Sexual Assault Investigations Flashcards
List points that you cover with victim explaining medical exam
That exam conducted by medical forensic practitioner specially trained in ASA
Benefits to exam : physical sexual mental health and can assist with evidence to apprehend
Expected time frame for MEK n outcomes
Any concerns bout gender?
When interacting with victims what actions do you take to provide a safe secure environment to regain control of their lives
Conduct dealings sensitively Accept they're telling truth Listen Require medical attention ? Treat courteously Explain process Advise counseling
List three areas to consider when determine serious of physical abuse
Does it meet threshold for cpt referral?
The action of the abuse
The injury inflicted
The circumstances of case
List four police responsibilities to victims rights
All obligations under v r a must be met n contact recorded
Given info about progress of investigation within 21 days
Kept updated informed of outcomes investigation incl no further action enquiries or reason for charges not filled
ASAP after k9 determine if s29 applies n if so rights to register and info provided
Informed of outcome of case n property returned
Define serious child abuse
Sexual abuse
Serious physical a
Serious willful neglect
Serious family vilence where child witnes
All allegations involving Cyrus worker or carers or police
What’s child timeframes for cpt investigations
Timeframes relevant to child’s age n cognitive development the younger the child the more vulnerable therfore quicker response
24hrs for very urgent n critical
7days for urgent
List four ways victims refrain from interfering with trace evidence before a medical
No eating drinking
No toilet else capture it
No washing showering
No washing biting hands nails
12steps to an investigation
Initial action Case referral Specialist support Prelim interview Info feedback MEK Formal interview Investigating n evidence assessment Resolution options Prosecution Final actions record keeping Preventative opportunities n responses
Define a victim
1) Person against whom offence committed
2) And suffers phy injury, loss, damage to property 3) and a parent guardian of person in 1)
Also member of immediate family who has family dies or left incapable from offending
Who does ASA apply to
Person above 17yrs n sexual complaint
Explain s194
Assault on child person 14yrs less liable 2yrs I
Explain s195
Ill treatment neglect child (-18) or vulnerable adult
1) 10yr I intentionally engages or omits legal duty causing suffering injury mental disability or health or major departure of care expected
Explain s195A
10yr I person who knows of ill treatment in s195 n frequents place n doesn’t take steps to prevent
3) unless they’re under 18yr
What’s initial action investigation
Ensure privacy safety get brief on case what’s to be done n details offender n location n scenes get spare clothing n sort immediate issues like childcare preserve scene n evidence
What do you tell to CIB at referral
Pass notebook detailed n exhibits collected n toxicology if gone toilet n acute what’s been done n to be done
What does support person do
Be with victim thru interviews n court n informing of outcomes or important stages like prosecution decisions n support after with recovery n medical
Get ASAP n contact yourself even if v says no
What occurs at prelim interview
You determine
What further initial actions required
If offence occurred
If formal complaint
What occurs after prelim interview
Reassess investigation Further investigation procedure Public safety from serial offender Secure preserve fragile exhibits Secure contain scene Identify witness n suspect Photogr victim Examine clothing n package exhibit Get support
What occurs at info feedback
I for update which is very important
Infor update continual
Advice bout sexual support
Timings of initial actions n medical n interviews prelim n formal n court process timings n exhibits taken
Clarify victim expectations
Get their comment bout DSAC gender n interviewer n support person n ASA Investigator
If Investigation n prosecution continues or not if its withdrawn or has lack of evidence to continue
Support before these are explained
What to consider before medical
1st priority is victim wellbeing safety sexual n mental health
2nd evidence
Use sexual abuse assessment treatment service
If acute contact DR a sap prefer 24hrs
Non acute use saats for bruising n sexual health
Historic use saats
What’s required before medical
Explain its done by qualified DR n benefits n duration of exam n gender preferred
Contact DSAC advise
Age n gender n timeframes drugs n alcohol n injuries n health
Dr will decide timing n approach to meet victim needs
Arrange travel n venue support n toxicology kits if used for early evidence capture n new one with MEK kit
What happens at exam
Ensure no contamination kits not expired provide DR with case info
What happens after exam
DR seals kits labels samples n exhibits clothing
What happens before kits sealed
Debrief to police give immediate needs of victim if photos required summary of findings exhibit significance identify forensic items for ESR n any disclosures made by victim
What happens after sealing
DSAC seals with police
Gives MEK n toxicology n clothing n paperwork
Police send ESR away plus exhibits they may have
Does a followup medical need to be done
Yes for bruising
Can saats hold MEK
Yes if victim hasn’t reported to police yet they can hold MEK up to 26wks
What happens at for,al interview
It’s a critical step in evidence
Alternate means of presenting evidence explained
If there’s a recent complaint (who the victim told first) this should be done formally
