Assessment

• a chaperone should be present during the history-taking as well as during any examination
  
• complete notes of the history and examination should be made including diagrams of injuries, as these may be needed for medico-legal purposes
  
• a general physical examination should be performed first to look for other injuries
  
• taking specimens for forensic examination should be considered if the patient consents but still refuses to see a specialist doctor or nurse including: - swabs from vulva, vagina, and perineum - a smear of vaginal secretions - clippings of pubic hair

Reference

1. Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians. Recommendations for the collection of forensic specimens from complainants and suspects. Jan 2025 [internet publication].