Forensic medical examination of adolescent and adult victims of sexual violence

The acute care and examination of a victim of sexual violence must be carried out by a competent forensic examiner in a setting appropriate for crisis intervention, forensic evidence collection, and medical follow up. The aim of forensic evidence and biological material collection is to document an alleged physical or sexual contact between individuals and to corroborate the victim's and the assailant's history. This is why the forensic examiner is expected to be objective and in possession of specialised technical and scientific skills. These skills are addressed and recommendations are made on how to carry out a forensic examination. This includes medical and assault history, top-to-toe examination, biological material collection, and documenting injuries while obtaining the chain of custody. Yet, consensus on time limitations for forensic evidence collection is lacking. Available forensic evidence has been shown to benefit prosecution. To meet the legal system's needs, an interpretation of the findings in a written legal report is mandatory.