Initial Action

Question 1

What should your initial action be directed towards at a sexual offence?

Answer 1

FREEZE/CONTROL/PRESERVE
Obtain brief information
Instructions for victim:
*Refrain from:
eating or drinking
going to the toilet (if necessary use a toxicology kit to capture urine and ask female victims not to wipe)
Washing or showering
Washing their hands or biting their fingernails.

Question 2

What is corroboration?

Answer 2

Any evidence that is independent in nature and which tends to prove or strengthen the interference that the accused person was connected to the crime.

Question 3

Under the heading of Medical Examination, what are the things that you must ensure the victim does not do?

Answer 3

DO NOT:
shower or wash
change clothes
go to the toilet
bite fingernails/wash hands
change appearance e.g. comb hair, apply makeup, use unnecessary medical aid such as ointments
Go back to the scene until examination and clothing changed
Go near suspect or ride in same police vehicle

Question 4

What sort of evidence is gathered to support a case of sexual assault?

Answer 4

Exhibits
Scene examination
Forensic evidence
Offenders admissions or explanations
Physical or mental state of the victim
Witnesses
Physical description or injuries to the offender

Question 5

When dealing with the victim of a sexual offence, you should:

Answer 5

CALM TEA
Conduct your dealings in a sensitive and concerned manner
Accept they are telling the truth until there is evidence to prove the contrary
Listen to what they tell you, giving them an opportunity to tell their account in their words, even just to vent their feelings.
establishing whether they need Medical attention
Treat them courteously
Explain the process you are following and why you need to follow that process

Question 6

What are the key principles when dealing with sexual assault investigations?

Answer 6

1) the victims well-being and safety is paramount
2) Police do not work in isolation with adult victims as they are referred to a specialist group agency and children to CYF.
3) Sexual abuse and child abuse are serious criminal acts and offenders should be held accountable
4) Good communication and consultation with the victim, partner agencies, ASA and child abuse investigations enhances the victims co-operation
5) police will protect the privacy of the victims as far as possible during ASA and child abuse investigations.