Assault Scene Cleanup

Restoring a space after violence

After an assault, the people affected often need to return to the space where it happened. That might be a home, an apartment, a workplace or a car. Visible blood, damaged furniture and investigative residue make that much harder. Assault scene cleanup removes the biological contamination and the physical reminders as fully and quietly as possible.

What's typically involved

• Blood and other bodily fluids on flooring, walls, furniture, bedding and vehicle interiors
• Broken glass, damaged furnishings and debris
• Fingerprint powder and other investigative residue
• Secondary contamination tracked between rooms

Our process

1. Confirm release of the scene by law enforcement, and follow any instructions about preserving items.
2. Assess the full extent of contamination, including absorbent materials below the surface.
3. Remove porous items that can't be decontaminated, with your approval for each item.
4. Clean and disinfect remaining surfaces with appropriate protective equipment and EPA-registered products.
5. Remove investigative residue and broken materials.
6. Dispose of regulated waste properly.
7. Document the work for insurance, victim compensation or property records.

Sensitivity and privacy

We keep every detail confidential. If you prefer not to be present, we can coordinate access through someone you designate. If you want specific belongings, such as clothing, documents or keepsakes, found and set aside, tell us. Items that law enforcement may still need are left alone unless investigators say otherwise.

Support

Victim advocates, often working through local prosecutors' offices or police departments, can help with safety planning and with applications to your state's crime victim compensation program, which may reimburse some cleanup costs for eligible victims. If you are in danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233.

For property owners and businesses

If an assault occurred in a rental unit, hotel, store or workplace, we coordinate with management, schedule work to limit disruption, and provide documentation for incident files and insurers.

Common questions

Can I clean small amounts of blood myself after an assault?

For a small, fresh spot on a sealed hard surface, gloves and an EPA-registered disinfectant are reasonable. Anything that has soaked into fabric, carpet or wood, or any larger amount, is safer handled professionally, because absorbed blood can't be reliably reached with household methods.

Will you talk to the police for me?

We confirm with the investigating agency that the scene has been released and whether any items must be preserved. We don't take part in the investigation or share details of your project with anyone you haven't authorized.

How quickly can the space be used again?

It depends on how much material has to be removed. Rooms where only hard surfaces were affected are often ready the same day the work finishes. If flooring or drywall is removed, the space is clean and safe but will need repairs before it's back to normal.