Options for Evidence Collection

When?

It’s crucial to secure evidence promptly after the incident. Most injuries or evidence can be identified within the first few hours or days afterwards. However, a medical examination may also be reasonable at a later stage. Also, if there are no visible injuries, don’t hesitate to contact the hospital.

Where?

Examinations and evidence collection can be conducted in all Emergency Rooms of Charité Hospital after filing a police report.

Medical Confidentiality

All medical staff members are bound by medical confidentiality. Unless you release the staff from the medical confidentiality, no one will inform the police during the medical examination for injuries.

Procedure

The evidence collection process in the emergency room consists of four sections: Firstly, you’ll have a brief conversation with the gynecologist, who will explain the subsequent steps. Then, you’ll be asked to provide some information about the incident. Next, your body will be inspected to identify evidence of the incident. If evidence is found, you’ll be asked for permission to document it with photos. You have the right to interrupt or cancel any part of the examination without providing reasons. Finally, you’ll receive brief counseling on further appointments with your local doctor or additional actions for your medical safety, such as tests for infectious diseases or vaccinations.

Confidential Evidence Collection

Documenting your injuries helps to confirm your account of the incident. This documentation could be crucial in legal proceedings, whether under criminal law (for criminal charges) or civil law (for compensation for damages and suffering). While this may not seem important at the moment, your perspective might change later on. Once the opportunity for a thorough examination is missed, it cannot be recreated. With a Confidential Collection of Evidence, the traces of the incident on your body can be preserved and stored for up to one year. Should you decide to report the incident within this timeframe, the evidence gathered can be provided to support your case. It’s worth noting that evidence collection is advisable even if you cannot notice any visible injuries.