Forensic Examination of Sexual Assault Victims and Suspects: Roles of the Examination in Sex Crimes

Training Objectives

The purpose of this module is to improve the use of forensic examinations to collect evidence from the bodies and clothing of both victims and suspects during a sexual assault investigation. The module goes beyond simply explaining the procedures that are used during victim and suspect forensic examinations. It also explores the different types of evidence that may be gathered during these examinations and describes how this evidence can be used to advance a sexual assault investigation.

In the US and many other countries, attrition rates are very high; of 100 forcible rapes that are committed: an estimated 5 to 20 will be reported; 0.4 to 5.4 will be prosecuted; 0.2 to 5.2 will result in a conviction; 0.2 to 2.9 will yield a felony conviction; and 0.2 to 2.8 will result in incarceration of the defendant, with 0.1 to 1.9 in prison and 0.1 to 0.9 in jail (Lonsway & Archambault, 2012).

Such high rates of attrition limit victims’ ability to pursue justice and healing. Also, because perpetrators often re-offend, this leaves communities vulnerable to continued violence.