Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Director of Üsküdar University's Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences and Vice-Rector, provided "Sexual Assault Training" to healthcare personnel affiliated with the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate. Emphasizing that sexual violence is a serious public health issue, Atasoy highlighted the importance of evidence collection and genetic analysis in clarifying sexual assault cases. Stating that unfounded accusations can also occur, Atasoy stressed the need to expand evidence collection practices compliant with international standards throughout the country. During the training, Forensic Science Specialist Dr. Tuğba Ünsal Sapan also provided information on the legal aspects of sexual assault, penal sanctions, and safe evidence collection processes.
The training held at Üsküdar University Central Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall was attended by Vice-Rector, Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Deputy Head of Forensic Sciences Department, Forensic Science Specialist Dr. Tuğba Ünsal Sapan, along with nurses, midwives, and paramedics.
One in three women experiences sexual assault…
Emphasizing that sexual violence is a serious public health problem, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences and Vice-Rector, began her speech by saying: “Sexual assault is a serious crime and unfortunately affects millions of people. It deeply impacts not only the victim but also their immediate circle, family, society, and of course, the entire criminal justice system. According to World Health Organization data, one in three women experiences sexual assault during their lifetime. This is a remarkably high rate. Moreover, this is official data from the World Health Organization. Approximately 7% of these cases involve sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. That is, while some face physical violence, a significant portion directly suffers sexual assault. Sexual violence is a serious public health and community safety issue. For this reason, we approach all types of violence and crime primarily as a public health problem. In fact, this issue concerns all stages of public health protective services: primary, secondary, and tertiary care.”
“The vast majority blend into society without any punishment”
Atasoy stated that the vast majority of perpetrators do not receive punishment: “The investigation and prosecution of sexual assaults are quite difficult. One of the most important reasons for this is that only 14% of victims report to the police. These reports can be made immediately after the incident or long after. Only 30% of police reports proceed to the prosecution stage. However, at the end of this process, only one in 10 individuals who commit sexual assault, approximately 12%, are convicted. This means the remaining large majority blend into society without any punishment. They walk around freely. Sometimes they repeat this crime or commit other crimes…” she said.
“The person who is sexually assaulted is not to blame”
Atasoy expressed the need to raise awareness in society: “Cultural norms often prevent a woman who has been sexually assaulted from reporting to the police. Increasing public awareness on this issue is extremely important. First and foremost, we must clearly emphasize that the person who is sexually assaulted is not to blame. We must underline this fact at every opportunity. Sexual assault is an act of violence. It should never be seen as sexual gratification or the satisfaction of sexual hunger. Such acts are violent behaviors involving anger, revenge, or a display of power, just like battery, beating, or striking.”
“The victim’s statement alone is not considered sufficient”
Atasoy stated that victims of sexual assault do not represent a specific age group: “Clarifying sexual crimes is a significant problem both in Turkey and in many countries around the world. Because the main issue is finding an answer to the question, ‘Who committed this crime?’ There is an assault. The victim points to a person and says, ‘He assaulted me.’ but unfortunately, often the victim’s statement alone is not considered sufficient. Concrete evidence is needed as to the identity of that person. Moreover, victims of sexual assault do not represent only a specific age group. Victims can include babies, women aged 70-80, and even men. Therefore, we are talking about a very broad population. Not just young women, but people of all ages and genders.” she said.
The primary goal in identifying the perpetrator is genetic analysis…
Atasoy stated that the most effective method for identifying the perpetrator is DNA analysis: “For us, the crime scene itself is the victim's body. If present, the suspect's body is also part of the crime scene. All of these must be extensively evaluated in proving a sexual assault. That is, not only the victim's body but also biological findings belonging to the suspect, the physical characteristics of the crime scene, and other evidence found at the scene are equally important to us. In today's forensic medicine, the primary goal in identifying the perpetrator is genetic analysis. The most distinctive method to identify who the perpetrator is DNA analysis. It is not possible to say ‘This is the person’ with 100% certainty using other methods. Therefore, the collection of biological samples is essential.” she said.
“Unjust accusations can also be frequently observed”
Atasoy also noted that baseless accusations can occur: “Although their numbers may seem relatively small, these rates can vary between 1.5% and almost 90% depending on periods and countries. Therefore, collecting evidence is vital to prove whether the person accused by the victim is indeed the perpetrator. Because unjust accusations can also be frequently observed, and wrongful convictions can lead people to spend years in prison. We have encountered similar examples in Turkey as well.” she stated.
“Evidence collection practices compliant with international standards should be popularized nationwide”
Atasoy emphasized that healthcare personnel should be trained in evidence collection methods: “When evidence collection practices compliant with international standards are popularized nationwide, concrete changes will occur in society. As a next step, every possible healthcare professional needs to be trained in biological evidence collection methods. Furthermore, police patrol vehicles should carry standard boxes and special equipment for collected evidence in their trunks, and necessary materials should be readily available. Globally, this problem can only be solved through cooperation between specially trained healthcare personnel and the police. Police should carry standard boxes in their vehicles to adhere to the chain of custody and be able to contact a trained person by phone when needed. I would especially like to emphasize that in the coming years, we need to push for and establish this kind of cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Interior.” she concluded.
Many different topics were covered in the training
Deputy Head of Forensic Sciences Department, Forensic Science Specialist Dr. Tuğba Ünsal Sapan, within the scope of the training, explained to the participants the legal dimensions of sexual assault, penal sanctions, the duties doctors should perform, and safe evidence collection processes.
The organized training program concluded with a group photo session.