SEXUAL ABUSE

HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

EXAMINATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE CASES:
NEED OF THE HOUR
EXAMINATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE CASES:
NEED OF THE HOUR
 EXAMINATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE CASES:
NEED OF THE HOUR
 Proper investigations and evidences are important to prove the
crime beyond doubt to enable the law dispensing agencies to
punish the culprits.
 Statistics say that many are getting acquitted because of lack of
authenticity in medical examination of victim’s report by a
Medical Officer.
 Getting updated to the recent amendment, law and protocol is a
must for doctors who are the expert witness in sexual violence
cases.
 TYPES OF SEXUAL OFFENCES
 Recent sexual violence
 Past history of sexual violence

 Pregnancy due to sexual violence

 False acquisition of sexual violence

EXAMINATION OF SEXUAL OFFENCE CASES
 MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND
REPORTING FOR SEXUAL VIOLENCE
1. Initial resuscitation/ first Aid
2. Informed consent for examination, evidence collection, police procedures
3. Detailed History taking
4. Medical Examination
5. Age Estimation (physical/dental/radiological) – if requested by the
investigating agency.
6. Evidence Collection as per the protocol
7. Documentation
8. Packing, sealing and handing over the collected evidence to police
9. Treatment of Injuries
10. Testing/prophylaxis for STIs, HIV, Hepatitis B and Pregnancy
11. Psychological support & counseling
12. Referral for further help (shelter, legal support)
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE RESPONSE TO SEXUAL
VIOLENCE AND MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ALL CASES:
CONSENT
OPINION
 The issue of whether an incident of rape/sexual assault
occurred is a legal issue and not a medical diagnosis.
 Consequently, doctors should not, on the basis of the
medical examination conclude whether rape/sexual
assault had occurred or not.
 Only findings in relation to medical findings should be
recorded in the medical report.
OPINION
 Drafting of provisional opinion should be done
immediately after examination of the survivor on the
basis of history and findings of detailed clinical
examination of the survivor.
 It should be always kept in mind that normal
examination findings neither refute nor confirm sexual
violence. Hence circumstantial/other evidence may
please be taken into consideration.
CASE REPORTS
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
 Be a Doctor within your limits
 Don’t give room for sentiments

 Give care and importance

“If we begin with certainties,
we will end in doubts,
If we begin with doubts
and are patient in them,
We shall end in certainties”