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Yesodharan R, Kamath P, Renjith V, Krishnan NM, Senarathne UD, Sasidharan SK, Jose TT, Nayak VC. The role of legal medicine professionals in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among female victims of sexual assault. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023; 19:440-451. [PMID: 36881378 PMCID: PMC10518277 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00578-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence can have an overwhelming impact on the victim's physical and mental health; the consequences include unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, the examiners must assess victims for possible pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections as a part of the sexual assault examination. This article aims to orient the medico-legal examiners towards their role in preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among victims of sexual assault. Prompt detection of pregnancy or STIs is critical, as any delay would adversely affect the successful administration of emergency contraception and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjulal Yesodharan
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka India
| | - Pratibha Kamath
- Department of OBG Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka India
| | - Vishnu Renjith
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Nirmal M. Krishnan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka India
| | - Udara Dilrukshi Senarathne
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Suja Kumari Sasidharan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ernakulum, Kerala India
| | - Tessy Treesa Jose
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka India
| | - Vinod C. Nayak
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka India
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Dawnay N, Sheppard K. From crime scene to courtroom: A review of the current bioanalytical evidence workflows used in rape and sexual assault investigations in the United Kingdom. Sci Justice 2023; 63:206-228. [PMID: 36870701 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault casework requires the collaboration of multiple agency staff to formalise an investigative pipeline running from crime scene to court. While the same could be said of many other forensic investigations, few require the additional support of health care staff and the combined forensic involvement of body-fluid examiners, DNA experts and analytical chemists. The sheer amount of collaborative effort between agencies is laid out through a detailed examination of the investigative workflow from crime scene to courtroom with each step in the pipelines detailed and discussed. Beginning with a review of sexual assault legislation in the United Kingdom this article details how sexual assault investigations are initiated by police and supported by sexual assault referral centre (SARC) staff who are often the first responders providing primary healthcare and patient support to victims while simultaneously collecting and assessing forensic evidence. Detailing the myriad of evidential material that can be documented and collected at the SARC, the review identifies and categorises key forensic tests to first detect and identify body-fluids recovered from evidence through to the secondary analysis of DNA to help identify the suspect. This review also focusses on the collection and analysis of biological material used to support the allegation that the sexual activity was non-consensual and provides a breakdown of common marks and trauma as well as a review of common analytical methods used to infer Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA). The culmination of the investigative pipeline is discussed by reviewing the Rape and Serious Sexual Assault (RASSO) workflow used by the Crown Prosecution Service before providing our thoughts on the future of forensic analysis and possible changes to the described workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Kayleigh Sheppard
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, United Kingdom
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3
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Scafide KN, Ekroos RA, Mallinson RK, Alshahrani A, Volz J, Holbrook DS, Hayat MJ. Improving the Forensic Documentation of Injuries Through Alternate Light: A Researcher-Practitioner Partnership. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2023; 19:30-40. [PMID: 36812372 PMCID: PMC9940828 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
An alternate light source (ALS) is a practitioner-driven technology that can potentially improve the documentation of injuries among victims of interpersonal violence. However, evidence-based guidelines are needed to incorporate and document an ALS skin assessment into a forensic medical examination that accurately reflects the science, context of forensic nursing practice, trauma-informed responses, and potential impact on criminal justice stakeholders. This article introduces the forensic nursing community to a current translation-into-practice project focused on developing and evaluating an ALS implementation program to improve the assessment and documentation of bruises among adult patients with a history of interpersonal violence. Our researcher-practitioner collaboration uses theory-based approaches that consider both the developed program's practice context and stakeholder impact. The goal is to provide evidentiary support for adult victims of violence and a more equitable forensic nursing practice that benefits diverse patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine N. Scafide
- Author Affiliations:College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University
| | | | - R. Kevin Mallinson
- Author Affiliations:College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University
| | - Abeer Alshahrani
- Author Affiliations:College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University
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Downing NR, Adams M, Bogue RJ. Factors Associated With Law Enforcement Reporting in Patients Presenting for Medical Forensic Examinations. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP3269-NP3292. [PMID: 32779504 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520948518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Law enforcement reporting following sexual assault is lower than for other violent crimes. Sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) provide care for patients in the acute period following sexual assault and are well-positioned to identify and address barriers to reporting. We examined data from medical forensic examination records documented by SANEs for a 5-year period (2011-2015). We examined 347 records of women 18 and older to identify factors associated with law enforcement reporting at the time of the exam using binomial logistic regression to construct odds ratios (OR). A total of 56.5% of patients in the sample reported to law enforcement. Patients who did not voluntarily consume alcohol were more likely to report than those who did (OR = 4.45; p = .001). Patients who were not students were more likely to report than students (OR = 3.24; p = .002). Patients who had a medical forensic exam within 32 hr of the assault were more likely to report than those having exams after 32 hr (OR = 2.68; p = .007). Patients who had anogenital and/or bodily injuries were more likely to report than those who had no injuries (OR = 2.50; p = .008). Patients who were penetrated (vaginally, orally, and/or anally) were more likely to report than those who were not penetrated (OR = 2.50; p = .056). Knowing the assailant, having multiple assailants, and patient and assailant race/ethnicity were not associated with different likelihood of reporting to law enforcement. SANEs and others who work with victims of sexual assault can use data to understand and address barriers to reporting.
