Regarding the medical examination of a rape victim, all of the following are mandatory components of the examination EXCEPT:

## Medical Examination Protocol in Rape Cases ### Mandatory Components of Forensic Examination **Key Point:** The medical examination of a rape victim is a critical forensic procedure that must be systematic, documented, and non-therapeutic in its primary intent. ### What IS Mandatory 1. **Genital and Anal Examination** - Detailed inspection for lacerations, abrasions, bruising - Diagrammatic representation on body map - Colposcopy may be used to identify microtrauma 2. **Biological Evidence Collection** - Blood sample for ABO grouping and DNA profiling - Semen/seminal fluid from vaginal, anal, oral swabs - Saliva samples - Hair samples (pubic and head hair) 3. **Extra-genital Injuries** - Bite marks, scratches, bruises, abrasions - Photographic documentation (with consent) - Location, size, pattern recorded 4. **Clothing and Foreign Material** - Examination of torn/stained clothing - Preservation of evidence ### What IS NOT Mandatory **High-Yield:** Immediate surgical repair of perineal injuries is **NOT** a component of the forensic medical examination. While injuries may require eventual surgical management, this is a **therapeutic intervention** and falls outside the scope of forensic documentation. Repair should be deferred until after forensic examination is complete and evidence is collected. Any surgical intervention before evidence collection compromises the forensic value of the examination. **Clinical Pearl:** The forensic examination must be completed BEFORE any therapeutic procedures. The examiner's role is documentation and evidence collection, not treatment. ### IPC Sections Relevant to Rape | IPC Section | Offense | Key Feature | | --- | --- | --- | | 375 | Rape | Non-consensual sexual intercourse; penetration is essential | | 376 | Punishment for rape | Varies by circumstances (simple, aggravated, custodial) | | 376A | Causing death or vegetative state | Punishment up to life imprisonment | | 376B | Intercourse by person in authority | Special provision for abuse of position | | 376C | Intercourse by person in custodial care | Special provision for custodial rape | | 376D | Gang rape | Punishment for rape by two or more persons | **Mnemonic:** **FORENSIC** = **F**irst aid (not primary), **O**ral/anal swabs, **R**ecording (photographic), **E**xtra-genital injuries, **N**ail scrapings, **S**emen collection, **I**njuries documented, **C**lothing preserved.