This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

FOR5005 - Adult sexual assault

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Vanita Parekh

Quota applies

This unit is quota restricted. Selection is on a first-in, first enrolled basis. For further information please contact the Postgraduate Course Administrator via email postgrad.courses@vifm.org or phone 03 9684 4115.

Offered

Southbank

First semester 2016 (Online)

Synopsis

Sexual assault is addressed in this unit as it pertains to a doctor working in a therapeutic and forensic role with victims. Theoretical and historical perspectives are considered in order to provide a thorough grounding for practical discussions on current legislation and police investigation. The medical role will be examined in detail. Forensic responsibilities are dealt with including specimen collection, laboratory liaison and injury interpretation. The unit will address the medico-legal report and the role of the expert witness in court appearances.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

Provide a comprehensive medical service for a victim of sexual assault, including consultation, examination, and documentation;
Apply comprehensive knowledge of forensic responsibilities in sexual assault cases, including medical responsibilities related to acute injuries, pregnancy issues, medical certificates and prophylaxis;
Collect forensic evidence based on the application of relevant scientific and legal methods theory;
Demonstrate strong familiarity with the laboratory treatment of forensic evidence;
Write a medico-legal report and appear in court under subpoena to assist the court;
Evaluate epidemiological, historical, theoretical and cultural aspects across a broad range of circumstance in which sexual assault;