A few weeks ago, I attended a conference on forensic medicine at the University of the West Indies, spearheaded by Dr Rosemarie Wright-Pascoe, the president of the Medical Association of Jamaica.

Forensic medicine involves the application of medical facts to legal problems. I listened to our legal experts, both for the prosecution and defence, explain that this information is not only helpful in convicting a guilty party but in exonerating someone wrongly accused of a crime. I also gained insight into the way the police obtain evidence.

Using a rape kit

The conference brought an experience to mind. During my residency training, I was on call at the hospital. A teenager came to the emergency room because she was raped. Someone she knew had forced her into sexual intercourse despite her refusal. She did not express much emotion as she related what had occurred. It was my job to examine her. I had to use a rape kit. This involved collecting materials from her in a very systematic manner. I remember thinking how unfortunate that a woman who had already been violated had to subject herself to such an invasive evaluation.

However, I believed then and, I still believe now, that it was necessary. I meticulously went through the steps because I recognised that the collected information could be useful if she decided to press charges against the rapist.

Rape or sexual assault is far too common in Jamaica and other countries. Most of the attacks are committed by someone whom the victim knows. Anyone can be sexually assaulted regardless of age, race, gender or socio-economic status. Some estimates suggest that almost half of all women have either been sexually assaulted or have been a victim of attempted sexual assault.

Style of dress

Unfortunately, many women are further victimised by society's misperceptions that she is to be blamed because of her style of dress, behaviour or ideas that being raped suggests she is promiscuous. In fact, rape is an act of violence and very young, very old, mentally or physically disabled individuals are most at risk for this type of crime. It can severely damage a woman's self-esteem and many women experience depression or suicidal thoughts in the months following the attack.

If you are raped either by someone you know or by a stranger, you should report it immediately to the nearest police station. It is best if the forensic evidence is collected as soon as possible but certainly within four days. If possible, you should not urinate, defecate, bathe, change your clothes, clean your fingernails or even wash out your mouth before you are examined.

The police will take you to the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) where the examination will be performed. I spoke with Detective Corporal Claudette Hepburn at the Kingston office. She explained that the office is now open 24 hours and the examination is performed by one of four male doctors who are on call. If you prefer a female doctor you will be transported to the University Hospital of the West Indies. The CISOCA offices are located in most parishes.

Whether you decide to press charges, this initial examination is important because, once lost, the evidence cannot be recovered.

If you have been raped but have never reported the crime, while it might be too late to collect evidence against your attacker, it is not too late to get help, call the Crisis Centre at 929-2997 or 952-9533.

Dr Monique Rainford is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.