Medico-legal evidence collection in child sexual assault cases: a forensic significance

Abstract

Background Every year, millions of children face sexual exploitation worldwide. In India, 109 children (National Crime Records Bureau2018) were sexually abused everyday (22% jump from the previous year). Even with advanced DNA techniques, the conviction rate remains low. The methods used for forensic DNA evidence analysis vary around the world, but the primary step of biological evidence collection plays the most vital role. Proper and timely evidence collection from the victim by a trained medical professional is important. Main body Dynamics of child sexual assault being massively different from an adult rape demands altogether different approach of evidence collection. A standard sexual kit employed for evidence collection needs urgent modifications considering genital development of pre- and post-pubertal victims. In the present study, parameters including systemic collection and evaluation of forensic evidences, medico-legal examination, and developmental consequences of sexual assault on pre-pubertal victims were assessed. Further suggestions for separate evidence collection kit during medico-legal examination were given for pre-pubertal victims and alleged accused in sexual assault cases in order to streamline and for better evaluation of DNA analysis in forensic laboratories. Conclusion The importance of expert medical practitioners plays a significant role in collection of appropriate information and evidences from the victim of sexual assault. General guidelines for evidence collection in sexual assault cases are not well suited for pre-pubertal victims. Appropriate reforms pertaining to the age and genital development of victims are required. Securing clothing as forensic evidence is essential in most cases as it turned out to be the exclusive evidence bearing material. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness about the thorough medical examination and modified sexual assault kit for pre-pubertal victims and alleged accused for a better approach in evidence collection and conviction rate.

Pemeriksaan Kedokteran Forensik pada Kasus Kekerasan Seksual Pascapemberlakuan Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 1 Tahun 2023

“…Terdapat 7 jurnal yang membahas terkait pemeriksaan fisik korban kekerasan seksual secara umum, yaitu penelitian oleh (Lincoln 2018), (Al-Zayed et al 2020), (Brahim et al 2022, (Kaur, Kaur, and Rawat 2021), (Zerbo et al 2018), (Jaiswani et al 2021, dan (Zilkens et al 2017). Temuan dari masing-masing jurnal dirangkum pada tabel di Lampiran 3.2.…”

“…Pada pemeriksaan kedokteran forensik, pengumpulan bukti-bukti biologis seperti cairan mani/semen, rambut pubis, cairan tubuh lainnya, dan sel kulit dapat dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi pelaku kejahatan seksual melalui analisis Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (Kaur, Kaur, and Rawat 2021). Lokasi cedera genital yang sering terjadi adalah fourchette posterior, fossa navikularis, labia minora, dan hymen/sisa hymenal (Zilkens et al 2017).…”

“…Pemeriksaan anal juga dapat melibatkan identifikasi luka, benda asing, perdarahan, memar, atau robekan pada area bokong, kulit perianal, dan lipatan anus (Kaur, Kaur, and Rawat 2021). Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 31,5% dari luka yang ditemukan pada pemeriksaan kejahatan seksual terjadi pada anus (Zerbo et al 2018).…”

“…Hanya terdapat 2 penelitian yang membahas terkait pemeriksaan oral pada korban kekerasan seksual, yaitu penelitian oleh (Lincoln 2018) dan (Kaur, Kaur, and Rawat 2021). Temuan dari -Cedera ringan pada tubuh dapat memberikan petunjuk penting dalam kasus forensik.…”

The role of legal medicine professionals in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among female victims of sexual assault

“…Unintended pregnancy as a consequence of sexual assault has dire impacts on the health and socioeconomic well-being of the victims and their loved ones. Although the risk of conception after an unprotected sexual encounter (UPSE) may be low and is based on several factors [7], the socioeconomic impact of rape-related pregnancy (RRP) could be devastating. Therefore, RRP is considered a public health concern that adds to the adverse outcomes of sexual assaults [8] and, therefore, needs to be assessed at the earliest with appropriate measures taken for prevention.…”