Sexual Assault: Forensic Examination in the Living and Deceased

The forensic examination of a person suspected of having been sexually assaulted encapsulates the breadth of forensic medicine possibly more completely than any other situation in forensic practice. Whether in the living or deceased, detection of injury and biological material to support or exclude sexual activity requires a careful, methodical approach to ensure robust evidentiary value and an understanding of genito-anal anatomy and sexual physiology to interpret its significance for the courts. This paper is not intended as an exhaustive guideline but aims to provide a general overview of the key components of forensic sexual assault examination highlighting the common and different aspects in living and deceased persons