ASAI - Key Process - Medical/Forensic Examination

Question 1

What is the primary objective of a medical examination?

Answer 1

The victims physical, sexual and mental health and safety.

It is of secondary importance to collect trace evidence.

Question 2

How long is the acute phase?

Answer 2

1 - 7 Days

Question 3

How long is the non-acute phase?

Answer 3

7 days to 6 months

Question 4

When does a case become historic?

Answer 4

After 6 months

Question 5

What actions should be taken in the acute phase?

Answer 5

A medical forensic practitioner should be contacted as soon as possible. Ideally the examination should be conducted within 24 hours of the incident but if 3 - 4 days have passed then it should still be considered but is not as urgent.

Question 6

What actions should be taken in non-acute phase?

Answer 6

Always refer the victim to SAATS even if forensic evidence is unlikely to be found. It may be of benefit for the medical practitioner to give evidence at court.

Question 7

What actions should be taken in the historic phase?

Answer 7

Refer the victim to SAATS to determin whether they may benefit from a medical examination and/or medical care.

Question 8

What should be explained to the victim before conducting a medical examination?

Answer 8

TO BED

• the examination will be conducted by a medical forensic practitioner specially TRAINED in examining individuals who have been sexually assaulted
• possible OUTCOMES of the examination (if appropriate)
• has potential health BENEFITS
• can help police obtain EVIDENCE to support a prosecution or id the suspect
• expected DURATION of the examination

-Ask the victim if they have concerns about the gender of the practitioner

Question 9

What should you advise the on-call practitioner before a medical examination?

Answer 9

GAWPIC

• Victims GENDER
• VIctims AGE
• WHEN assaulted believed to have occurred
• Discuss if child sexual assault complainant should be investigated using adult sexual assault PROCEDURE (and vice versa)
• give brief outline of INFORMATION known so far
• discuss victims CONCERNS in regards to gender of practitioner if relevant

Question 10

The information provided to a medical practitioner allows them to assess what?

Answer 10

• the best timing and approach for the examination

- how to best meet the victims wishes

Question 11

What should the attending officer have with them?

Answer 11

All relevant information so the medical practitioner can be properly briefed

Question 12

When conducting the medical examination, what should the attending police officer ensure?

Answer 12

That the medical practitioner has not come into contact with any suspects and that an un-expired MEK is used

Question 13

What does the practitioner do once the medical examination is complete?

Answer 13

• seals and labels all samples with the victims name, date and time they were taken and places them in the MEK.
• bags, seals and labels any clothing item removed during the examination

Question 14

What should be debriefed with the practitioner before the MEK is sealed?

Answer 14

DE PINE

• identify any significant DISCLOSURES made by the victim which may be useful in a police investigation or in the case of under 18 will need to notify Oranga Tamariki
• verbally summarise the EXHIBITS and their significance in the investigation
• advise if any PHOTOGRAPHS have been taken
• identify any INJURIES that should be photographed
• advise of any immediate NEEDS of the victim
• identify and forensic items that will need to be sent to ESR as soon as possible