Forensic Sexual Assault Examinations

Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations Forensic Examinations of Sexual Assaults Forensics is often associated with murder, but it can play a crucial role in solving sexual assault cases as well. Forensic evidence is often left in sexual assault cases, making it easily traceable and recordable in order to pursue a case in court against a perpetrator. Sexual Assault cases need special attention and care because of the extreme intimate nature of the crime and the need to provide justice for the victim.

There are specific criteria for the protocol of examining and investigating a sexual assault that must be followed in order to ensure the preservation of any potential evidence. The following report discusses this protocol from a medical and investigative perspective. Discussion There are very specific national and state guidelines for the investigative purposes revolving cases of sexual assault. Forensic specialists and medical examiners must adhere to these strict guidelines in order to treat sexual assault evidence as carefully as any other type of violent crime.

Thus, forensic examiners must "promote high-quality, sensitive, and supportive exams for all victims, regardless of jurisdiction and geographical location of service provision" (DNA Initiative, 2013, 12). There is a strict standardization in regards to exams and documentations in order to ensure that evidence remains valid in court. As the research suggests "Preserving DNA evidence can be key to identifying the perpetrator in a sexual assault case, especially those in which the offender is a stranger.

DNA evidence is an integral part of a law enforcement investigation that can build a strong case to show that a sexual assault occurred and to show that the defendant is the source of biological material left on the victim's body" (RAINN, 2013). Examinations are curial for providing evidence to court. As such, it is important to act quickly. It is true that "you could lose evidence waiting" (Associated Press, 2014). Yet, sometimes there are only a certain number of certified forensic professionals which can take on cases.

This has prompted change in states like Louisiana to start training emergency nurses in the process of forensic handling of sexual assault cases. According to the research, "Hearts of Hope began the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program to alleviate what was often an hours-long wait for an exam and the potential loss of critical evidence, or prevent a patient from leaving the emergency room before treatment" (Associated Press, 2014). The examination process is key to creating a good case.

The very first concern from a medical perspective is to address any initial medical concerns of the victim, meaning treating any injuries and stabilizing the victim. Any treatment for physical injury must be taken care of before the collection of evidence can commence. All injuries needed to be detailed thoroughly in the forensic report. This includes photographing any injuries to include in the report as well, with clear markers like rulers used to show depth.

According to the research, "toluidine blue dye can be used to help examiner visualize small cuts and abrasions on genital areas. The dye does stain and should only be used when examiner finds it necessary," (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2013, 3). When there are enough inferences to suggest that there was a certain type of drug or illicit substance, a blood and urine sample must be gathered as soon as possible in order to be able to detect anything abnormal within the victim's system (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2013).

In the case of potential oral assault, swaps of the mouth are also necessary. All swabs used in the investigation need to be completely sterilized. This includes both vaginal swabs and cervical swabs, which aim to collect any evidence of sperm or other liquids presence in the body. Pubic hairs can be plucked, with hair only being cut if there is the matted material in a larger chunk of hair.

Additionally, "fingernail scrapings can be taken by moistening a sterile swab and gently rolling the swab under each finger, which individual swabs used for the right and left hands, which are then placed in separate evidence bags" (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2013, 3). Nothing can be overlooked in regards to the physical examination in order to provide the most conclusive evidence in court. After the most important processes of the investigation, the victim should be immediately treated for various STI and sexual trauma-related symptoms.

According to the research, it is crucial for the examiner to "discuss and provide STI treatment and prophylaxis as well as emergency contraception after thorough examination and understanding of medical history and per accepted standards of care (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2013, 2). It is also necessary to make any follow up appointments with the victim or suggest them to go to their primary physician or gynecologist in order to best prevent any injuries from getting worse.

At any time, the victim does have the right to deny any exams in order to collect evidence. It is highly recommended by medical professionals and law enforcement, but is not requirement for the victim to agree. In fact, the examiner must get the written consent before commencing in the exam, with special regards to the parental acceptance of the exams of minors (DNA Initiative, 2013).

Thus, it is important for both law enforcement and forensic specialists to treat the examination with a sense of dignity and establish a level of trust so that the victim feels comfortable enough to allow the process of the investigation. Counseling services should be offered in order to best work with victims who might be too shy or ashamed of what might have happened to them.

Sexual assault does have serious psychological ramifications as well, which means that victims may need special services in order to stabilize them enough in order to proceed with the investigation (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2014). In order to also help encourage victims with go through with a forensic exam, it is often taken care financially by the state, so that there is no cost to the victim (DNA Initiative, 2013).

Advocates are also allowed for the duration of the exam in order to best provide for the well being of the victim. It is them important for examiners to take thorough information regarding the case. This means both talking with the victim and recording the victim's story, but also an examination of any clothing or other material which could bring forth evidence that could then be used to establish a case. Evidence can then be gathered off clothing.

The smallest particles and traces must be uncovered from items of clothing that may have come into contact of any fluid which would serve as evidence of the assault. If ever in lack of an appropriate container, the examiner must use the pharmaceutical fold, which sufficiently secures the evidence taken from the.