports the attack. Mr Miles said the new process would incorporate elements of a pilot project at Townsville Hospital. The project involved nurses with specialist forensic training performing sexual assault examinations without requiring the victim to make an immediate complaint to the police.