Journal of Medical Toxicology and Clinical Forensic Medicine

Abstract

DNA examination of evidence obtained from victims of rape contributes to elimination of suspects, conviction of others and exoneration of those arrested and charged for rape. In sexual assault cases there is direct transfer of DNA from one individual to another or to an object and can be used to link the suspect with the crime scene. Biological evidence obtained after forensic medical examinations of victims can provide evidence about the crime and can link the suspect to the crime. Blood or semen stains may be found on vaginal swabs, underwear, clothing and bed sheets of victim which is the only biological evidence to prove the occurrence of sexual assault. However in cases where no biological evidence is left by the perpetrator on the victim or at the crime scene may help to exonerate a suspect from a crime. Since the child rape cases are increasing at an alarming rate in India there is a need to properly collect, package and analyse all the intimate samples of victim and the suspect. Therefore this paper highlights the relevance of post coital penile swabs in identification of the suspect in child sexual assault cases