NCJ Number
121268
Date Published
Unknown
Length
34 pages
Annotation
These recommended procedures for the emergency treatment of sexual assault victims are intended to assist Michigan hospitals to minimize the physical and psychological trauma to sexual assault victims, to maximize the probability of collecting and preserving the physical evidence for potential use in the legal system, and to address issues of current controversy surrounding the collection of medical and physical evidence in such cases.
Abstract
The procedures presented cover the protocol for adult sexual assault victims. General information addresses the importance of sensitivity to victim needs, with attention to the special needs of the elderly victim, the disabled victim, and the male victim. After outlining the initial law enforcement response, the treatment plan is described. It encompasses facility, transfer, intake, reporting, support personnel, and victim/patient consent for examination and treatment. The protocol for the evidentiary and medical examinations addresses attending personnel and procedures. Aspects of evidence collection documentation discussed are packaging, preserving the integrity of evidence, the importance of spermatozoa and semen, clothing evidence, swabs and smears, bitemark and hair evidence, and whole blood and saliva specimens. Other procedures pertain to medical examination documentation, release of evidence, and post-examination information. Information is provided on sexually transmitted diseases. Appended forms and contents of rape evidence kit.