NCJ Number
190859
Journal
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 93-98
Date Published
June 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article reviewed rape laws, punishments, victim treatment, and associated legal proceedings in Asia.
Abstract
Even though the legal definition of rape and procedural laws have been amended in many countries, rape remains a serious problem in both developed and developing nations. In some countries rape carries severe punishment, sometimes even the death sentence. In many jurisdictions, the term "sexual penetration" is being used instead of "sexual intercourse." Sexual penetration includes sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or any other intrusions involving [insertion of] any part of a human body or of any object into the genital or anal opening of a person's body. In many countries rape and other sexual offenses have been replaced with a series of gender neutral and graded offenses with appropriate punishments. Medical examination can provide independent, scientific, corroborative evidence that may be of value to the court in arriving at a judgment. Doctors should have a clear understanding of different rape laws in order to appreciate the various issues involved. Special knowledge, skill, and experience are essential to conduct a good-quality medical examination. There is a dearth of trained forensic physicians in many Asian countries. However, the article stated that managing a rape victim goes far beyond proving the case in a court of law. There should be an adequate rehabilitation program available to the victims to help them cope. References