Abstract
Genital injury has a forensic relevance after a sexual assault and it has been discussed
and investigated among professionals who work in this field. To analyze the studies
published in the last decades, the present review examines different factors that
may influence this finding, first clarifying terms of the forensic field, such as
the peculiarity of the legal medical examination, and the distinction of the terms
“legal” and “anatomical” vagina. Finally, it analyses if it is possible that the existence
of these injuries in victims explain the lack of consent in sexual contact, and to
clarify the meaning of the absence of injuries.
Keywords
sexual assault - rape - genital injury