Medical Findings in Sexual Abuse Cases

Medical Findings G3

[17] "Woodling and Heger (1986) found that children who describe painful penetration of the vagina or anus are more likely to manifest physical findings. The discovery of findings increases where a colposcope is used."

[54] "In the context of fondling/digital penetration of the vagina or anus, superficial laceration may result from the perpetrator's fingernails."

[55] "These superficial injuries [to the anus by a finger or other object] may include rectal fissures, chafing, and erythema. More significant acute injuries may include bruising, laceration, edema, and posttraumatic hemorrhoidlike tags."

[59] "If the perpetrator performs fellatio or cunnilingus on the child, possible acute signs would include petechia, abrasions, or bite marks on the genitalia..."

[The medical exam of 'Arthur' found "no apparent injury" or other physical indications of sexual abuse whatsoever. This is despite the fact that 'Arthur' claimed that it hurt "a lot" when Nickel (supposedly) inserted his finger into the former's anus.]