TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Overweight and the sexual assault forensic medical examination: A pressing problem
JO  - Journal of forensic and legal medicine
A1  - Kramer, Kathy
SP  - 207
EP  - 210
VL  - 20
IS  - 4
N2  - This paper examines the problems faced by forensic physicians assessing overweight victim/survivors of sexual assault, using sample cases and reviewing the literature. This under-researched area is a minefield of practical difficulties and unanswered questions, with the need for solutions becoming more pressing as overweight becomes more common. Overweight has the potential to alter injury patterns; the way forensic medical examinations are conducted; and injury and specimen interpretation. Pertinent questions include whether the "cushion effect" noted in motor vehicle accidents is relevant to sexual assault and how obesity-related comorbidities affect our ability to age injuries. Practical problems include positioning the client safely, obtaining clear views of areas of interest, and taking high-quality specimens. Although overweight victims appear to be uncommon in sexual assault services, as the obesity epidemic progresses clinicians will need to address these issues.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1752-928X
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2012.07.013
ID  - ref1
ER  -