“Unacceptable” forensic practices highlighted in sexual crime report

A new report, looking at the provision of forensic medical services for victims of sexual crime across Scotland, has highlighted the problems faced by victims of rape and sexual assault in the Northern Isles.

The report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), which was published yesterday, also sets out that there is “significant disparity in services provided” in the country and states the need for national standards to put in place.

During yesterday’s First Minister’s Questions, the Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon gave assurances that an update is to be provided on how ministers will tackle the problems set out, after the parliament’s Easter recess, from April 1 to 16.

The publication of the report follows concerns, brought to light by Rape Crisis, that victims in the Northern Isles do not report attacks because they have to travel to the mainland for forensic tests.

It attributes the journeys to the “absence of a forensic medical service on Orkney”, and states that victims travelling south are unable “to wash, compounding an already traumatic experience.”

Following today’s exchanges in Holyrood, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur said: “Today’s report from HMICS lays bare the extent to which urgent action is needed to address failings in forensic services across the country. The inspectorate is right to conclude that some of the practices it has found are ‘unacceptable’.”

“The trips that survivors in Orkney and Shetland have to contend with in order to undergo forensic examination can only compound their trauma.”

He also welcomed the reassurances from the First Minister and said the progress update must also include details of how forensic testing will be carried out in the Northern Isles.

He added: “HMICS’ report does not make comfortable reading for anyone. Hopefully it will provide the necessary spur to action to ensure that those victims of rape or sexual assault have the services and support they need, wherever they are in Scotland.”