Publications by authors named "Malinda Wheeler"
Objective: Our goal was to investigate the frequency of specific signs and symptoms following sexual assault-related non-fatal strangulation (NFS) and to explore the interaction between assault characteristics and physical exam findings.
Methods: This retrospective observational study included all adults (>18 years) reporting strangulation during sexual assault who presented for a forensic sexual assault exam at one of six urban community hospitals contracted with a single forensic nurse agency. Demographic information, narrative elements, and physical exam findings were abstracted from standardized sexual assault reporting forms.
Conservative estimates indicate that 18-25% of women in the United States will be exposed to some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. A great number of these women will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study explores the relationship between emergency contraception (EC) administration and subsequent post-traumatic stress symptoms in female sexual assault (SA) survivors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To establish inter-rater reliability for genital injury detection among experienced forensic sexual assault (SA) examiners.
Methods: Cross-sectional observational study testing inter-rater agreement of injury assessment among eight experienced SA examiners who each viewed 2-4 digital images from 50 cases. Each case was rated by 4 examiners and included images before and after toluidine blue dye application.
Introduction: The objective of this study was to compile a list of current state laws that mandate medical providers' reporting of statutory rape and assess the subjective interpretation of such laws by sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) throughout the country.
Methods: We contacted an SANE representative from each state by use of the International Association of Forensic Nurses' Web site to obtain information on his or her interpretation of the respective state's statutory rape reporting laws. We compared current state laws and SANE interpretation of such laws with legal interpretation of state laws 5 years previously.
Objectives: Forensic investigators remain unsure exactly why some sexual assault victims display acute injury while others do not. This investigation explores potential reasons for these differential findings among female victims.
Methods: This cross-sectional analysis examined data from consecutive female sexual assault victims, at least 12 years old, who agreed to a forensic exam between November 1, 2002, and November 30, 2006.