Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, Medical Information


Forensic Examination If the rape has occurred in the last 72 hours the police may want you to undergo a forensic medical examination. The purpose of this examination is to collect any possible evidence for a court case, such as injuries, semen, blood, hair etc. It is not an examination for STD's, or other health matters. While this forensic evidence can assist in a court case it is NOT necessary that you have one. You have the right to refuse this examination. The forensic examination is only done with your written consent. If you do not want to involve the police, there is no need to have a forensic examination. If you are unsure whether you want to proceed with the statement or not, you can still have the forensic examination so the evidence is recorded for you if you want to proceed later on. You have the right to ask for a woman doctor to do the forensic examination. You can also have a support person with you during the forensic examination, which is conducted in the presence of a female SACAT investigator. An advocate from the Rape Crisis Centre or somewhere else can help in insisting that your requests be met. To Previous Page Page Last Updated 31/5/2001 © 2001 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Best viewed in Microsoft Explorer 4 or Netscape 4

Forensic Examination

If the rape has occurred in the last 72 hours the police may want you to undergo a forensic medical examination.

The purpose of this examination is to collect any possible evidence for a court case, such as injuries, semen, blood, hair etc. It is not an examination for STD's, or other health matters. While this forensic evidence can assist in a court case it is NOT necessary that you have one. You have the right to refuse this examination.

The forensic examination is only done with your written consent. If you do not want to involve the police, there is no need to have a forensic examination. If you are unsure whether you want to proceed with the statement or not, you can still have the forensic examination so the evidence is recorded for you if you want to proceed later on. You have the right to ask for a woman doctor to do the forensic examination.

You can also have a support person with you during the forensic examination, which is conducted in the presence of a female SACAT investigator. An advocate from the Rape Crisis Centre or somewhere else can help in insisting that your requests be met.

To Previous Page

Page Last Updated 31/5/2001
© 2001 Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Best viewed in Microsoft Explorer 4 or Netscape 4