Sexual assault

When responding to a sexual assault situation, consider the following guidelines:

		First at the scene
		Medical examination
		Follow-up

First at the scene (Sexual assault)

1. Treat the victim with courtesy.
2. Contain and preserve the scene.
3. Maintain continuity of evidence:
• the victim should not wash
4. Interview the victim:
   • by the same sex officer if possible
   • record the details of the offence
   • record the description of the suspect
   • record the victim's physical and emotional condition
5. Consider trace evidence at the scene such as fires, bedding, tissues.

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Medical examination (Sexual assault)

If the sexual assault was recent, accompany the victim to the hospital or sexual assault centre for a medical examination to obtain evidence.

1. No examination without the consent of the victim.
2. Instruct the victim:
   • to bring a change of clothes
   • to wait until after the examination to wash and change clothes
3. The victim may bring a support person.
4. The support person:
   • may be asked to leave
   • must not interfere with the investigation
   • may have to testify in court
   • should keep notes of what they saw and heard
5. Examination by a qualified physician.
6. Document the victim's physical and emotional condition.
7. Ensure continuity of the evidence.

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Follow-up (Sexual assault)

1. Make arrangements to have the victim transported from the hospital.
2. Refer the victim to community support services.
3. The same officer should contact the victim for all follow-up.

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