EXCLUSIVE
PETALING JAYA: Doctors and medical experts have advised rape victims to avoid washing themselves up after being attacked, as their bodies are one of the main source of proof of attack and evidence to identify the perpetrators.
Medical Resident Rubanes Mohan said when an individual walks into the hospital, claiming to have been raped, the hospital will first work towards verifying the claim.
"This would usually be a vaginal examination, followed by an overall body check-up to find other signs of batter and rape.
"Some of the signs include bruises, bite marks and of course tears around their private parts which proves forced penetration," he said.
He said that once the claim is verified, the doctors will then work towards collecting evidence to identify the suspects.
"They will check under the nails for skin cells, as victims often scratch their attackers in an attempt to escape, and doctors will also take swab cuts for the semen DNA.
"Clothing articles will also be collected as the investigating officers may be able to retrieve either fingerprints or other forms of DNA such as hair or skin from it," he said.
Ruban added that hospitals often provide psychological assistance, though most victims would prefer to be left alone after the attack.
"A professional psych takes a look at the victim an assess on whether they are ready to talk to the authorities about the incident.
"Even when they are talking the authorities, the doctors on the case often monitor their mental state to ensure they are not overly stressed out, as that may worsen their mental state," he said.
Surgeon Jimmy Teoh said that in Malaysia it is important for victims claiming to have been raped to be either present with a police reportor accompanied by a police officer.
"Rape patients are often given a lot of privacy and are treated away from all other patients, in that light if we examine the patient before making a report, how does one determine that the injuries were not caused by the doctor?.
"When a rape victim walks up to me, I will do my best to help. However, without a police report in place, can anyone guarantee if it is an actual rape or if the patient is looking for a good sue?," he said.
He added that in cases where the patients are unable to bear the pain or are badly injured, the hospital will do whatever necessary before contacting the police to take a look at the case.
Medical Resident Rubanes Mohan said when an individual walks into the hospital, claiming to have been raped, the hospital will first work towards verifying the claim.
"This would usually be a vaginal examination, followed by an overall body check-up to find other signs of batter and rape.
"Some of the signs include bruises, bite marks and of course tears around their private parts which proves forced penetration," he said.
He said that once the claim is verified, the doctors will then work towards collecting evidence to identify the suspects.
"They will check under the nails for skin cells, as victims often scratch their attackers in an attempt to escape, and doctors will also take swab cuts for the semen DNA.
"Clothing articles will also be collected as the investigating officers may be able to retrieve either fingerprints or other forms of DNA such as hair or skin from it," he said.
Ruban added that hospitals often provide psychological assistance, though most victims would prefer to be left alone after the attack.
"A professional psych takes a look at the victim an assess on whether they are ready to talk to the authorities about the incident.
"Even when they are talking the authorities, the doctors on the case often monitor their mental state to ensure they are not overly stressed out, as that may worsen their mental state," he said.
Surgeon Jimmy Teoh said that in Malaysia it is important for victims claiming to have been raped to be either present with a police reportor accompanied by a police officer.
"Rape patients are often given a lot of privacy and are treated away from all other patients, in that light if we examine the patient before making a report, how does one determine that the injuries were not caused by the doctor?.
"When a rape victim walks up to me, I will do my best to help. However, without a police report in place, can anyone guarantee if it is an actual rape or if the patient is looking for a good sue?," he said.
He added that in cases where the patients are unable to bear the pain or are badly injured, the hospital will do whatever necessary before contacting the police to take a look at the case.
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