Forensic Evidence in Sexual Offences Cases

Introduction

Prosecuting and defending sexual offences is a sensitive and complex business.

The stakes are usually very high for all concerned. Sexual offences present evidential issues which are rarely present in many other offences, meaning the analysis and presentation of such evidence has to be carefully considered.

Anyone reporting sexual abuse immediately, may be subject to a forensic medical examination. In many sexual offences the only witnesses to events are those present. Frequently, these are the two parties involved. As a consequence, forensic evidence can arguably take on an even greater importance in sexual offences than in many others, as courts will be looking for any independent evidence to support one side or the others account. Equally, lack of forensic evidence is not always conclusive that an offence did or did not take place.

As such this webinar will look at what the requirements are for a full forensic medical examination, what should be documented during the examination and what conclusions may be drawn from the evidence.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• What is an Early Evidence Kit?
• How are forensic medical examinations conducted in practice?
• The definition of anatomical terms in both medical and legal terms
• Independent Sexual Violence Advisors
• Use of medical evidence in court
• Court of Appeal guidance on DNA evidence

This webinar was recorded on 28th June 2022