2. The priority should be on treating life-threatening injuries of the SAS & then collecting the forensic evidences. 3. The examination of SAS should be done in complete privacy and security. Consent (informed, verbal and written consent) from the SAS is must to start the forensic examination. In case of minors, elderly persons, mentally ill and intoxicated persons, consent of a person competent to give such consent on behalf of the SAS should be taken. (Sec 164A CrPC; Sec 27 POCSO Act; Guidelines & Protocols by M o Health & Family Welfare on Medico-legal care for survivors/victims of sexual violence). B. Promptness in Examination 1. The SAS should be examined promptly/at the earliest possible. The collection of forensic evidence can take upto few hours even by a trained professional, depending upon the case as every case requires requisite 'due diligence' and 'humane approach'. As the time passes between time of assault and examination of SAS, the quality of forensic evidences will deteriorate. The optimal time for 'forensic DNA evidence' collection, is upto 72 hours (in no case beyond 96 hours) of the assault. However, 'forensic DNA evidence' can still be collected upto 7 days due to advancements in DNA technology. 2. The efficacy of sample collection depends on history of nature of assault, time elapsed between the assault and the examination, and also on post-assault activities. Therefore, date and time of examination and collection of all the samples must be clearly mentioned In the report. C. Collection of Samples 1. Sexual Assault Evidence Collection (SAEC) Kit, apart from the forensic labs, must also be made available at all hospitals (both Private and Government) and police stations where the SAS