Beyond the sexual assault: A comprehensive service model for forensic and medical care
In a well-resourced setting, both medical and forensic elements of care can and should be provided following sexual assault. However, medical needs must take priority with consideration for the collection of forensic evidence. Some victims present to a medical setting after sexual assault which should minimise barriers to reporting. However, this service should be provided in a DNA minimal clinical space, by forensically trained clinicians ideally in an Emergency Department. Data collection and analysis are critical in auditing for continual service improvement.
Authors
- B James
- Vanita Parekh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5274-4915)
- C S Noble
- Janine McMinn (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5402-5946)
- Anna Brkic (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3966-6005)
- Catherine Sansum
Institutions
- Australian National University (AU)
- Canberra Hospital (AU)
- Services Australia (AU)
- Act Health (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
- Published
- 2025-08-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102956
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Reproductive Health and Contraception
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.88