Chapter 1 : Rape

Question 1

According to the laws of Zambia (Chapter 87: Penal code). What is rape ?

Answer 1

Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman/girl without her consent/ with her consent given that this consent is obtained by force or means of threats or intimidation of any kind or by fear of bodily harm, or by means of false representations as to the nature of the act,or in the case of a married woman, by impersonating her husband, is guilty of the felony termed rape.

Question 2

What is the punishment for rape in Zambia?

Answer 2

Any person who commits rape is liable to imprisonment for life.

Attempted rape = imprisonment for life

Question 3

What is carnal knowledge ?

Answer 3

Sexual intercourse.

Question 4

What is sexual intercourse ?

Answer 4

The act of sexual intercourse is sex between individuals involving the penetration /insertion of a mans penis (erect) into a woman’s Vagina typically culminating in orgasm /ejaculation of semen.

Question 5

Three (03) elements are necessary for rape :

Answer 5

1. Carnal knowledge
2. Force
3. Commission without consent

Question 6

What is the first step in dealing with a victim of rape ?

Answer 6

1. Police report should be obtained before any medical intervention

Question 7

What are some necessary steps in caring for a rape victim ?

Answer 7

1. Police report obtained.
2. Patient is counselled ( hx is obtained on what transpired and wether she was under any drug influence, including alcohol). Did the patient bath/douche/defecate after incident
3. Patient is counselled on chances of falling pregnant/ exposure to STDs and HIV.
4. Physical exam is done noting : bite marks, bruising, torn clothing, swabbing is taken on any part of body the offender may have licked.

High vaginal swab is taken for semen pick up (use dry Speculum), sample is taken to Food/drug lab.

Offer patient HIV and pregnancy test. Offer PEP (If negative for HIV), offer an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.