The purpose of the autopsy is to determine the cause of death and to independently document any trauma suffered by the victim. The medical examiner may order an autopsy without getting a signed consent by the next of kin. The medical examiner will keep control over the body of the victim until it is released to the funeral home of your choice.
Victims of sexual assault may be asked to submit to a medical exam at a nearby hospital. If the sex offense has just occurred, an immediate medical exam may provide evidence crucial to conviction of the offender, and your cooperation is tremendously important. These exams may be traumatic both for adults and children. Most larger communities have victims’ organizations that will send a trained advocate to the hospital with you. If no such advocate can come, you can usually bring a close friend or family member with you to the hospital.
Victims of domestic violence, physical child abuse, assault, and drunk driving also may be asked to submit to a medical exam. The sooner these exams take place after the offense, the more evidence can be preserved. Although these exams generally are less traumatic than exams for sex offenses, you still may want to bring an advocate or a friend with you for support.
The investigating agency may have to hold your personal possessions as evidence. The police agency or prosecutor handling the case will decide what can be released to you. But you do have a right to these items as soon as is possible.
