Medicolegal Kit

The medicolegal examination is a medical examination with specimens that may be used if you decide to file a complaint with the police. The forensic kit is the tool used during the forensic examination. This kit standardizes the information collected and the samples taken to obtain objective scientific evidence.

The purpose of the samples in the kit is to find biological substances left by the sexual assailant on your body or clothing such as semen, saliva or blood. The DNA obtained from these biological substances will be used to establish the genetic profile of your abuser. The DNA profile is unique to each individual and can link a suspect to a victim.

ou can complete the forensic kit even if you do not yet know if you will file a police report. The kit will be kept for a period of 14 days at the designated center. If you decide to file a complaint, the designated center will give the kit to the investigator. The kit is then taken to the Forensic Science and Medical Laboratory where various tests are performed by specialists.

Toxicological analysis may also be performed on the blood and urine samples if you were not in a state to give consent to sexual intercourse. The various tests performed at the Forensic Science and Medical Laboratory are the subject of expert reports that are given to investigators. The forensic kit is therefore one of the pieces of evidence in the police investigation.

Prevention and awareness programs and workshops

Psychological Help

Throughout the intervention at the designated center, you will receive psychological support from the multidisciplinary team. The professionals will inform you of certain symptoms that may appear following a sexual assault, such as nightmares, fear, insomnia, fatigue and anxiety.

Following the medical and forensic examinations, the interveners can accompany you in your steps if you decide to denounce the aggression to the police. You will be given the necessary documents to justify an absence from work or school, if applicable. You will be given a list of organizations that can help you.

You will then return for a medical follow-up, which generally takes place a few weeks after the first meeting, in order to evaluate your physical and psychological health, to detect pregnancy, and to screen and treat sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI).

Psychosocial follow-up will also be offered to help you and your loved ones deal with the reactions and after-effects of the sexual assault.

Source : https://www.cisss-gaspesie.gouv.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Guide-Bleu-pour-les-victimes-d-AS-TCACSM-francais-2011.pdf