Physical findings in sexual assault cases when victims delay reporting

An important role for the forensic examiner in cases of sexual assault is to document physical injuries [1]. Research has consistently shown that documented injury plays a significant role at multiple decision-making points during criminal justice proceedings such as the decision to report, prosecute, and convict [2]. The most significant predictor of documented anogenital injury in victims of sexual assault is the time interval between assault and forensic evaluation [3-6]. Therefore, most of the literature regarding anogenital injuries resulting from sexual assault is limited to victims examined within examined within 24-hour time frame.

Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - April 3, 2019 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Linda Rossman, Stephanie Solis, Barbara Wynn, Lindsey Ouellette, Jeffrey S. Jones Source Type: research