Examination and treatment of a rape victim

Extract

• The investigation, treatment and follow-up of people who are victims of sexual violence at the level of rape is in many countries centralized to specialized centres, e.g. SARCs (Sexual Assault Referral Centres) in the UK. There may be significant country-specific differences in the centres' policies and practices.
  • In Finland, SARCs are called Seri Support Centres, and they provide services for rape victims within one month from the assault https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.1087871.
• It may not be necessary to report the incident to the police in order to attend a relevant specialized centre.
• Forensic examination and sampling should be done as soon as possible, preferably before washing or changing clothes.
  • Nevertheless, samples can be taken up to 7 days after the incident, even if the person has washed him-/herself.
• The treatment and follow-up of somatic injuries are always of primary importance and forensic examinations of secondary importance.
• Somatic examination of younger patients (check locally applied age limit) should be done by a paediatrician, and the examinations are usually centralized to tertiary care hospitals; see When to suspect and how to manage child sexual abuse, and the need for treatment1.
  • Any interviews of small children are done, as necessary, at paediatric forensic psychology units, and an agreement on task division should be made between the police and the investigating unit.
• If a sexual offence against a person under 18 is suspected, the health care professional must always report the offence to the police and submit a child welfare notification Lastensuojelun tukitoimet2.
• Keep in mind contraception, prevention of infections and psychosocial support.
• Note that this article is written in the Finnish context. Important country-specific differences may apply concerning e.g. the applicable legislation and guidelines, as well as the practical arrangement of the examination of and care for the victims. Consequently, consult also local policies and guidelines.

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DNA analysis, DNA sample, Forensic medicine, Rape, Sex Offenses, Specimen Handling, T74.2, Y05*, Z04.4, Z04.4, collection of a specimen, drug research, semen analysis, sexual abuse, sexual assault