Module 5
Medical Forensic Sexual Assault Examinations: What Are They, and What Can They Tell the Courts?

Learning Objectives 

This module will enable victim advocates to:

  1. Understand the purposes and components of the medical forensic sexual assault examination;
  2. Form accurate expectations regarding the injuries a sexual assault victim might sustain;
  3. Understand the kinds of evidence medical forensic sexual assault examinations may produce;
  4. Understand the limitations on what this evidence can “prove” in court;
  5. Help victims manage their own expectations as to what forensic medical evidence can “prove” in court; and
  6. Know how victim advocates can offer victims support, safety planning, and information before, during, and after the examination.
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