Genital and anal injury in women after sexual assault: prevalence rates and associated risk factors in 294 cases
This study demonstrates the prevalence and patterns of genital and anal injuries in women presenting to a single unit following sexual assault, and provides valuable insights into the nature and extent of harm experienced by survivors when consistent data collection tools are used. The study also highlights how frequently injury is absent, even when penetration is disclosed. These findings contribute to the body of evidence guiding forensic examination protocols and care strategies, as well as to the evidence base considered during detection and prosecution of sexual crime.
Authors
- Sarah Connor
- Daniel Kane (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9523-4840)
- Daniel Richardson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0955-6307)
- N Maher (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3196-8228)
- J.L. Walshe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7220-3120)
- Maeve Eogan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5100-1981)
- Christine Pucillo
- Karen Flood (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2118-916X)
- Wendy Ferguson
Institutions
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (IE)
- Rotunda Hospital (IE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal of Legal Medicine
- Published
- 2025-05-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-025-03522-1
- Primary Topic
- Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland