Forensic Medical Examination

Forensic Medical Examinations. 

Your client may be asked to consent to medical examination by a specialist doctor.

Why?  The doctor will be looking for forensic evidence as well as treatment for any injuries. The doctor has been specially trained for this kind of examination and will treat the patient with care, dignity, sympathy and respect.

Forensic examinations are best carried out as soon as possible after the assault.  So, although it may be the last thing your client may feel like doing, it is best to get it done straightaway.

Who?   Every effort is made to respect any preference the client may have as to the gender of the doctor.   If it is not possible to meet the preference of the patient, an alternative will be discussed. The entire procedure will be explained to the client before they are asked to make an informed decision as to whether they wish to proceed or not - it is totally voluntary.  The client can choose to do some parts of the examination but not others. They can stop the examination at any time. A crisis worker is available to represent the patient and will ensure that any information that is not clear is explained once again by the doctor. 

Where? The examination will happen in a special medical suite.  The examination suite is located at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and is not located at a police station. Each suite has a comfortable room to rest in, a medical examination room and a bathroom where the patient can have a shower after the medical examination.

Frequently asked Questions– Forensic Medical Examination