ASA policy and procedures Flashcards
Definition of Adult
A person aged 18 years or older at the time of reporting a sexual assault
Definition of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault includes but is not limited to:
- sexual violation by rape or unlawful sexual connection
- indecent assault
- any form of unwanted or coercive touching or actions of a sexual nature or in circumstances of indecency
- any sexual abuse or exploitation by way of deceit, coercion, power of authority or mistaken belief
- incest
Definition of victim
The person whom a sexual assault is committed against. Also referred to as the survivor.
KPP in the Sexual Assault Investigation
1 - Initial actions on contact 2 - Case referral 3 - Providing specialist support 4 - Prelim interview 5 - Information feedback 6 - Medical examination 7 - Formal interview 8 - Investigation and evidence assessment 9 - Resolution options 10 - Prosecution 11 - Final actions and record keeping 12 - Prevention opportunities and responsibilities
KPP 3 Providing specialist support - benefits
- greatly improves outcomes including the victims ability to give evidence and remain engaged in the investigative and criminal justice processes
- can have a major effect on the recovery of the victim
- will assist in preventing re-victimisation
- minimise long and short term adverse psychological effects
KPP 3.1 advise the victim of available support as soon as possible…..
- they have the right to support during the investigation
- Police will arrange a referral
- they can have input into decisions of support
- they have the right to decline support
KPP 3.2 Specialist support should be made available to all ASA victims
- in acute cases request the specialist worker attend immediately to offer support
- the worker can explain further support available to the victim
- allows victim to make informed decisions about support
- encourage victim to meet worker alone
- if specialist support is declined, it should be offered again at subsequent meetings
KPP 3.3 If victim is unwilling to accept specialist support and elects family or friend support….
- specialist workers are experienced
- having specialist support does not exclude other forms of support
- family/friends may also be traumatised by the event and may need specialist support themselves
- family/friends may become potential witnesses
- family/friends may influence or exert pressure on the victim
- presence of partners/family/friends may affect frank and open disclosures
- friends and family may disclose to others
KPP 3.4 Sexual assault brochure
Provide the victim with the “Information for Victims of Sexual Assault Brochure”
KPP 4.1 Prelim Interview - Purpose
A prelim interview is necessary for investigators to understand and establish:
- brief outline of facts
- victim safety
- Public safety
- urgent investigative needs considering -
- potential for loss of evidence
- medical circumstances
- suspects likely actions
Once these facts are established, investigative priorities can be determined.
KPP 4.1.1 Conducting a prelim interview (1 of 5)
KPP 4.1.1 Ensure
- the victim is safe
- all necessary initial contact actions have been done
- the interview environment is comfortable and private
- if at a Police station should not be in a room used by suspects/offenders
KPP 4.1.2 Conducting a prelim interview (2 of 5)
KPP 4.1.2
Ensure KPP 3 - arranging specialist support has been offered
KPP 4.1.3 Conducting a prelim interview (3 of 5)
KPP 4.1.3 Following investigative interviewing techniques, ask "ted" type questions - What has happened - When did this take place - Where did it take place - Who is the offender Avoid asking "why" or "how" Take care not to contaminate the victims recall
KPP 4.1.4 Conducting a prelim interview (4 of 5)
KPP 4.4
- All information from the prelim should be recorded by the officer in their notebook
- need not be in a narrative form
- should be clearly stated using bullet point format
KPP 4.1.5 Conducting a prelim interview (5 of 5)
KPP 4.5
Do not conduct a formal interview unless you have been asked to do so by a CIB supervisor
