The optimal timing of forensic evidence collection following paediatric sexual assault

Forensic evidence collection following sexual assault has an important medico-legal role. Despite the advent of DNA profiling, research into the optimisation of forensic biological specimen collection is limited. This has led to inconsistent and variable guidelines for forensic evidence collection....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic and legal medicine 2023-04, Vol.95, p.102499-102499, Article 102499
Main Authors: Wood, Gary J., Smith, J.Anne S., Gall, John AM
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Australia
Child
Child sexual abuse
Child, Preschool
Crime Victims
DNA
DNA Fingerprinting
Foreign DNA
Forensic evidence
Forensic Medicine - methods
Humans
Male
Paediatric sexual assault
Saliva
Semen
Sex Offenses
Sexual assault
Specimen collection time
Spermatozoa
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Summary:Forensic evidence collection following sexual assault has an important medico-legal role. Despite the advent of DNA profiling, research into the optimisation of forensic biological specimen collection is limited. This has led to inconsistent and variable guidelines for forensic evidence collection. The guidelines in this jurisdiction (Victoria, Australia) recommends that specimens be collected up to 7 days following sexual assault in some circumstances. The aims of this study were to determine the optimal times post sexual assault for the collection of forensic biological evidence in paediatric cases (aged 0–17 years). A retrospective review of paediatric sexual assault cases seen by the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service (VFPMS) between 1 January 2009, and 1 May 2016, was undertaken. Specimen site and collection times post assault were collated from VFPMS medico-legal reports and compared with the forensic evidence analysis results reported by the Victoria Police, Forensic Services Department. In addition, a survey of recommended forensic specimen collection times post assault in the different Australian jurisdictions was undertaken for comparison. Within the 6 year 5 month period studied there were 122 cases consisting of 562 different forensic specimens that were collected and analysed. 62 (51%) of cases produced one or more positive forensic result and, of the 562 specimens collected, 153 (27%) were positive for one or more of foreign DNA, spermatozoa, semen or saliva. Foreign DNA was more likely to be found if forensic specimens were collected during the first 24 h after the assault as compared with those collected at 25–48 h, (p 
ISSN:1752-928X
1878-7487
DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102499