Üsküdar University Vice Rector and Director of the Graduate School of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Prof. Sevil Atasoy, conducted “Sexual Assault Training” for healthcare professionals affiliated with the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate. Emphasizing that sexual violence is a serious public health issue, Prof. Atasoy highlighted the importance of evidence collection and genetic analyses in the investigation of sexual assault cases. She also noted that false accusations can occur and stressed the need to implement evidence collection practices in line with international standards across the country. During the training, Forensic Science Expert Dr. Tuğba Ünsal Sapan provided information on the legal aspects of sexual assault, criminal sanctions, and safe evidence collection procedures.
The training, held at Üsküdar University’s Main Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, was attended by Vice Rector and Director of the Graduate School of Addiction and Forensic Sciences Prof. Sevil Atasoy, Deputy Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences Dr. Tuğba Ünsal Sapan, as well as nurses, midwives, and paramedics.
One in three women experiences sexual assault
Emphasizing that sexual violence is a serious public health problem, Prof. Sevil Atasoy said: “Sexual assault is a serious crime that unfortunately affects millions of people. It not only impacts the victim but also their close circle, family, society, and the entire criminal justice system. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women experiences a sexual assault during her lifetime. This is a very high rate, and it is an official statistic from the WHO. Approximately seven percent of these cases involve completed sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. This means that while some victims experience physical violence, a significant portion are directly subjected to sexual assault. Sexual violence is a major public health and community safety issue. Therefore, we approach all forms of violence and crime primarily as public health problems. In fact, this issue concerns all levels of preventive public health services, that is, primary, secondary, and tertiary.”
“The vast majority go unpunished”
Highlighting that most offenders escape punishment, Prof. Atasoy said: “The investigation and prosecution of sexual assaults are extremely difficult. One of the main reasons for this is that only about 14 percent of victims report the incident to the police. These reports may occur immediately after the incident or much later. Only about 30 percent of reported cases proceed to prosecution. However, at the end of this process, only about one in ten perpetrators, approximately 12 percent, are convicted. This means that the vast majority of offenders walk free, moving about in society without any punishment. Some may even reoffend or commit other crimes.”
“The victim is never at fault”
Pointing to the importance of raising public awareness, Atasoy said: “Cultural norms often prevent women who experience sexual assault from reporting it to the police. Increasing societal awareness on this issue is extremely important. First of all, we must clearly emphasize that the victim of sexual assault is never at fault. We must underline and repeat this fact at every opportunity. Sexual assault is an act of violence. It should never be perceived as an act of sexual gratification or the fulfillment of desire. Such actions are acts of violence driven by anger, revenge, or the need to exert power, just like hitting, beating, or injuring someone.”
“The victim’s statement alone is not considered sufficient”
Noting that victims of sexual assault do not belong to a single age group, Atasoy stated: “The clarification of sexual crimes is a significant challenge both in Türkiye and in many countries around the world, because the main question is ‘Who committed this crime?’ There is an assault, and the victim identifies someone, saying ‘That person attacked me,’ but unfortunately, the victim’s testimony alone is often not considered sufficient. Concrete evidence is required to determine who that person is. Moreover, victims of sexual assault are not limited to a specific age group. Among them may be infants, elderly women aged 70 or 80, and even men. Therefore, we are talking about a very broad population, not only young women, but people of all ages and genders.”
The primary goal in identifying the perpetrator is genetic analysis
Emphasizing that DNA analysis is the most effective method for identifying the perpetrator, Prof. Sevil Atasoy stated: “For us, the crime scene itself is the victim’s body. If applicable, the suspect’s body is also part of the crime scene. In proving a sexual assault, all of these must be comprehensively evaluated. This means that 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 there are equally important. In today’s forensic science, the primary goal in determining the perpetrator’s identity is genetic analysis. The most definitive method for identifying who the perpetrator is would be DNA analysis. It is not possible to declare with absolute certainty that ‘this is the person’ using any other method. Therefore, the collection of biological samples is essential.”
“False accusations can also occur”
Pointing out that false accusations can sometimes be seen, Atasoy said: “Although their numbers may appear relatively low, depending on the country and period, these rates can range from 1.5 percent to nearly 90 percent. Therefore, collecting evidence is critically important to prove whether the person accused by the victim is indeed the perpetrator. False accusations can also occur, and wrongful convictions may lead to innocent people spending years in prison. We have encountered similar cases in Türkiye as well.”
“Evidence collection practices in line with international standards should be expanded nationwide”
Highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to receive proper training in evidence collection methods, Atasoy stated: “When evidence collection practices that comply with international standards are expanded nationwide, tangible changes will be seen in society. As a next step, every healthcare worker who may encounter such cases should receive training in biological evidence collection methods. In addition, police patrol vehicles should have standardized boxes and special compartments in their trunks for storing collected evidence, and all necessary materials should be ready for use. Around the world, this issue can only be effectively addressed through collaboration between specially trained healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers. Police officers should keep standardized evidence kits in their vehicles to maintain the chain of custody and should be able to contact a trained professional by phone when necessary. I want to emphasize that in the coming years, establishing and enforcing this kind of collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Interior will be essential.”
A wide range of topics covered in the training
Deputy Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences and Forensic Science Expert Dr. Tuğba Ünsal Sapan also addressed the participants during the training. She discussed the legal aspects of sexual assault, criminal sanctions, physicians’ responsibilities, and safe evidence collection procedures.
The training program concluded with a group photo session.