assessment

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • a chaperone should be present during the history-taking as well as during any examination

  • complete notes of the history and examination should be made including diagrams of injuries, as these may be needed for medico-legal purposes

  • a general physical examination should be performed first to look for other injuries

  • taking specimens for forensic examination should be considered if the patient consents but still refuses to see a police surgeon including: - swabs from vulva, vagina, and perineum - a smear of vaginal secretions - clippings of pubic hair