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Medico-legal findings from examination of rape victims in South Africa

Victims

Medico-legal findings from examination of rape victims in South Africa

The National Directives and Instructions on Conducting a Forensic Examination on Survivors of Sexual Offence Cases in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2007, provide for standardized procedures for conducting forensic examination on sexual offence survivors in all health establishments (1). Together with the National Sexual Assault Policy and the National Management Guidelines for Sexual Assault Care (2), the Health Directives provide for a full range of comprehensive services for victims (1). In accordance with these Health Directives, victims reporting cases at police stations should be referred to a public health facility. The medicolegal examination of a rape survivor forms part of the investigation of the case, while also providing the necessary medical care.  Findings from the examination are captured on the J88 form, which constitutes key evidence that is used during court proceedings.  The Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK) for children or adults is also used to collect samples for DNA analysis during the medical examination. The forensic kit is a standard part of medical evidence collection [9,10].

View the complete Medico-legal findings from examination of rape victims in South Africa - Policy Brief

31 October 2018