ASAI - Key Policies and Principals

Question 1

How should involved parties be treated?

Answer 1

Must be treated with respect . Their well-being and safety is paramount and police should protect their privacy as best as possible.

Question 2

What should victims be offered?

Answer 2

Specialist sexual assault support and be encouraged to have specialist support available to them throughout the investigation.

Question 3

What are the police responsible for?

Answer 3

• Conducting the criminal investigation and prosecution process
• Investigating reported complaints and prosecuting when evidence is available in accordance with the solicitor generals prosecution guidelines
• Co-coordinating support for the victims and working cooperatively with the individuals/groups providing that support
• Provide advice and feedback to victims/families so they are informed and understand the process and can actively engage in the investigation while making informed choices.

Question 4

What are the specialist sexual assault support groups responsible for?

Answer 4

• ensuring the victim receives support throughout the investigation
• offering/providing the victim ongoing support throughout counselling/therapy
• Provide info to victim about the investigation and their legal rights
• provide a link between police and victim where required
• Referrals to other agencies where required
• if specialist sexual assault support agencies unavailable then should be referred to victim support who will make later referral.

Question 5

What are the responsibilities of a specially trained medical forensic practitioner?

Answer 5

• Providing primary medical care as well as the forensic and specific care required in sexual assault examinations
• retrieving forensic medical evidence
• providing examination reports to police and criminal prosecutions where necessary
• referring victims for follow up medical care as appropriate
• providing unbiased expert evidence to assist courts to interpret examination findings.

Question 6

What are the key process points?

Answer 6

• Initial action on contact
• Case Referral
• Providing Specialist Support
• Preliminary Interview
• Information Feedback
• Medical Examination
• Formal Interview
• Investigation and evidence assessment
• Resolution Options
• Prosecution
• Final actions and record keeping
• Prevention opportunities and responsibilities