Forensic gynaecology.

Abstract

To put a patient at ease is always important, but this is especially so when making an examination following a sexual offence. The place of examination is important. The choice can be a police station, a hospital or your own consulting-room. If at all possible, your own consulting-room is best. Always explain exactly what you are doing and for what reason. This is reassuring to the patient. Take the specimens systematically. Number and label them carefully before handing them over to the police officer. Notes taken at the time of your examination can be used when giving evidence in court. Therefore legible notes are invaluable. I have also found it useful to have a photostat of my statement as a witness. The police will provide this on request. Note-taking is particularly important in cases in which there are special difficulties. Examinations following sexual assault involve attending court to give evidence. By no means all the examinations made will lead to court cases. Often the accused cannot be found, sometimes the woman drops the allegation, or the Director of Public Prosecutions does not recommend the case to come for trial. Since the Criminal Justice Act 1967 it has been possible in all criminal proceedings to admit a written statement as evidence just as if it had been given orally. This statement must be signed by the witness, who will be liable to prosecution if he has stated in it anything that he knew to be false or did not believe to be true. A copy is served on the opposing side and if they make no objection it can be used by the defence in evidence. In other words, your presence in court is necessary only if some point needs to be made clear by cross-examination. I should like to see long-term follow up of rape victims. At present there is none that I know of, but at least some immediate reassurance and explanation can be given to the patient, together with treatment and recommendations for further care if necessary.