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Lohner L, Nigbur L, Klasen C, Witzel I, Garland J, Ondruschka B, Anders S. Vaginal injuries after consensual sexual intercourse - a survey among office-based gynecologists in Hamburg, Germany. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022; 18:352-358. [PMID: 35716294 PMCID: PMC9587115 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the occurrence of injuries following consensual sexual intercourse (CSI) among patients treated by office-based gynecologists are lacking. This survey aimed to assess the presence and medical relevance of vaginal injuries after CSI in gynecological office-based practice, associated risk factors, and their significance for forensic medical assessment practice. All office-based gynecologists in Hamburg, Germany (n = 316), were asked to fill in a one-page questionnaire via a fax survey. The questionnaire covered various aspects such as having observed CSI-related injuries, injury severity, risk factors, and concomitant factors (bleeding, need for surgical care, hospitalization). Response rate was 43.2% (n = 115). Overall, 83.5% of office-based gynecologists reported having observed vaginal injuries after CSI at least once and 59.1% repeatedly. Regarding maximum injury severity, 52.1% observed mucosal erosions, 32.3% mucosa penetrating injuries, and 14.6% injuries penetrating the vagina. Having observed bleeding was reported by 56.3%, 28.1% had to perform surgical suture care, and hospital admission was initiated by 20.8%. Menopause (37.5%), use of objects (19.8%), alcohol, and/or drug use (16.7%) were reported as the most frequently observed associated risk factors. Vaginal injuries after CSI have been observed by the majority of office-based gynecologists in Hamburg involving a wide spectrum of severity, including the necessity of surgical care and hospital admission. Complementing published work in clinical and emergency medicine, these findings are highly relevant to the forensic evaluation of injuries in an allegation of sexual assault, as the severity of a vaginal injury in this setting does not necessarily support a conclusion on the issue of consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Lohner
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany
| | - L. Nigbur
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany
| | - C. Klasen
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - I. Witzel
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J. Garland
- Forensic and Scientific Services, Coopers Plains, Brisbane, Australia
| | - B. Ondruschka
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany
| | - S. Anders
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Butenfeld 34, 22529 Hamburg, Germany
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Yonashiro-Cho JMF, Gassoumis ZD, Wilber KH, Homeier DC. Improving forensics: Characterizing injuries among community-dwelling physically abused older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:2252-2261. [PMID: 33945150 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical elder abuse affects a substantial number of older adults, leaving victims at increased risk for negative health outcomes. Improved detection of abuse-related injuries may increase victim access to professional support, but providers report difficulties distinguishing between accidental and abuse-related injuries, due in part to victims' pre-existing health conditions and medication use. OBJECTIVES To describe the spectrum and characteristics of injuries among physically abused older adults and identify injury characteristics associated with abuse. