ABSTRACT
This Chapter looks at the role of the sexual offences examiner (SOE) in managing and providing care to complainants of rape and sexual assault, describing a trauma-focussed approach and best practice guidance. The steps taken in the planning and carrying out of the forensic medical exami-nation (FME) of sexual assault complainants are described, and the considerations that need to be taken at each stage are explored. The Chapter discusses the different stages of the FME, including anticipating additional needs of the patient, preserving forensic evidence, and obtaining informed and valid consent for the examination. It also looks at the importance of accurately describing, documenting, and interpreting findings and the role of the SOE in providing evidence for court purposes. Lastly, an overview of developing the role of the SOE is given.
