This page has been printed from the Yarrow Place website http://www.yarrowplace.sa.gov.au

The following information is provided to let you know what you can do to maximise the successful collection of forensic evidence when the examination is done, if there is to be a delay. This is only necessary if the person is considering legal action.

This section outlines the information required to preserve forensic evidence. Often people will already have performed a number of activities following the rape that may impact on the successful collection of evidence. Activities such as showering, douching and washing clothing are normal responses to rape and it is important not to make the person feel guilty for reacting in a normal way to the trauma of rape.

Oral rape or injuries

Ideally no food or drink until assessment by a doctor and oral specimens have been collected. The police can take the oral swab. If the person is uncertain about police involvement, contact Yarrow Place for advice.

Gloves

Gloves must be worn at all times to prevent contamination of evidence. Please explain to the person why this is necessary.

Toilet

The woman may urinate if necessary but should press her underpants to the vulva and anus before removing them to go to the toilet and should not wipe afterwards.

The person should be encouraged to avoid defecation if possible, if an anal rape has taken place. If this is not possible, request that the person press his/her underpants to the anus before removing them to go to the toilet.

Clothing

Leave clothes on if possible. If clothing needs to be removed:

• Wear gloves
• Try to remove clothing intact
• Place each item in a separate paper bag
• If the clothing needs to be cut, record this

Wounds

Record injuries carefully, being accurate with description of injury as this affects the interpretation of injury causation. Only clean those areas necessary for providing medical treatment. For example, clean wound edges prior to suturing. Record treatment given and procedures performed.

Lubricants

Use of lubricants should be minimised where possible if vaginal or rectal examination is done prior to performing a forensic medical examination.

Washing/showering

The person should be asked not to shower prior to the examination because some evidence may be lost. If this is not possible, ask the person not to wash those areas involved in the assault, for example for a vaginal assault, not to wash the genital area.

Contact Yarrow Place for advice if you are uncertain about preserving forensic evidence.