Sexual assault — medico-legal care

Steps

1. Female survivors are examined by a female registered doctor; written informed consent, with the right to refuse parts.
2. Examine as soon as possible (ordinarily within hours of the FIR). Anti-rape crisis cells in public hospitals must arrange it without delay.
3. Forensic window: vaginal up to about 7 days, anal about 3 days, oral about 2 days.
4. Emergency contraception: levonorgestrel within 72 h, ulipristal within 120 h, or copper IUD within 5 days.
5. HIV PEP within 72 hours (best within 24): tenofovir/emtricitabine plus raltegravir for 28 days.
6. Hepatitis B vaccine; STI screening at baseline and 2 weeks; HIV and syphilis serology at 6–12 weeks.
7. Document carefully, keep the chain of custody, and offer psychological support.