Forensic photo-documentation in adult sexual assault– what do patients think?

Nittis, Maria; Hughes, Rod

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102092

Cited by 3 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 17 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…None of the research studies focused specifically on particular aspects of the examination, such as the use of the speculum or anoscope, surrendering underwear and the taking of swabs, blood tests, and urine samples. We have, however, included one paper that focused specifically on forensic photography and its acceptability (Nittis & Hughes, 2021).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Only twelve papers (Campbell, 2006; Campbell, Patterson, Adams, Deigel & Coats, 2008; Du Mont et al, 2008; Ericksen et al, 2002; Fehler-Cabral et al, 2011; Greeson & Campbell, 2011; Jordan, 2001; Lovett et al, 2004; Majeed-Ariss et al, 2019; Miyamoto et al, 2021; Nittis & Hughes, 2021; Peeters et al, 2019) were identified as having relevant data from patients themselves on their experiences of the physical component of the MFE. Of these only two (Du Mont et al, 2008; Fehler-Cabral et al, 2011) were specifically designed to explore the experience of the MFE after sexual assault, a further five papers (Campbell, Patterson, Adams, Deigel & Coats, 2008; Ericksen et al, 2002; Jordan, 2001; Lovett et al, 2004; Nittis & Hughes, 2021) had relevant data collected as part of a broader research project and five of the papers had very limited, but still relevant, data reporting on the physical component of the MFE (Campbell, 2006; Greeson & Campbell, 2011; Majeed-Ariss et al, 2019; Miyamoto et al, 2021; Peeters et al, 2019).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…With regard to methodology, five papers utilized semi-structured interviews (Du Mont et al, 2008; Ericksen et al, 2002; Fehler-Cabral et al, 2011; Greeson & Campbell, 2011; Jordan, 2001), one used a verbal checklist (Campbell, 2006), one a face-to-face survey (Campbell, Patterson, Adams, Deigel & Coats, 2008), one used a paper survey (Majeed-Ariss et al, 2019), and two used an electronic and/or paper survey (Miyamoto et al, 2021; Nittis & Hughes, 2021). Two studies utilized both a series of questionnaires and in-depth interviews (Lovett et al, 2004; Peeters et al, 2019).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One recent paper has reported on the patient acceptability of the use of photography during the medical forensic examination after sexual assault (Nittis & Hughes, 2021). As discussed in the paper, photography is not always a component of the forensic examination of adults, and there are perceived concerns about the impact on victim-survivors.…”

Section: On Photographymentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Adult Sexual Assault Patients’ Experience of the Physical Examination Component of the Medical Forensic Examination: A Scoping Review to Identify Gaps in the Research Literature

Stewart

Shackel

Freedman

et al. 2023

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

We undertook a scoping review of published research literature that reported on adult sexual assault patients’ experience of the physical examination component of the medical forensic examination (MFE). Eligible papers were those reporting data about the physical examination component of the MFE from the adult patient’s perspective, published in the period January 2000 to March 2022 in peer reviewed journals and reports containing original research data published from a tertiary institution. Twelve papers were identified. The review identified a gap in the literature regarding the patient’s experience of the physical examination component of the MFE. The existing literature is limited but suggests that some patients find the examination empowering and reassuring, restoring a sense of bodily control; however, for others it is an intrusive, violating experience that they endure. A more patient-centered sexual assault service appears to have a therapeutic value in itself, but more research is warranted as existing research is very limited and often from a proxy. In particular, more research on patients’ self-reported experience of the MFE, including specific aspects of the examination and the experience of male and gender nonconforming victim-survivors, is needed. A better understanding, from the point of view of the patient, of the benefits of attending, may encourage victim-survivors to seek a health response and, possibly, report to police. It may also be time to assess the impacts of certain aspects of the forensic examination, rethink standard evidence collection processes, and consider enabling more acceptable options for victim-survivors including self-collection of intimate samples.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: On Photographymentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Adult Sexual Assault Patients’ Experience of the Physical Examination Component of the Medical Forensic Examination: A Scoping Review to Identify Gaps in the Research Literature

Stewart

Shackel

Freedman

et al. 2023

Trauma, Violence, & Abuse

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The ubiquity of digital cameras, especially those built into smart phones, have made capturing images easy, accessible, quick and free, offering a spectrum of perception, interpretation and execution [13][14][15]. The forensic photographer must seek training to develop the skills necessary to record these injuries, producing high-quality photographs [3,16,17]. Camera, lens, lighting, background and certain photographic techniques are among the factors considered to achieve precise images [18,19].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Are the Expectations of Legal Operators and Forensic Experts Regarding Photographic Documentation of Violent Death Autopsies?

