Characteristics of sex-related homicides in Alaska.
The identification and interpretation of anogenital findings postmortem is a critical component of a sex-related homicide investigation. The use of a colposcope to assist in identifying anogenital injuries in living sexual assault victims is well established. The use of a colposcope for postmortem anogenital examination has been briefly mentioned in a few publications, however, no studies were found regarding the types and sites of postmortem anogenital injuries identified with a colposcope in sex-related homicide cases. The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic, physical examination, and victim-suspect relationship characteristics of sex-related homicides in Alaska. Genital findings in living and deceased sexual assault victims in Alaska were compared.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the results of this study, postmortem sexual assault examinations should be conducted in all suspected intimate partner homicides. Further implications for forensic nursing practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Henry
Tara
T
Forensic Nurse Services, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA. thenry@alaska.net
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries; D001344:Autopsy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D020681:Colposcopes; D005260:Female; D053604:Forensic Nursing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000293:injuries; D006708:Homicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011902:Rape / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data