What is the process of examining a post-mortem on victims of violence? : procedures, safety, side effects, and benefits

For victims of sexual violence and physical violence, getting justice is one way to recover emotionally. To achieve this, the victim will usually be asked to undergo a post mortem examination. Visum will be used as evidence in court. Or, if the identity of the perpetrator of the violence is not known, the post mortem can help the process of finding the perpetrator.

However, not many people understand how a post mortem works and what examinations the victim will go through. The reason is, many victims feel afraid first because there is no idea what will happen in the post mortem examination process. To find out more about what a post-mortem exam looks like, read on for the following important information.

What is a post mortem?

Visum is a written report issued by a health care provider (signed by an authorized doctor) based on an examination of a victim of sexual, physical, or mental violence. In the report, there are details of the physical and psychological health conditions of the victim being examined. The post mortem report will then become evidence of violence.

How do I get a post mortem?

In order to obtain this written report, the victim must first report to the police. After reporting, an investigator from the police or a judge will submit a visa request to certain health service providers. Usually this health service provider will be appointed by a team of investigators themselves. After that, the victim will be thoroughly examined by doctors and medical personnel. From the results of the examination, the doctor will make a written report (namely the results of the post mortem) to be given to the investigator.

Procedure for post mortem examination for victims of violence

The examination will be carried out at the hospital, clinic, or health center that has been appointed by the investigator. Usually during the examination, the victim will be accompanied by a police officer. Victims can also ask to be accompanied by their closest trusted relatives or relatives. The following is a series of post mortem examinations that are usually performed.

• The general condition of the victim when he arrived at the health care provider. For example, the victim comes in a conscious state but looks confused, panicked, or anxious. If the victim needs emergency help due to serious injuries or uncontrolled mental condition, the health worker is obliged to provide assistance before continuing the post mortem.
• External inspection. The victim will undergo a thorough examination, starting from blood pressure, pulse, evidence of violence, transmission of venereal disease, to visible wounds on the outside of the body. Female victims of sexual violence or rape have the right to ask to be examined by a female doctor or female medical officer. In this examination, usually the victim will also be asked the chronology of the incident so that the medical officer can focus the examination according to the victim's testimony. All descriptions of the location, size, nature and degree of injuries found will be recorded and further analyzed by doctors and medical personnel.
• Deep examination.If needed, the doctor will also examine the internal wound. For example, if there is suspected internal injury, fracture, or pregnancy. This examination may include X-rays or ultrasound scans.
• Forensic analysis. If the victim's body still has DNA traces of the perpetrator, for example from ejaculation fluid, hair, blood, or nail clippings, the doctor and the investigating team are obliged to carry out a forensic analysis in the laboratory. This aims to ensure the identity of the perpetrator and burdensome proof of post mortem.
• Psychiatric examination. Apart from a physical examination, the victim will also be examined for his mental condition. The examination will be carried out with a psychiatric specialist. From a psychiatric examination, usually signs of psychological disorders such as trauma, PTSD, anxiety disorders, or depression can be proven.
• Making conclusions. After the entire series of examinations has been completed, the authorized doctor will make a medical report or conclusion based on the results found. This conclusion will be brought by the investigation team as evidence in court. If the victim requires further treatment, the doctor will also provide the necessary health services.