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Physically abused adult protective services clients were interviewed in their home; non-abused comparison group participants were interviewed in an outpatient geriatrics clinic. PARTICIPANTS Sample included 156 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older, including 57 physically abused and 99 non-abused individuals. Self-reported abuse history was confirmed through independent case assessment by a LEAD (Longitudinal, Expert All-Data) panel of clinicians with family violence expertise. MEASUREMENTS Full-body assessments were conducted, documenting injury incidence, diagnosis, and location. We also collected sociodemographic characteristics, level of social support, functional ability, medical history, and medication use. RESULTS Physically abused older adults were more likely to be injured upon assessment (79.0% vs 63.6%; p < 0.05) and have a greater number of injuries ( x ¯ = 2.9 vs x ¯ = 2.0 , p < 0.05). Injuries seen more often among abused individuals included: upper extremity ecchymoses (42.1% vs 26.3%; p < 0.05), abrasions (31.6% vs 11.1%; p < 0.01), and areas of tenderness (8.8% vs 0.0%; p < 0.01); and head/neck/maxillofacial ecchymoses (15.8% vs 2.0%; p < 0.01) and tenderness (15.8% vs 0.0%; p < 0.001). Lower extremity abrasions (12.3%) were common but unrelated to abuse status. CONCLUSION While physical abuse does not always result in physical injury, victims more commonly display head/neck/maxillofacial ecchymoses or tenderness and upper extremity abrasions, ecchymoses, or tenderness. Detection of these injuries among older adults warrants further interview and examination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachary D Gassoumis
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kathleen H Wilber
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Diana C Homeier
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Sommers MS, Fargo JD. Discriminating between consensual intercourse and sexual assault: Genital-anal injury pattern in females. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 79:102138. [PMID: 33657467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of genital-anal (GA) injuries following sexual assault promotes health and assists prosecutors to build a case. The pattern of injuries may help differentiate between consensual and non-consensual intercourse, bolster the survivors' credibility, and increase prosecutions in sexual assault cases. OBJECTIVES To identify the constellation of G-A injury-related characteristics that most effectively discriminated between consensual sexual intercourse and sexual assault in females when controlling for intercourse-related variables. METHODS We employed a comparative study with two groups: a prospective cohort group with consensual participants and a group derived from an existing sexual assault registry. In the prospective cohort, we performed a sexual assault forensic examination at baseline and following consensual sexual intercourse with females ≥21 years. We compared their injury patterns to the injury records of females ≥21 years who were sexual assaulted. RESULTS We enrolled a sample of 834 females: 528 consensual (63.3%) participants and 306 non-consensual (36.7%) registry cases. After controlling for race/ethnicity, age, and time between intercourse and examination, logistic regression analyses showed that the presence of an external genital tear increased the odds of non-consensual intercourse more than two times (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.28-5.56). Logistic regression analyses also showed that the odds of non-consensual sexual intercourse were significantly greater with a lower prevalence and frequency of external and internal genital redness, lack of condom use and lubrication, and presence of anal penetration. Latent class analysis identified high and low G-A injury prevalence subgroups among both consensual and non-consensual samples. One subset of results emerged that may be indicative of non-consensual as compared to consensual intercourse: a higher prevalence of external genital and anal tears. CONCLUSION External genital tears occurred more frequently in the non-consensual sample and increased the odds of non-consensual intercourse more than two times. Anal tears, swelling, and ecchymosis and anal penetration were markers for non-consensual intercourse and should increase suspicion for lack of consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn S Sommers
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Boulevard, Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 513-314-9967, USA.
| | - Jamison D Fargo
- Utah State University Department of Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, 435-797-8558, USA.
