Citation

Crane J. Baillieres Best Pract. Res. Clin. Obstet. Gynaecol. 2013; 27(1): 103-111.

Affiliation

State Pathologist's Department, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BS, UK. Electronic address: J.Crane@qub.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Baillière Tindall)

DOI

10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2012.08.009

PMID

23200739

Abstract

The accurate description and interpretation of non-genital injuries may be crucial in cases of alleged sexual assault, and may be important in corroborating a victim's statement of events. In many cases of sexual assault, non-genital injuries may be either absent or trivial; nevertheless, even minor injuries may be of significance and need to be recorded. Injuries may be result from attempts to restrain the victim, whereas others (e.g. bite marks) may have a sexual motive or be part of a sado-masochistic ritual. A standard nomenclature for injuries (i.e. using the terms 'bruises', 'abrasions', 'lacerations', 'incisions and 'stab wounds') should avoid ambiguity between medical examiners.

Language: en