Moves to involve more female doctors in forensic examinations of victims of sexual offences have been welcomed by a charity.
Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) said most survivors of rape and sexual assault find it difficult to be examined by male doctors in the aftermath of the incident.
Ministers have now pledged to undertake a survey of female doctors as a “first step” to greater gender balance in NHS Scotland’s forensic examination workforce.
Justice secretary Michael Matheson announced the survey, to be held in conjunction with NHS Education for Scotland (NES), at an event hosted by Edinburgh Rape Crisis highlighting one woman’s journey through the medical and legal processes after being raped.
The least we should be able to offer in these circumstances is an examination by a female doctor
Mr Matheson said: “I am incredibly privileged to have met with the author earlier this year and Edinburgh Rape Crisis’ event was an opportunity to reflect on her words which demonstrated that we still have much to do to improve how our justice system responds to victims’ needs.
“I was particularly concerned about the way she described her experience of the forensic examination process. It is of course vital to preserve and record evidence following a rape or sexual assault, but we must be able do so while ensuring victims are treated with the upmost sensitivity.
“Seeking to achieve a greater gender balance in our forensic examination workforce is one practical way we can respond to this concern. We need to know what the barriers and negative perceptions of this type of work are and identify how we respond to this currently unmet need.”
Sandy Brindley, national coordinator, added: “Rape survivors consistently tell us how difficult they find it being examined by a male doctor in the immediate aftermath of being raped. The least we should be able to offer in these circumstances is an examination by a female doctor.
“We are very supportive of the new survey, and the efforts being made by the Government to improve immediate responses to rape survivors.”
The action comes as part of £20 million of extra Scottish Government investment over three years to help fund a range of measures tackling violence against women.