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Sommers MS, Regueira Y, Tiller DA, Everett JS, Brown K, Brignone E, Fargo JD. Understanding rates of genital-anal injury: Role of skin color and skin biomechanics. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 66:120-128. [PMID: 31299484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A series of studies suggest that non-Hispanic White women have significantly more injuries than non-Hispanic Black women after sexual assault and consensual sexual intercourse. One explanation for this difference is that the degree of skin protection may vary as skin mechanics and skin pigmentation vary. The aim of the study was to determine the association among genital-anal injury, skin color, skin viscoelasticity and skin hydration in women following consensual sexual intercourse when controlling for age, smoking history, body mass index (BMI), sun exposure, and health status. PROCEDURES We employed a prospective cohort study design to enroll women 21 years of age or older at two study sites. They underwent two data collection sessions, baseline and follow-up after consensual sexual intercourse. Baseline genital-anal injury identification occurred with a standard forensic examination (direct visualization, nuclear staining with toluidine blue contrast, and colposcopy examination) and measurements of other variables (skin color, skin viscoelasticity, skin hydration, age, smoking history, body mass index [BMI], sun exposure, and health status). Participants were then asked to have consensual sexual intercourse with a male partner of their choice and to return for a second forensic examination for injury detection. Genital-anal injury was regressed on skin color, skin viscoelasticity, skin hydration, age, smoking history, BMI, sun exposure, and health status. FINDINGS We enrolled 341 participants, 88 non-Hispanic White (25.8%), 54 non-Hispanic Black (15.8%), 190 Hispanic/Latina (55.7), and 9 Other Identities (2.6%). At baseline the genital-anal injury prevalence was 57.77% and at follow-up after consensual sexual intercourse, injury prevalence was 72.73%. External genital injury prevalence was associated with increased L* (lightness) values (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.98, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.03, 4.04) and decreased skin elasticity (AOR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93, 0.99) at baseline. Increased skin hydration was associated with a significantly higher frequency of external, internal, anal, and total genital-anal injuries (Adjusted Rate Ratio [ARR] > 1.27) at follow-up. Also at the follow-up examination, Hispanic/Latina participants had significantly lower external genital and total genital-anal injury prevalence and frequency as compared to non-Hispanic White participants (AOR < 0.40). CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide qualified support for the importance of skin color during the forensic examination. Women with lighter skin tones may have skin that is more easily injured than women with darker tones. In contrast, external genital injuries may be more easily identified in women with light as compared to dark skin, a situation that is important in both the health care and criminal justice systems. Additionally, women with decreased viscoelasticity and increased hydration may be more easily injured. These findings support the need to develop forensic procedures that are effective in people across the range of skin colors and to interpret forensic findings considering the innate properties of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn S Sommers
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Boulevard, Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Yadira Regueira
- University of Puerto Rico School of Nursing, Medical Sciences Campus, Box 365067, San Juan, PR, 00936, USA.
| | - Deborah A Tiller
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Boulevard, Fagin Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Janine S Everett
- Franklin and Marshall College, 415 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA, 17603, USA.
| | - Kathleen Brown
- University of Pennsylvania, Fagin Hall, 418 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Emily Brignone
- Utah State University, Department of Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.
| | - Jamison D Fargo
- Utah State University Department of Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84341, USA.
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Rosen T, Reisig C, LoFaso VM, Bloemen EM, Clark S, McCarthy TJ, Mtui EP, Flomenbaum NE, Lachs MS. Describing visible acute injuries: development of a comprehensive taxonomy for research and practice. Inj Prev 2016; 23:340-345. [PMID: 27913598 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2016-042131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little literature exists classifying and comprehensively describing intentional and unintentional acute injuries, which would be valuable for research and practice. In preparation for a study of injury patterns in elder abuse, our goal was to develop a comprehensive taxonomy of relevant types and characteristics of visible acute injuries and evaluate it in geriatric patients. METHODS We conducted an exhaustive review of the medical and forensic literature focusing on injury types, descriptions, patterns and analyses. We then prepared iteratively, through consensus with a multidisciplinary, national panel of elder abuse experts, a comprehensive classification system to describe these injuries. RESULTS We designed a three-step process to fully describe and classify visible acute injuries: (1) determining the type of injury, (2) assigning values to each of the characteristics common to all geriatric injuries and (3) assigning values to additional characteristics relevant for specific injuries. We identified nine unique types of visible injury and seven characteristics critical to describe all these injuries, including body region(s) and precise anatomic location(s). For each injury type, we identified two to seven additional critical characteristics, such as size, shape and cleanliness. We pilot tested it on 323 injuries on 83 physical elder abuse victims and 45 unintentional fall victims from our ongoing research to ensure that it would allow for the complete and accurate description of the full spectrum of visible injuries encountered and made modifications and refinements based on this experience. We then used the classification system to evaluate 947 injuries on 80 physical elder abuse victims and 195 unintentional fall victims to assess its practical utility. CONCLUSIONS Our comprehensive injury taxonomy systematically integrates and expands on existing forensic and clinical research. This new classification system may help standardise description of acute injuries and patterns among clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Rosen
