ASAI

Question 1

Timing of the complaint, 3 different types

Answer 1

Acute - Within 7 days of sexual assault

Non-acute - At 7 or more days after the sexual assault but before 6 months

Historic - After 6 months

Question 2

What should a victim refrain from doing in acute cases before medical exam?

Answer 2

• Eating or drinking
• Going to the toilet
• Washing or showering
• Changing clothing
• Smoking

If perp unknown, wrap victims in a sterile sheet

Question 3

Primary and secondary objective of medical exam

Answer 3

primary - victims physical, sexual and mental health and safety

secondary - opportunity to collect trace evidence to support investigation

Question 4

What to explain to victim before med exam

Answer 4

• That the exam will be conducted by a medical forensic practitioner specially trained in examining individuals who have been sexually assaulted
• has potential health benefits and can help Police apprehend offender
• The expected duration of the examination

Question 5

What to advise medical forensic practitioner before exam

Answer 5

• age and gender of victim
• when assault occurred
• outline of info so far, whether drugs may be involved, victim injuries, level of intoxication