Forensic Gynaecology - Towards better care of the female victim of sexual assault

According to the British Crime Survey 2002, one in 20 women is the victim of a sexual assault. In the year 2000, this equated to approximately 61,000 women. The majority of sexual assaults are not reported to the police and domestic or spousal rape is even less commonly reported. We do know, however, that women who are the victims of sexual assault are more likely to use the health service so we, as medical practitioners, will see them in our day-to-day practice.

To reflect the needs of all potential forensic examiners, the book has a multidisciplinary basis and has been designed on two levels. To assist the doctor with little or no knowledge on the subject, part of each chapter is devoted to an explanation of the relevant facts. Each topic covered has areas of debate and some of the controversies are explored in the second part of each chapter, subtitled ‘the dilemmas’, where we have endeavoured to provide a stimulus for discussion. The aim of this book is to be of interest to both the experts and the newcomer to the subject.

The book includes the most up to date information, including the very recent changes to the laws relating to sexual offences. Differences between the new Sexual Offences Act 2003, which comes into force in May 2004, and previous legislation are included in a chapter by a senior QC.

This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the care of women who have suffered sexual assault, from doctors and police forensic teams to those in the legal profession who need to know more about the care of women complainants.