NCJ Number
109228
Editor(s)
D Bellinger
Date Published
1986
Length
156 pages
Annotation
This manual provides guidelines for all medical, law enforcement, legal, and social service agencies in Minnesota who handle victims of sexual assault including rape, same-sex assault, child sexual abuse, and incest.
Abstract
The first chapter addresses law enforcement investigations, with attention to situations that officers are likely to confront when investigating sexual assault, various officers' duties, evidence required, and collection techniques. Guidelines for medical personnel review pre-examination considerations such as the victim's immediate needs, consent forms, confidentiality, and release of evidence. Also discussed are the responsibilities of hospital personnel and specifics involved in examining and treating the victim. The chapter on counseling focuses on the victim's response, his or her feelings, and the counselor's role. After summarizing the Minnesota Criminal Sexual Conduct Law, the manual explains the court process and presents principles that should govern the prosecution of sexual assault cases. The prosecuting attorney's role is examined. The chapter on the child victim summarizes behavioral clues for child sexual abuse and presents guidelines for police interviews, medical examinations, counseling, and reporting child sexual abuse. Bibliography and glossaries.