ASA

Question 1

What are the two priorities of an ASA investigation?

Answer 1

• undertaking the investigation as quickly as possible, and
• meeting the complainant’s physical and emotional needs.

Question 2

List 4 police responsibilities to victims and their rights

Answer 2

Victims must-
* have all obligations under the victims rights act 2002 met and all victim contact recorded
* Be given information about the progress of the investigation withing 21 days
* Be kept updated and informed of the investigation (Once a month), including no further avenues of enquiry or the reason the charge isn’t being laid
* Be updated as soon as the offender is arrested and charged. Must identify if it is a s29 offences. If so, the victim must be informed of their right to register on the Victim Notification Register.
* Be informed on the outcome of the case and the case closure. Ensure any property is returned to the victim.

Question 3

CALM TEA

When interacting with Victims of sexual offences, what actions should yopu take to provide a safe and secure environment?

Answer 3

C - Conduct dealings in sensitive and concerned manner
A - Accept they are telling the truth until there is evidence of the contrary
L - Listen to what they have to say, allow them to give their own account, even if it is just to vent feelings
M - Establish whether they need to be taken for a Medical Examination
T - Treat them courteously
E - Explain the processes you are a following and why you are following them, explain why you need to ask certain questions
A - Advise them of available counselling services

Question 4

List four things that victims should refrain from (Where possible) before a medical examination?

Answer 4

• No eating or drinking
• No going to the toilet (If neccessary, use a toxicology kit to capture urine and ask the female victim not to wipe)
• No washing or showering
• No washing of hands or biting fingernails

Question 5

List the points you would cover with a victim in relation to a medical forensic examination procedure

Answer 5

• that the examination will be conducted by a medical forensic practitioner specially trained in examining victims of sexual assault
• the benefits of a full medical forensic examination including:
  o the potential benefit to their physical, sexual and mental health
  o how the examination can help Police obtain evidence to apprehend the offender
• the expected time for the examination and, if appropriate, possible outcomes of the examination.

Ask the victim in they have any concerns around the gender of the practitioner conducting the examination and do your best to accomodate their wishes

Question 6

What age does ASAI apply to?

Answer 6

Where the victim is 18 years or over at the time of making the complaint.

Question 7

Specially trained Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Practioners role is to?

Answer 7

*Primary medical care
*Retrieve forensic medical evidence
*Referring victims to follow up medical care
*Provide examination reports to Police/ Prosecutors
*Providing unbiased expert evidence in Court

Question 8

What should you tell a medical forensic practitioner about the victim for a ASA case?

Answer 8

• Age and gender
• Where the assault occurred
• Brief outline of information
• Victims wishes on gender of Dr
  This will allow the best timing and approach for the exam and how best to meet the victims needs

Question 9

What do you do on Initial Actions for a ASA case?

Answer 9

• Ascertain if the matter is of a sexual nature
• Determine what immediate actions are required
• Victims details
• Brief circumstances, scene location, offender desc
• Ensure victims safety and immediate health looked after
• Consider other needs such child care
• Secure witnesses and or suspects
• Preserve the crime scene
• Other actions required.

Question 10

What are the three time periods in relation to ASA?

Answer 10

Acute - Within 7 days
Non-acute - 7 days to 6 months
Historic - 6+ months