Adult Sexual Assault Flashcards
Definition of Adult
A person aged 17 years or older at the time of reporting the sexual assault
Definition of ASA investigator
An employee who has completed the specialist ASA investigators course and/or has completed the CIB Selection & Induction Course.
Definition of Sexual Assault
Includes but is not limited to:
- sexual violation by rape or unlawful sexual connection
- indecent assault
- any form of unwanted or coercive touching or actions of a sexual nature or in circumstances of indecency.
- any sexual abuse or exploitation by way of coercion, deceit, power of authority or mistaken belief
- incest
Key process points - ASA investigation
- Initial actions on contact
- case referral
- Providing specialist support
- Preliminary interview
- Information feedback
- Medical examination
- Formal interview
- Investigation & evidence assessment
- Resolution options
- Prosecution
- Final actions and record keeping
- Preventative opportunities and responsibilities.
Purpose of preliminary Interview
Is necessary to gain a better understanding of what has occurred and to determine:
- what further investigative actions are necessary
- whether an offence may have occurred
- whether the victim wishes to make a formal statement
Actions after a Prelim
- Reassess the investigation & consider further investigative procedures are necessary e.g. public safety, preserve evidence
- Consider a photograph of the victim e.g. CCTV footage
- If victim’s clothing is required
- Ensure victim is advised of specialist services.
Information to be provided to victim
- Sexual assault support services available to them
- Police investigation process
- Clarify victim’s expectations on reporting
- Clarify victim’s needs regarding investigator, interviewer, doctor, support staff
- Provide progress reports
- Most eligible for section 29
- Talk with victim about continuation of the complaint.
- Explain and discuss decisions not to proceed.
Primary objective of Medical
The victim’s physical, sexual and mental health.
Secondary is collect trace evidence.
Timings of Medical exams
Acute - 1-7 days - Should be conducted within 24 hours
Non-acute - 7days - 6 months
Historic - more than 6 months
Procedures prior to Medical
- Explain the process to the victim
- Contact the medical forensic practitioner on call
- Arrange a time with medical practitioner
- Seek a specialist support worker
- Use toxicology kits - remember initial actions if case is acute
- Arrange for a change of clothing for the victim
- Take a MEK
- Ensure officer attending has all the relevant info
Procedures after a Medical
- Ensure medical examiner has not had contact with suspect
- Officer provides all info to examiner
- After exam, practitioner seals and labels all samples
- Prior to sealing exhibit bags the officer debriefs with the practitioner.
- Practitioner seals the kits in officer presence and hands to Police.
- Police secure in refrigerator
- Police collect and preserve clothing worn by victim
