§ Lord James Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when revised guidance will be issued to the police on the investigation of complaints of sexual assault; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerRevised guidance on the investigation of complaints of sexual assault was issued to the police service on 14 November 1985 in the light of the recent Scottish Office social research study, "Investigating Sexual Assault", and of consultations with the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland), the Rape Crisis Centres, and Scottish Women's Aid.
The new guidance emphasises the need for victims to be treated tactfully and sympathetically and covers a number of important areas including medical examinations, questioning about previous sexual history, and follow-up action.
101WI am arranging for a copy of the guidance to be placed in the Library of the House.