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Allegations
of Sexual Abuse in NZ |
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Deciding to pursue a police complaint
for assault There may be
circumstances where a patient presents to the doctor still uncertain about
pursuing a police complaint and it is appropriate for the doctor to assist
that patient in making a decision whether to involve the police. Whether or
not the patient requires a full forensic examination depends on the
likelihood of the patient making a police complaint. The following may be
helpful. Be sensitive to the
shock the patient may be experiencing and the self blame, fear and loss of
self esteem, that may be influencing their decisions. In addition they often
experience feelings of being dirty, and fear recrimination and shame if
family members or employers or the alleged rapist or his friends find out
that they have reported the rape. They may use these reasons for not
reporting. On the other hand, the
Police are the only authority who can offer official protection to the
complainant. It is highly likely that the assailant will have been, or will
be, involved in other assaults. Every report helps the Police in compiling a
profile that may lead to the offender's arrest. Being believed by the Police
and having the assailant convicted can be important in helping the victim
realise they are not to blame for their assault. Most of the available
evidence shows that men who rape will continue to do so throughout their
lives unless they are stopped, or made to undertake intensive therapy. Discuss involving the
Police earlier rather than later to provide information, which will help make
a decision. However, do not deny that, even with the most sympathetic police
officer, the victim loses a degree of control by involving the police. The patient will need
information about the factors that influence the success of a court case to
help them make a decision. Be clear in outlining the unpleasantness of
investigation and prosecution procedures for the victim. Acknowledge that it
may be more traumatic than the rape itself, and may prolong the acute
distress for months or even years. If the patient decides
not to pursue the complaint don't over-persuade. There may be very personal /
practical reasons for this reluctance, and they may not want to tell even you
of these. The majority of so-called "false complaints" appears to
be when someone other than the victim reports the rape / assault to the
police. Whichever way the
patient decides, support them in the acceptability of their decision. This
may be the first decision they have made for themselves since the rape and an
important step in regaining control of their own life. Rape of a child,
particularly where injury has occurred, is a very serious crime. Under these
circumstances the doctor has a duty to encourage the due process of law,
particularly as recent legal changes offer some protection for child
witnesses. A doctor who is presented with a child victim of sexual assault
where there is reluctance to involve the child protective agency, may decide
to involve these agencies without the consent of the child and guardians. In most police
districts there are rosters of women doctors training as forensic medical
examiners who regularly examine victims of sexual abuse. Consultation with or
referral to one of these doctors may help the patient decide. |
