NCJ Number
45807
Date Published
Unknown
Length
17 pages
Annotation
TO AID VICTIMS IN UNDERSTANDING AVAILABLE AID AND NECESSARY PROCEDURES FOLLOWING THE ASSAULT, INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE POLICE, HOSPITAL, MEDICAL EXAMINATION, VOLUNTEER SERVICES, THE COURTS, AND LAWS ARE PROVIDED.
Abstract
WHEN A SEX OFFENSE IS REPORTED TO THE MARIETTA (GEORGIA) POLICE DEPARTMENT, AN INITIAL REPORT AND INVESTIGATION ASCERTAINING VICTIM, SUSPECT, AND OFFENSE WILL BE MADE. IF NECESSARY, EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION FOR TREATMENT WILL BE PROVIDED. A FOLLOWUP INVESTIGATION WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE. A MEDICAL EXAMINATION SHOULD BE DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND WILL INCLUDE A BRIEF HISTORY, PELVIC EXAMINATION, BLOOD AND PREGNANCY TESTS, AND EVIDENCE GATHERING. JUVENILE CASES WILL BE GIVEN SPECIAL HANDLING. POLICE INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES MAY INCLUDE A SIGNED STATEMENT BY THE VICTIM, CONSTRUCTION OF A COMPOSITE DRAWING FOR SUSPECT IDENTIFICATION, PHOTOGRAPHING OF INJURIES, VIEWING OF FILES, AND AN INDEPTH INTERVIEW. ASSISTANCE TO THE VICTIM IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE RAPE CRISIS CENTER, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH IN COBB COUNTY. POSSIBLE EMOTIONAL REACTIONS TO THE ASSAULT MAY INCLUDE FEAR, GUILT, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, OR DENIAL. TRAINED PROFESSIONALS CAN AID THE VICTIM IN COPING WITH THESE PROBLEMS. CONTINUING INVESTIGATIONS WILL BE MADE. THIRD PARTY REPORTING IS ENCOURAGED AS A PREVENTION AND DETERRENCE MEASURE. GEORGIA STATE CRIMINAL LAW PERTAINING TO RAPE, SODOMY, INCEST, STATUTORY RAPE, INCEST, CHILD MOLESTATION AND ENTICEMENT, OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS, FALSE CRIME REPORTING, AND TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE IS REVIEWED. A PRELIMINARY HEARING WILL BE HELD ONCE A SUSPECT HAS BEEN APPREHENDED. A GRAND JURY TRIAL IS REQUIRED FOR ALL FELONIES, ALTHOUGH A LESSER CHARGE MAY BE VOTED. AFTER AN INDICTMENT HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN, THE DEFENDANT IS ARRAIGNED BEFORE THE SUPERIOR COURT AND MOTIONS MAY BE FILED BY THE DEFENSE. A COURT CALENDAR WILL BE CALLED AND IF THE CASE IS READY TO GO TO TRIAL, A JURY WILL BE SELECTED. THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY MAY HOLD PRETRIAL CONFERENCES WITH PROSPECTIVE WITNESSES. THE VICTIM MAY BE CONTACTED BY THE DEFENSE ATTORNEY BUT NEED NOT ANSWER HIS QUESTIONS. FINALLY, THE TRIAL WILL BE HELD. IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE DEFENDANT, NOT THE VICTIM, IS ON TRIAL. THE VICTIM'S COOPERATION THROUGHOUT THESE PROCEDURES IS ESSENTIAL IF THE OFFENDER IS TO BE APPREHENDED AND PROSECUTED. IMPORTANT COBB COUNTY AGENCY AND SERVICE PHONE NUMBERS ARE INCLUDED TOGETHER WITH SPACES FOR PERTINENT INFORMATION AND NOTES. (JAP)