COLLECTION OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE AND HISTORY TAKING IN ADULT FEMALE SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual assault can be described as any unpleasant physical or sexual contact carried out without the consent of other person. Healthcare professionals in the emergency department are the first line help accessible to victims and they play most important role in managing the case.Evidence sampling requires excellent techniques as it is the main factor associated to identify the convict. Low conviction rate in Pakistan has been most frequently linked to inappropriate forensic sampling and unavailability of expertise. Method: This is a retrospective study conducted in the Peoples Medical University Hospital, Nawabshah.During the time period of August 2017 to December 2019, all cases having female sexual assault victims were taken. We identified 112 sexual assault cases having female victims. Women medical officer carried out complete medical examination and biological samples were collected using vulvar, vaginal and rectal swabs. Results: In the time period of August 2017 to December 2019, there were 112 sexual assault cases having female victims were found on record. The ages of patients were in the range of 15-40 years and mean age was found to be 22.4±3.12 years. Among 112 females, 66.9% victims were unmarried and 65% victims belong to lower socioeconomic class. Out of 112 victims, 74.1% had given a positive penetration history. Samples from all victims had been analyzed by the laboratory and only 40.1% samples having penetration history were found to be positive for male DNA. Conclusion: Healthcare system in Pakistan need to be improvised and training of individuals in the emergency department to manage assault victims should be done. Forensic sampling and handling of specimens must be performed according to protocols for accurate results. Focused training on specialized forensic techniques is the key to identifying the convict. Recording of victim’s history and documentation of final medical report is also necessary. Awareness campaigns must be run in the rural areas to aware masses about sexual assault and its long term effects on one’s life.