Originally posted by Krangthebrain
Is your mother a forensic nurse?
I had a forensic nurse come into one of my justice classes, and she basically said that most of the time rape is quite apparent. When a woman doesn't want to have sex, the vaginal tissue tears.
Add that fact with bruising that would occur from a struggle, and you have strong circumstantial rape evidence. Rough sex is much different than forced sex.
My mom is an OB/GYN with 15 years of post high school education/ training. While she doesn't specialize in rape victims, she does have considerable experience considering the hospital she works at.
She also said that there are forensic nurses that work sexual assault cases in maricopa county, but they usually assist the Dr. in charge, or do the tests and have the doctor evaluate the results. Remember, a nurse never goes to med school, and they usually need a Dr.'s approval for their diagnosis.
She said that if a women is sexually active the vaginal tissue stretches, making it very hard to tell. She then said in some cases they can use a large magnifying glass (didnt want to even try spelling the word she used) to see if there is any small evidence. However, as the Doctor making the examination she said practially never can she guantee is was assault, and the most common diagnosis is "alleged sexual assault"
If the defendant admits to sleeping with the woman, it turns into a he said she said arguement, or is based off of witness reports.
About bruises, she said that every victim is different. Diffferent people bruise easier than others. For example my sister will get a large purple bruise if she hits her thigh on a counter where my girlfriend can slip in the rain and fall on her ass without a mark. Also, rape isnt always extemely violent in the manner carried out.
Just because a women doesnt struggle to get away it doesnt mean that it was consensual.
