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Abstract: 

In recent years, the opinions of medical experts in sexual assault litigation have taken on both increased importance and increased scrutiny. In appropriate cases, physicians and specially trained nurses (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners or SANEs) can be admitted as experts and render opinions on human tissue and anatomy. (See Roger Canaff, “Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examination: Challenges and Opportunities for MDTs in Child Sexual Abuse Cases,” 16 (9) APRI Update (2003).) This expert opinion often addresses the possible cause of observed injury to the vaginal area in rape cases. For instance, an expert may be able to opine that certain tears, bruises, or redness to the vulva were caused by blunt force trauma. In addition, experts can also render opinions as to why injury may not have been seen in a particular case; an expert’s knowledge of the resiliency and elasticity of human tissue may help the jury to understand why no injury was observed even though a sexual assault was reported. (Id.)

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Affiliations:  1: National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse.