| In order to preserve
the evidence for court, the doctor will perform different tests. The
nurse or doctor will perform some or all of the following during the
examination: |
|
|
scrape under fingernails;
|
|
|
take samples of head
and pubic hair; |
|
|
take blood samples;
|
|
|
take vaginal and
anal swabs; |
|
|
take vaginal swabs,
looking for sexually transmitted diseases; |
|
|
look for injuries;
|
|
|
collect clothing.
|
|
| Each sample is carefully
sealed, labeled and sent to labs for tests. The forensic tests may
help to: |
|
|
determine the time
of the assault; |
|
|
identify the accused
; |
|
|
provide evidence
of the amount of force used during the assault. |
|
| The police may also
want to take pictures of your injuries. The pictures are very important
because after the wounds have healed the evidence is still visible
in the pictures. |
|
| The
following pages in this section include a sample page of the Sexual
Assault Evidence Kit. |
|
|
Preamble: Reactions to sexual
assault vary widely and the examination may be difficult for the
patient. In all cases the patient must be respected and parts of
the examination may have to be omitted or deferred unless medically
indicated. Note that a lack of physical evidence neither confirms
nor refutes a recent sexual assault. Once the kit is open, never
leave evidence unattended.
The Sexual Assault Evidence
Kit is provided to document the collection of physical evidence
that may assist in the investigation of a sexual assault. Urgent
medical needs must always take priority. Documents related to medical
history and treatment are not to be returned with completed kit
and should be kept as part of separate hospital records.
|
|
| KIT
IS ONLY TO BE USED WHEN: |
|
1.
|
The patient/guardian
gives informed consent and; |
|
2.
|
The assault is being
reported to the Police or; |
|
3.
|
The patient is undecided
whether or not to report the assault to the Police. (Swabs must be
air-dried, kit sealed, seal number recorded and kit refrigerated up
to 6 months.) |
|
| TIME
GUIDELINES: |
| The most useful physical
evidence is collected within 24 hours of the assault. However, useful
evidence can be found up to 48 hours after an assault. In prepubertal
children, use the kit only if the assault has occurred within 24 hours.
(For abuse or assaults over the 24 hours, refer to the hospital's
child abuse form or see the Ontario Hospital Association Manual.)
In adults, the following may be requested even though 48 hours have
elapsed: |
|
|
1.
|
Blood and saliva
samples for grouping; |
|
2.
|
Head and pubic hair
samples for comparison; |
|
3.
|
Clothing worn at
time of assault; |
|
4.
|
Documentation of
injuries. |
|
| NOTE:
Consider use of Nonoxynol-9 (ie.
Delfen Foam) 1 applicator per vagina or rectum. Some sources suggest
(no confirmed data to date, Jan. 1990) that its use as soon as possible,
post-assault, may prevent HIV transmission. If Nonoxynol-9 used, collect
underwear as evidence prior to spermicide insertion. |
|
DISTRIBUTION
OF FORMS:
|
| HOSPITAL
WILL RETAIN: |
| (I) Consent Form,
(II) Medical History Form, Treatment Guidelines Forms, (III) Sexual
Assault History Form, (IV) Forensic Evidence Form (V) General Examination
Form (VI) Treatment Guidelines Form. |
|
| ENCLOSE
WITH KIT: |
| (III)
Sexual Assault History Form and (IV) Forensic Evidence Form. |
|
| GIVE
TO POLICE: |
| (III) Sexual Assault
History Form and (IV) Forensic Evidence Form and a photocopy of (V)
General Examination Form. |
|
| Note: At the time
of printing the use of Nonoxynol-9 for the prevention of HIV transmission
is questionable due to frequent association with vaginal irritation.
Currently it is not routinely recommended for post-assault prophylaxis. |
 |
