Work

Injury Patterns in Women Resulting from Sexual Assault

Year: 2001

Type: article

Abstract: Although sexual assault is one of the fastest growing and most violent crimes in America today, we have much to learn about the best strategies for completing the forensic examination. This integrated review of the literature attempts to shed light on our current knowledge about the pattern and location of genital injuries caused by forced sexual intercourse. Three mechanisms exist for genital examination following sexual assault: direct visualization, staining, and colposcopy. In survivors of sexual assault, reported rates of genital injury vary, with investigators using direct visualization reporting the lowest rates (5%-53%) and investigators using colposcopy technique reporting the highest (68%-87%). In addition, the location of genital injury is important because it may be a mechanism to differentiate consensual from nonconsensual sex. Therefore, as the science develops, the severity, location, and pattern of genital injuries may be used to draw conclusions about the nature and intent of the assault.

Source: Trauma Violence & Abuse

DOI: 10.1177/1524838001002003003

Authors: MARILYN SAWYER SOMMERS, JOHN SCHAFER, THERESE ZINK, LINDA HUTSON, PAULA HILLARD

Institutions: University of Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2037601255

FWCI: 1.993

Cites: 49

Cited by: 26

Related to: 10