FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters

This month we talk with sexual assault nurse examiner Prudence Boylan. The paper discussed is:

Driver M. Enacting an “Empowerment Approach” After Sexual Assault: The Views and Beliefs of Forensic Nurse Examiners and Crisis Support Workers. Journal of Forensic Nursing. 9 February 2024

Host: Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer
Guest: Prudence Boylan

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This month we talk with FAMSACA’s Education Officer, Tracey Markham. The paper discussed is:

Thomas R, Willmot K, Seimon R, Derrick N, Dinh MM, Templeton DJ. Characteristics of alleged sexual assaults involving non-fatal strangulation at a Sydney metropolitan emergency department: a prospective descriptive study. J Forensic Leg Med. 2025 Oct;115:102967

Host: Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer
Guest: Tracey Markham

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This month we talk with sexual assault nurse examiner Emily McGrath about injuries following digital-vaginal penetration. The papers discussed are:

Majeed-Ariss, R., Martin, G. P., & White, C. (2024). Identifying the prevalence of genital injuries amongst patients attending Saint Mary’s sexual assault referral centre following an allegation of digital penetration. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 102. https://doi-org.www.ezpdhcs.nt.gov.au/10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102656

Rossman L, Jones JS, Dunnuck C, Wynn BN, Bermingham M. Genital trauma associated with forced digital penetration. (2004). American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 22(2), 101–104. https://doi-org.www.ezpdhcs.nt.gov.au/10.1016/j.ajem.2003.12.012

Volpellier, M., Hirve, R., & Duckett, C. (2021). Genital injuries and allegation of digital vaginal penetration – A retrospective examination of forensic case notes. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 80. https://doi-org.www.ezpdhcs.nt.gov.au/10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102154

Host: Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer
Guest: Emily McGrath

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FAMSACA committee member and all-round good guy Cassie Noble talks us through the following study:

Parekh V, McMinn J, Brkic A, Williams D, Boxx C, Bailey L, Reid K. More than meets the eye: Lid and conjunctival injuries in cases of non-sexual assault are frequently accompanied by non-fatal strangulation, Emerg Med Australas. 2024 Dec;36(6):849-855.

Host: Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer
Guest: Cassandra Noble

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In this episode, Tracey Markham discusses the ability to consent to a sexual assault medical forensic examination in adult patients with serious mental illness.

Host: Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer
Guest: Tracey Markham

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Kath Evans discusses an American paper looking at how prosecutors utilise evidence that corroborates the victim's account.

Reference:

M.Alderden, T.Cross, M.Vlajnic and L.Siller. Prosecutors’ Perspectives on Biological Evidence and Injury Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases, Journal of Interpersonal Violence 2021, Vol. 36(7-8) 3880–3902

Host: Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer
Guest: Kathryn Evans

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In this episode, Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer talks about two recent studies that cover the same topic of non-fatal strangulation.

References:

Panagides et al. Enhancing foundational validity of forensic findings in nonlethal medico-legal strangulation examinations, Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Volume 109, 2025, 102800

Parekh et al. Informing therapeutic care and legal process in assault cases involving non-fatal strangulation, Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Volume 110, 2025, 10282

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This study explores the experiences of recent sexual assault survivors who accessed integrated crisis response services in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. There is limited research on the experiences of victim-survivors, and most available studies rely on third-party accounts from counselors or advocates rather than direct perspectives from survivors themselves. In this research, we directly hear from victim-survivors themselves through feedback questionnaires, providing firsthand insights into their experiences.

Link to article here: https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2025/march/they-made-a-hard-day-feel-a-little-easier

Host: Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer
Guest: Dr Shalu Singh

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In this episode, we dive into the latest research on doxycycline as a potential game-changer in STI prevention. A new systematic review and meta-analysis has shown promising results for using doxycycline as a prophylactic treatment to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Join Dr Gemma Halliday and Dr Kathy Kramer as we break down the findings and discuss the implications for this with regard to the sexual assault medical consultation.

Link to article here: Doxycycline prophylaxis for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed

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In our final and most important episode, two victim-survivors who both had a medical and forensic examination, hold up a mirror to our profession. 

It's not easy to listen to but we owe it to them to sit with our discomfort and hear their messages.

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