Carmen I. Eckhoff

This chapter is primarily concerned with the investigation of the crime scene and an overall emphasis is placed on the coordination and investigative potential of a multidisciplined approach.

The crime scene investigation of a sexual assault can be crucial to the successful outcome of the case. A thorough scene examination maximising the recording and recovery of physical evidence often provides circumstantial information, which can significantly influence the effectiveness of any subsequent scientific and medical examinations. Potentially, the results from all the disciplines can provide a focus for the investigation and have a profound effect on any subsequent forensic examination of the incident.

The requirements and responsibilities of a crime scene examiner at a sexual assault crime scene are no different to those at most other crime scenes, particularly those involving violence. In addition to their own skills in toolmarks or shoe impressions, for example, crime scene examiners must be familiar with the expertise and requirements of other specialists, particularly those who provide evidence, based on fingerprints and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), for identification purposes.

The investigation of sexual assault is complicated by the fact that the victim's account is often contradictory to the account of the other person(s) present, that is, the suspect. The victim's account is not always reliable because he/she could be traumatised, under the influence of drugs, or the report could be the result of spite, vindictiveness or intimidation.

Furthermore, any scientific results will not necessarily validate the allegation, and in fact, can equally support the suspect's account. It might be argued that this is the case in any scientific investigation of an offence but it is generally conceded that this situation is more common in sexual offences than any other specific crime.

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