NCJ Number
219164
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2007 Pages: 270-280
Date Published
July 2007
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews research on the variables related to the prevalence and location of genital injury in sexual assault as reported in a series of retrospective reviews of medical records.
Abstract
The review found that the incidence of genital injury after rape and sexual assault in recent of medical record ranged from approximately 50 percent to 90 percent. The most common location for genital injury following sexual assault was the posterior fourchette (a small fold of skin at the end of the vulva). The severity of genital and nongenital injury was associated with the filing of charges and conviction. Injury prevalence reported in the literature following consensual sexual intercourse is approximately 10 percent. The prevalence of injury was highest when the examinations were conducted within 24 hours of intercourse or after tampon use. Considering the current technology available for medical examination in rape and sexual assault cases, forensic protocols should include visual inspection, staining, and colposcopy with digital image capture. A widely accepted definition of "injury pattern" that guides the forensic examination would improve consistency in research and practice. The definition of "genital injury pattern" is a model that includes genital injury prevalence, frequency, location, severity, and type. The role of injury pattern in prosecution conviction rates requires further study, so that police investigators and health-care providers can obtain the evidence most likely to produce convictions. There is a need to improve the measurement strategies for injury prevalence, frequency, location, and type. Large-scale trials are required in order to determine the role of skin color in genital injury detection. 53 references