Interpretation of non-genital injuries in sexual assault

The accurate description and interpretation of non-genital injuries may be crucial in cases of alleged sexual assault, and may be important in corroborating a victim's statement of events. In many cases of sexual assault, non-genital injuries may be either absent or trivial; nevertheless, even minor injuries may be of significance and need to be recorded. Injuries may be result from attempts to restrain the victim, whereas others (e.g. bite marks) may have a sexual motive or be part of a sado-masochistic ritual. A standard nomenclature for injuries (i.e. using the terms ‘bruises’, ‘abrasions’, ‘lacerations’, ‘incisions and ‘stab wounds’) should avoid ambiguity between medical examiners.