title: [Sexual assaults].
abstract: Examining a victim of sexual assault is a medico-legal emergency. It has to be performed within 72 h, in appropriate conditions. A recent laceration of the hymen does not necessarily indicate a rape, and conversely absence of trauma to a rape victim does not negate the validity of her claim to rape. A normal clinical examination does not exclude the possibility of a sexual abuse. Unlawful sexual intercourse is defined by a sexual penetration without valid consent. Specimen collection, to be considered as an evidence, must be sealed. Toxicological samples have to be performed to search a rape under influence.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine légale et pénitentiaire Hôpital Roger-Salengro, 59037 Lille. gosset@hp-sc.univ-lille2.fr
authors.forename: Didier
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gosset
authors.forename: Valéry
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hédouin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D011902:Rape / Q000175:diagnosis*