ASA Flashcards
ASA policy applies to which age group?
Over 18 years of age at the time of reporting
List the 9 initial action steps for ASA case
VVOOAASSD
Victim details
Victims safety and immediate health needs
Offender location
Offender description
Advise specialist support
Ascertain nature of offence - prelim
Secure witnesses/suspect(s)
Scene preservation and exhibits
Determine immediate action required
What is the primary purpose of the medical exam
The wellbeing and safety of the victim
List the 4 points you would cover with a victim to explain the medical forensic exam procedure
Exam will be conducted by a specially trained medical forensic practitioner
benefits of exam - physical, sexual, metal health and apprehension of offender
expected time of examination - couple of hours
whether they are concerned with the gender of the medical practitioner
Name 6 pieces of information to give the doctor prior to the examination
gender and age of the victim
where the assault occurred
brief outline of circumstances and injuries
whether drugs or alcohol was involved
victims wishes re gender of doctor
discuss if child medical is more suitable
What 5 things should be included in debrief with the doctor after the medical
The immediate needs of the victim
verbally summarise the exhibits
ID items for sending to ESR
ID injuries requiring photographing (non-intimate)
ID any significant disclosures
What are the 3 pieces of feedback to give the victim
specialist support services available
info about police investigation process
realistic expectations about timings
What is a prelim interview
brief outline of the facts
an assessment of the safety of the victim and public
assessment of urgent investigation needs - medical exam, scene, suspect, evidence
What is the purpose of a prelim interview
an understanding of what has occurred and determine;
what further investigation actions are necessary
whether an offence may have occurred
whether the victim wishes to make a complaint
What should you consider after a prelim interview of an ASA victim?
PIISN
Public safety, likelihood of similar offending
ID and locating witnesses
ID and apprehension of suspect
Securing any crime scene
Need to secure/preserve fragile or diminishing evidence
Explain the three ASA timings
Acute - 1 to 7 days
non-acute - 7 days to 6 months
historical - 6 months +
What 7 things should you advise acute victims to not do
eat or drink
bite fingernails
smoke
brush hair or teeth
change clothes
shower/wash
going to the toilet - if they need to collect in container
A sexual assault medical forensic practitioner’s role is to
PPPRR
primary medical care
provide examination reports
provide unbiased evidence in court
retrieve forensic medical evidence
refer victims to follow up medical care
When interacting with ASA victims what 7 actions should you take to provide a safe and secure environment
Conduct dealings in a sensitive and concerned manner
Accept they are telling the truth unless proven otherwise
Listen to what they are telling you
medical attention
treat them courteously
explain the process you are following
advise them of local counselling services
12 steps of ASAI
ICS PIM FIR PFP
Initial action to contact
Case referral
Specialist support
prelim interview
information feedback
medical examination
formal interview
investigation and evidence assessment
resolutions
prosecutions
final actions
prevention
List 5 police responsibilities to victims and their rights
obligations under VRA 2002 met and record contacts
kept updated/informed of investigation outcome
given info about progress of investigation within 21 days
ensure property returned promptly to victim
when offender arrested/charged s29 victim notifications register
What is the front counter immediate action
move victim to a place of safety, privacy, comfort and evidentially neutral.
