Looking through the lens of a sexual assault examiner: novel trends and approaches in forensic photography

Abstract

Abstract Background Sexual violence is cancerous, and it malignantly affects all strata of our community regardless of age, gender, race, ability, and social status. Excellent healthcare service requires professionals who can do a sexual assault examination, collect medico-legal evidence, take photographs of patients' anatomy that was involved in the assault and document what is there and where it is in relation to the victims or perpetrators body or other parts of the crime scene, whether or not it is connected to the crime. Main text The objective of this article to orient the professions to the novel trends and approaches in forensic photography, namely e-consent, digital cameras and their accessories, dedicated forensic software, and photographic protocols and procedures. Conclusion The inadequate and improper collection, preservation and presentation of evidence can lead to crime scene errors and fewer conviction rates. Training in forensic photography is vital and a game-changer in the sexual assault examination.

Keywords

• SANE
• SAFE
• Forensic science
• Forensic photography
• Colposcopy
• E-consent