PROGRESS TEST 4

Question 1

It is important to preserve trace evidence in sexual assault cases. List 4 things that victims should refrain from (where possible) before a medical examination

Answer 1

Remind the victim:

• Not to eat or drink
• No going to the toilet (if necessary, 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 2

List the points that you would cover with a victim to explain forensic examination procedure.

Answer 2

Explain to the victim:

• 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:
  i) the potential benefit to their physical, sexual and mental health.
  ii) 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.

Question 3

When interacting with victims of sexual offences, what actions should you take to provide a safe and secure environment in which they may regain some control in their lives?

Answer 3

CALM TEA

• Conduct your dealings in a sensitive and concerned manner.
• Accept they are telling the truth until/unless proven otherwise.
• Listen to what they have to say (even if it is to vent).
• Medical attention (if required)
• Treat them courteously.
• Explain the process you are following and why you need to ask them certain questions.
• Advise them of the local counselling services available

Question 4

List the 3 areas to consider when determining “seriousness of physical abuse”?

Answer 4

• The action of the abuse
• The injury inflicted AND
• The circumstances (factors of the case)

Question 5

List 4 Police responsibilities to victims and their rights.

Answer 5

• All obligations under Victims Right 2002 must be met and all victim contacts recorded.
• Victims must be given information about the progress of their investigation within 21 days.
• Victims must be kept updated and informed of the outcome of the investigation, including further lines of enquiry or reason for charges not being filed.
• As soon as the offender is arrested and charged Police must determine whether it is a S29 offence. If so, victim must be informed of their rights to register on the Victim Notification System.
• Victims must be informed of the outcome of the case and case closure. Ensure any property belonging to the victim is returned promptly.

Question 6

Define “child abuse” as outlined in the CYPF Act 1989

Answer 6

Defined:
- Harming (whether physical, emotionally or sexually), ill treatment, abuse, neglect or deprivation of any child or young person.

Question 7

In relation to child abuse investigation, define what the term “Child-Centred Timeframes” means.

Answer 7

The younger the child, the more vulnerable they are and therefore require a quicker response.

Ex - A 5-year-old child, a week is a very long time for an event to be recalled HOWEVER a 16-year-old young person would have no issues recalling an event several weeks later.