Forensic medical services - evidence collected: consultation - easy read

Part 2 How long should evidence by kept?

The Scottish Government will tell health boards how long they should keep this evidence for.

This means that it will be the same for people all over Scotland.

The Scottish Government suggests this evidence should be kept by health boards for 2 years and 2 months and then destroyed. 

This is because:

• People usually decide whether or not they want to report to the police within six months of the assault happening.
• The evidence is usually destroyed after 2 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• The Scottish Government want to make sure people have enough time to make a decision.
• People have told us that the anniversary of their assault can be a very difficult time, so the Scottish Government have added an extra 2 months to avoid upsetting people even more.

The Scottish Government would like to know if you agree with evidence being destroyed after 2 years and 2 months, or if you think it should be kept for more or less time.