title: The (in)significance of genital injury in rape and sexual assault.
abstract: The forensic significance of genital injury following rape and sexual assault has been the subject of considerable academic and research interest, in terms of the contribution it may provide to the body of evidence in criminal proceedings. This essay takes a critical look at such research, in the context of modern understandings of what actually constitutes rape and sexual assault. Written from the author's perspective as a forensic physician practising in Scotland, it illustrates the fascinating interface between medical evidence and the legal system.
authors.affiliation: NHS Highland Forensic Medical Service, c/o Medical Room, Burnett Road Police Station, Inverness IV1 1RL, Scotland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: graemewalker@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003127:Colposcopy; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005835:Genitalia / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D011902:Rape / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014048:Tolonium Chloride; D006113:United Kingdom; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D014048:Tolonium Chloride
keywords: Genital injury; Rape; Sexual assault