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher Reisig
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.,Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Veronica M LoFaso
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Sunday Clark
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas J McCarthy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Estomih P Mtui
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Neal E Flomenbaum
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark S Lachs
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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Bruce AC, Cao Y, Henry C, Peirce SM, Laughon K. Preclinical Assessment of Safety and Efficacy of Fluorescent Dye for Detecting Dermal Injuries (the injuries were both abrasions and incision) in a Murine Model. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:1493-1497. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C. Bruce
- Biomedical Engineering; University of Virginia; PO Box 8008383 Charlottesville VA 22903
| | - Yiqi Cao
- Biomedical Engineering; University of Virginia; PO Box 8008383 Charlottesville VA 22903
| | - Catherine Henry
- Biomedical Engineering; University of Virginia; PO Box 8008383 Charlottesville VA 22903
| | - Shayn M. Peirce
- Biomedical Engineering; University of Virginia; PO Box 8008383 Charlottesville VA 22903
| | - Kathryn Laughon
- School of Nursing; University of Virginia; PO Box 800826 Charlottesville VA 22903
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11
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Screening for History of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence. PM R 2016; 8:1104-1110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Brew-Graves E, Morgan L. Injuries and allegations of oral rape: A retrospective review of patients presenting to a London sexual assault referral centre. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 34:155-8. [PMID: 26165676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective review was carried out of patients seen at the Haven sexual assault referral centre in South East London between January 2009 and September 2010 to determine the frequency and nature of oral injuries found in people reporting oral rape. Ninety five eligible patients were identified and relevant information was extracted from standardised Haven forms completed during forensic medical examination. The main outcome measures were prevalence, type and location of oral injury. Eighteen (19%) were found to have sustained an oral injury. The most common injury was abrasions, followed by bruising and petechiae. The lips were the most common site of injury followed by the soft palate and the inside of the cheeks. It was concluded that injuries in the mouth were not common after an allegation of oral rape. Injuries were minor and did not require treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmeline Brew-Graves
- Haven Camberwell, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 13-14 Caldecot Road, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Louise Morgan
- Haven Camberwell, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 13-14 Caldecot Road, London SE5 9RS, UK.
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13
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Kelly DL, Larkin HJ, Cosby CD, Paolinetti LA. Derivation of the Genital Injury Severity Scale (GISS): A concise instrument for description and measurement of external female genital injury after sexual intercourse. J Forensic Leg Med 2013; 20:724-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2013.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Klot JF, Auerbach JD, Berry MR. Sexual violence and HIV transmission: summary proceedings of a scientific research planning meeting. Am J Reprod Immunol 2013; 69 Suppl 1:5-19. [PMID: 23157400 PMCID: PMC3619416 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This summarizes proceedings of a Scientific Research Planning Meeting on Sexual Violence and HIV transmission, convened by the Social Science Research Council on 19–20 March 2012 at the Greentree Foundation in New York. The Meeting brought together an interdisciplinary group of basic, clinical, epidemiological and social science researchers and policy makers with the aim of: (1) examining what is known about the physiology of sexual violence and its role in HIV transmission, acquisition and pathogenesis; (2) specifying factors that distinguish risks throughout the maturation of the female genital tract, the reproductive cycle and among post-menopausal women; and (3) developing a research agenda to explore unanswered questions. The Meeting resulted in a consensus Research Agenda and White Paper that identify priorities for HIV research, policy and practice as it pertains to the role of sexual violence and genital injury in HIV transmission, acquisition and pathogenesis, particularly among women and girls.
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Fisher BS, Kaplan A, Budescu M, Fargo J, Tiller D, Everett J, Sommers M. The influence of anogenital injury on women's willingness to engage with the criminal justice process after rape. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2013; 28:968-983. [PMID: 24547675 DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-12-00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Medical-legal-social science research has documented that nongenital and/or anogenital injuries play a significant role throughout the criminal justice system from victims reporting to judges determining the length of a sentence. What remains an open question is whether the documentation of anogenital injury influences women's willingness to engage in the criminal justice system. A sample of women age 21 years and older residing in an urban area were asked about willingness to report to police, file charges, and work with the courts to prosecute after rape. Questions were framed with a qualifying statement about the forensic examination being able to detect injury related to forced sexual intercourse. Results show that women had a high willingness to act if the examination could detect anogenital injury and women with and without a history of forced sexual intercourse had significant differences in their responses to these questions. Implications for health care, criminal justice system, and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Sue Fisher
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0389, USA.
| | - Alyssa Kaplan
- New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, USA
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