Adult Sexual Assault Investigation Policy And Procedures

Question 1

What are the different time frames of complaints regarding adults ?

Answer 1

Acute - 7 days
Non Acute - 7 days to 6 months
Historic - 6 months

Question 2

What actions should you take to provide a safe and secure environment in which they may regain some control of their lives ?

Answer 2

• Conduct your dealings in a sensitive and concerned manner
• Accept they are telling the truth until/unless there is evidence to prove the contrary
• Listen to what they tell you, giving them an opportunity to tell their account in their words, even to just vent their feelings
• Establish whether they require Medical Attention
• Treat them courteously
• Explain the process you are following and why you need to follow that process and ask certain questions
• Advice them of the local counselling services available

Question 3

List 4 things that Victims should refrain from (where possible) before a medical examination ?

Answer 3

• No eating or drinking
• No going to the toilet (if needed, use a toxicology kit to capture urine and ask the female victim not to wipe)
• No washing or showering
• No washing of hands or biting fingernails

Question 4

List points that you would cover with a Victim to explain the medical forensic examination procedure ?

Answer 4

• Examination will be conducted by a medical forensic practitioner specially trained examining victims of sexual assaults
• Benefits of a full medical forensic examination include
  • Potential benefits to their physical, sexual and mental health
  • How examination can help Police obtain evidence to apprehend the offender
• Expected time for the examination and, if appropriate, possible outcomes of the examination