Valente-Aguiar

Castro-Espicalsky²

2021

Forensic Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The purpose of photography in violent death autopsies is to document the material evidence of the offense and guide decisions in the courts of law. The aim of the present study was to obtain the expectations of legal operators and forensic experts regarding what is expected as adequate photographic documentation in violent death forensics. For this purpose, a survey was prepared through an online form available on the “Google Forms” platform, whose link was sent by e-mail and by the WhatsApp Messenger® application. The 102 participants were divided into two distinct groups: legal practitioners, interested in the materialization of evidence (judges, prosecutors, criminal lawyers and police chiefs), and forensic experts, responsible for materializing the evidence (medical examiners, forensic dentists and criminal experts). The research showed that the inclusion of color photographs in the expert reports is essential for all research participants, as well as the marking of evidence in the images and the inclusion of explanatory text in the captions. It was also pointed out as fundamental for most participants to insert an image with simulation of the firearm bullets’ path, when applicable. In relation to the other aspects, it can be observed that the opinions of the participants were divergent between the groups of research professionals, especially regarding the size of the image to be incorporated in the reports. The differences found between the groups can be detrimental to the proper interpretation and judgment of evidence in the courts. Considering the found barriers, the authors suggest a form of photographic documentation that meets all expectations in a consensual way.

show abstract

Health Information Technology Documentation and Referrals for Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault

Richardson,

Houston-Kolnik,

Ramos

et al. 2024

Appl Clin Inform

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Hospital settings provide a unique opportunity to screen for interpersonal violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) yet often lack health IT solutions for generating reliable and valid medico-legal documentation via forensic reports. Objectives: The objective of the project was to evaluate a pilot, technology “tool” for documenting cases of IPV and SA that could support forensic nurse examiners and related stakeholders in generating high quality documentation and coordinating victim support services. Methods: The tool was a digital health intervention implemented for use among forensic nurse examiners, law enforcement, victim support organizations, and more within four counties of California. We conducted a mixed-methods pilot study that captured data around the adoption, use, and impact of having access to the newly implemented tool. Results: The tool successfully went live in all four pilot counties at different time points with different proportions of use by county and form type: exams, referrals, addenda, risk assessments, and other. Participants were motivated to use the tool out of a perceived need for data handling functionalities that went beyond traditional manual (paper) means. Key functionalities included body mapping, data quality controls within validated forms, attaching addenda to already existing case reports, and the means to distribute data to external recipients. Further study and development are needed on functions to incorporate into body maps and forms, and understanding the information needs of law enforcement and victim support organizations. Conclusions: Our evaluation demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a health IT tool to support forensic nurse documentation of IPV and SA, and direct information to multiple legal and support-related stakeholders. Areas of future development include integrating IPV and SA-related data standards for digitized forms, enhancements to the body mapping feature, and understanding the needs of those who receive digital data from forensic nurse examiners within the tool.

show abstract

Forensic photo-documentation in adult sexual assault– what do patients think?

Cited by 3 publications

References 17 publications

Adult Sexual Assault Patients’ Experience of the Physical Examination Component of the Medical Forensic Examination: A Scoping Review to Identify Gaps in the Research Literature

Adult Sexual Assault Patients’ Experience of the Physical Examination Component of the Medical Forensic Examination: A Scoping Review to Identify Gaps in the Research Literature

What Are the Expectations of Legal Operators and Forensic Experts Regarding Photographic Documentation of Violent Death Autopsies?

Health Information Technology Documentation and Referrals for Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About