4-8 How do health care personnel investigate a rape or violent sexual encounter?

They can use a Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kit or use a Sexual Offense Evidence Collection (SOEC) kit.

These can be found in hospitals, and are used by medical professionals to preserve evidence of a sexual assault.

For more information, click here

4-13 What are the consequences of a rape or violent sexual encounter on the victim, perpetrator, and the bystanders?

Victim
-psychological trauma
-possible pregnancy
-possible transfer of STDs
-self blame - Rape Trauma Syndrome
-Child Sexual Abuse

Perpetrator
-if convicted, listed for life as a sex offender
-could/should feel guilt
-empowerment (more so for during the act rather than after)

Bystanders
-guilt for knowing they took no action
-in some states, legal consequences due to good samaritan laws

4-1

How do police investigate a rape or violent sexual encounter?

First, the rape or violent sexual encounter must be reported to the police, which relies upon either the victim or a bystander to come to them.

Second, the victim must want the case investigated. Without evidence of the rape or encounter, there would be no basis for an investigation, so a rape kit must be used.

Third, police can try to collect evidence, but since its the real world and not CSI, many cases will never get past this point if the perpetrator isn't identified by the victim.

Finally, if the perpetrator is caught and found guilty, he or she will be added to a national database of sex offenders. They stay on this list for life.