Commencement of proceeding; complaint

§ 16–2344. Commencement of proceeding; complaintAn unmarried woman who is at least four months pregnant or who has been delivered of a child born out of wedlock, or a married woman who is at least four months pregnant with a child, which if born alive, may be born out of wedlock, or who has been delivered of a child born out of wedlock and who was not living with nor cohabiting with her husband during the period of time in which the child could have been conceived, may appear before the Corporation Counsel for the District of Columbia or his assistant at the Juvenile Court and accuse a man of being the father of her child and request his arrest. In case of death, disability, or incompetence of the mother, the complaint may be made by the custodian, guardian, or next friend of the child. The complainant shall be examined under oath by the Corporation Counsel or his assistant to determine the validity of the accusation. If, upon examination, there appears reasonable cause to believe that the accused person is the father of the child in question, the complaint shall be reduced to writing, verified by the complainant, and filed with the clerk of the court. The verified complaint may be introduced in evidence to impeach the complaining witness in any subsequent proceedings therein.