ASTM E1843-20

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1843 − 16 E1843 − 20
Standard Guide for
Sexual AssaultViolence Investigation, Examination, and
Evidence Collection Protocol
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1843; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide coversoutlines the basic components for the development of a sexual assaultviolence investigation protocol,
protocols, with specific attention to the examination of assault sexual violence scenes, victims and suspects of sexual
assault,violence, the recovery of testimonial, physical, and behavioral evidence, and the preservation and custody of physical
evidence.
1.2 This guide outlines proceduresprotocols requiring the experience of experts in a diversity of fields. A multidisciplinary team
approach to sexual assaultviolence investigation is necessary and is the current standard of care. This team should include members
skilled in the following disciplines: law enforcement, criminalistics, victim advocacy, and clinical, forensic practice.
1.3 This guide offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This standard cannot replace knowledge,
skill,skills, or abilityabilities acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience (see Practice E2917and should ,
Education and Training) and is to be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.professional judgement by individuals
with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts
E1020 Practice for Reporting Incidents that May Involve Criminal or Civil Litigation
E1188 Practice for Collection and Preservation of Information and Physical Items by a Technical Investigator
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E2123 Practice for Preservation of Evidence in Sexual Violence Investigation
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on Interdisciplinary Forensic
Science Standards.
Current edition approved March 1, 2016Sept. 1, 2020. Published March 2016November 2020. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20102016
as E1843 – 96 (2010).E1843 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/E1843-16.10.1520/E1843-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standards’sstandards’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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E2124 Specification for Equipment and Supplies in Sexual Violence Investigations
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 human traffıcking, n—recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as
force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose including forced labor or sexual exploitation).
(1)
3.1.2 rape, n—penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex
organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
(2)
3.1.3 sexual assault, n—physical, sexual activity without the consent of the other person or when the other person is unable to
consent to the activity.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
The activity or conduct may include physical force, violence, threat, intimidation, ignoring the objections of the other person,
causing the other person’s intoxication or incapacitation (through the use of drugs or alcohol) or taking advantage of the other
person’s intoxication (including voluntary intoxication).
3.1.4 sexual violence, n—a specific constellation of crimes including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape.
(3)
3.1.5 vulnerable populations, n—populations at risk for poor physical, psychological, or social health.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—
Minors, unaccompanied minors, disabled people, elderly people, pregnant women, single parents with minor children and persons
who have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence, victims of trafficking.
Any group or sector of society that is at higher risk of being subjected to discriminatory practices or violence, (such as women,
children or the elderly), as defined by race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, geography, gender, age, disability status, risk status
related to sex and gender, and among other populations identified to be at-risk for health disparities.
4. General Protocol
4.1 General Information—Sexual assaultviolence is an underreported crime. The most serious misunderstandings displayed on the
part of investigators are common misunderstandings of particular categories of victims (enumerated below) and a lack
ofResponders to sexual violence incidents should use a victim-centered and trauma- informed approach when developing protocols
to engage victims of sexual violence. Victim-centered is defined as the systematic focus on the needs and concerns of a victim to
ensure the compassionate and sensitive delivery of services in a nonjudgmental manner. A trauma-informed approach considers
the impact of trauma and victim safety considerations willingness(4). to work Protocols should be developed to encourage and
enable coordination and assistance with professionals in allied disciplines who also that provide valuable services in this
area:services that address the following areas:
4.1.1 Sensitivity to victim needs,
3.1.2 The elderly victim,
3.1.3 The disabled victim,
3.1.4 The male victim,
3.1.5 The child victim (see Section 4),
4.1.2 The cultural heritage of the victim,
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
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4.1.3 Vulnerable populations,
4.1.4 The homosexual victim, Victims of human trafficking, and
4.1.5 The deceased victim.
4.2 Initial Law Enforcement Response—Sexual assaultsviolence most often comecomes to the attention of law enforcement
personnel as initial responders. It is essential for initial responders to have mechanisms in place mechanisms for the immediate
notification of allied professionals that must also respond in a timely manner to effect the proper investigation of these incidents.
The following topical areas should be addressed in written procedures by law enforcement agencies responding to sexual
assaults:violence:
4.2.1 Victim safety and security;
4.2.2 Activate multidisciplinary team;
4.2.3 Initial victim interview and transport to examining facility;
4.2.4 Scene security;
4.2.5 Scene search;
4.2.6 Evidence identification, documentation, recovery, and security; and
4.2.7 Suspect detection, apprehension, and interview. interview, and
4.2.8 Personal protective equipment, safety, and contamination avoidance.
4.3 Treatment Plan—Each treatment facility that deals with individuals involved in sexual assaultsviolence as victims or suspects,
or both, should promulgate written procedures that detail the following areas of attention:
4.3.1 Facility,
4.3.2 Transfer,
4.3.3 Intake,
4.3.4 Reporting,
4.3.5 Attending personnel,
4.3.6 Medico-legal consent, and
4.3.7 Evidentiary and medical examinations.examinations,
4.3.8 HIPAA requirements, and
4.3.9 Personal protective equipment, safety, and contamination avoidance.
4.4 Documentation and Evidence Collection—Written standingThe medical-forensic exam and any suspect sample collection
should be performed by a health care professional specifically trained in the collection of evidence relating to sexual violence cases
such as a sexual assault nurse examiner or other appropriately medically trained professional. Written standard operating
procedures concerning evidence collection and documentation should be published by any organization (law enforcement, health
care, laboratory, private contractor, or volunteer organizations, or both) organizations) involved in the investigation of sexual
assaults. investigation. These procedures should address the following areas:
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4.4.1 General Information:
4.4.1.1 Documentation and terminology,
4.4.1.2 Preserving the integrity of evidence,
4.4.1.3 Body diagrams/illustrations (genital and non-
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