BUILDING trust with victims is one of the key elements of a rape or sexual abuse investigation. (From Warrington Guardian)

BUILDING trust with victims is one of the key elements of a rape or sexual abuse investigation.

The Warrington Guardian spoke to a member of the investigation team.

When police receive a report of a rape, a team of investigators carries out inquiries to trace the offender and prepare a file of evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service.

Karen Lawton is a detective constable within the northern area Specialist Investigation Unit (SIU) and is also a 'SOIT' officer (Sexual Offence Investigation Trained officer) with six years experience.

"Essentially I can undertake two roles," said DC Lawton. "I can either co-ordinate the investigation of a rape by taking an objective look at evidence and statements if a SOIT officer is already assigned to a case, or fulfil the role of a SOIT officer myself, in which case my focus is solely on the victim and looking after their needs."

Cheshire Police has a number of SOIT officers who are trained to carry out the role. Responsible for making contact with the victim, they also explain the investigation procedure to victims and assist Forensic Medical Examiners (FME) in securing evidence.

Sometimes officers need to secure evidence straight away before FME officers arrive and this is when a SOIT officer or a uniformed officer can use an 'early evidence kit' for urine samples, mouth swabs and other non-intimate samples.

Officers stand a greater chance of obtaining forensic evidence if the victim keeps items of clothing, doesn't wash, keeps any sanitary items and, where possible, does not clean or interfere with the scene of the offence.

DC Lawton said: "One of the benefits of being a dedicated SOIT officer is that I have experience of what types of forensic methods are needed to get the best evidence. This might be swabbing an area of the victim's body, for example the neck or the face if the offender has tried to kiss the victim during the offence.

"It also helps to be comfortable with dealing with very intimate issues as victims can often feel embarrassed about going into a lot of detail. Because I am used to talking to victims about sensitive issues it puts them at ease."

Aftercare medical advice about pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases is also available to victims. And, where possible, they are given a choice whether their SOIT officer is male, or female.

"It's important to build up trust with them," added DC Lawton. "Victims who are reluctant to give information at first will often tell me further details later on once they feel more confident."

Medical examinations and interviews are carried out at a dedicated suite away from a police station to provide a more comfortable environment for the victim. Examinations of young children may take place at a hospital and no examination is carried out without the consent of the victim.

Next week's article will look at the process of prosecuting a rape offender through the courts.

Call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.