Rape Examination: Medical Officer Procedure

Medical Examination Procedure

The medical examination of a 16-year-old girl alleging rape requires a meticulous and sensitive approach. The following steps should be followed:

• Initial Assessment & Consent: Obtain informed consent from the victim (if capable) and/or her legal guardian (parents/authorized representative). Document the consent process. Ensure the victim’s safety and comfort.
• History Taking: A detailed history should be taken, including the circumstances of the assault, time and duration, details of the perpetrator (if known), and any prior medical history. This should be documented verbatim, as far as possible, in the victim’s own words.
• General Physical Examination: A thorough general physical examination should be conducted to assess the victim’s overall health and identify any visible injuries.
• Local Examination: This is the most crucial part of the examination.
• External Genitalia: Inspect the external genitalia for any signs of injury, such as lacerations, abrasions, edema, or bruising. Document the location, size, and shape of any injuries.
• Perineum & Rectum: Examine the perineum and rectum for injuries.
• Vagina: A speculum examination should be performed to visualize the vaginal walls. Look for tears, lacerations, bleeding, or the presence of semen.
• Cervix: Examine the cervix for any injuries or inflammation.
• Internal Examination (if indicated): A bimanual examination may be performed to assess the uterus and adnexa for any injuries or tenderness.
• Documentation: Detailed documentation of all findings, including diagrams and photographs, is essential.

Possible Findings

The findings in a rape examination can vary depending on the nature of the assault and the time elapsed since the incident. Possible findings include:

• Injuries: Lacerations, abrasions, contusions, hematomas, and tears of the genitalia, perineum, or rectum.
• Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding, rectal bleeding.
• Semen: Presence of semen in the vagina, on the clothing, or under the fingernails.
• Spermatzoa: Presence of spermatozoa in vaginal secretions.
• Defensive Wounds: Injuries on the hands, arms, or other parts of the body indicating the victim attempted to defend herself.
• Psychological Trauma: Signs of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Specimens Preserved to Establish the Alleged Crime

Preservation of evidence is critical for successful prosecution. The following specimens should be collected and preserved with strict adherence to the chain of custody:

• Semen: Swabs from the vagina, mouth, anus, and any other areas where semen may be present. Semen stains from clothing.
• Blood: Blood samples from the victim and, if possible, the perpetrator. Blood stains from clothing or other surfaces.
• Hair & Fibers: Hair and fiber samples from the victim, the perpetrator (if available), and the crime scene.
• Clothing: The victim’s clothing should be carefully removed and preserved as evidence.
• Fingernail Scrapings: Scrapings from under the victim’s fingernails to collect any epithelial cells or DNA from the perpetrator.
• Pubic Hair Combing: Combing pubic hair for potential transfer evidence.
• Swabs from Body Fluids: Swabs from saliva, urine, and other body fluids.
• Photographs & Diagrams: Detailed photographs and diagrams of injuries and the crime scene.

All specimens should be properly labeled, sealed, and documented, maintaining a strict chain of custody to ensure their admissibility in court. A medico-legal report detailing the examination findings and collected evidence must be prepared and submitted to the investigating officer.