Forensic Examination

Transcription

1 Forensic Examination _

2 _ 4 purposes of forensic evidence To identify the assailant To confirm recent sexual contact To establish force or threat To corroborate the victim s story

3 When to obtain a forensic examination? If the sexual assault occurred with 72 hours Beyond 72 hours if the victim reports: pain or bleeding an unusual amount of force ejaculation without cleanup _

4 Explain to the victim: The importance of forensic evidence The need to collect evidence quickly That the cost of the exam will be covered The process of evidence collection The role of various professionals What to expect from police That clothing may be collected That the victim s name will not be released The extent of confidentiality in communications The right to refuse to cooperate _

5 _ Components of a forensic exam Medical care for injuries Comprehensive medical interview Collection of forensic evidence Evaluation/treatment for STD s Evaluation/treatment for pregnancy Crisis intervention/referrals

6 Types of forensic evidence DNA Hair Seminal Fluid Clothing Saliva Blood Urine Non-biological evidence _

7 Non-genital injury evidence: Upper leg/thigh bruising Neck bruising from choking Common types Punch bruising to the upper arm Defensive posturing injuries to the outer side of the arms Whip or cord like injuries to the back Punch/bite injuries to the breasts/nipples Punch injuries to the abdomen Punch/kick injuries to the thighs Facial bruising, abrasions, lacerations _

8 Genital trauma evidence: Common sites posterior fourchette labia minora hymen fossa navicularis anus cervix vagina perineum periurethral area labia majora rectum _

9 Genital trauma evidence: Common sites posterior fourchette (70%) labia minora (53%) hymen (29%) fossa navicularis (25%) anus (15%) cervix (13%) vagina (11%) perineum (11%) periurethral area (9%) labia majora (7%) rectum (4%) _

10 Reasons for genital trauma: Lack of human sexual response Lack of (victim) pelvic tilt for penetration Lack of partner assistance with penetration Lack of lubrication Lack of relaxation Increased force of penetration Male sexual dysfunction Lack of communication _

11 _ Medical components of the sexual assault exam Evaluation/treatment of STD s Evaluation/treatment of HIV Evaluation/treatment of pregnancy Crisis intervention/referrals

12 _ Forensic evidence from the suspect exam Types of evidence to be collected Policies and procedures

13 _ Assessment of forensic evidence: Physical findings Any injury sustained during the assault Subjective tenderness described by victim Stains or substances detected with a Wood s lamp Trace evidence collected Detection of sperm or ACP indicating seminal fluid

14 Assessment of forensic evidence What CAN be concluded recent sexual contact recent trauma consistency between findings and victim s account of events What CANNOT be concluded validity of the claim diagnosis of rape degree of force presence of consent _