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1. What is the medico-legal significance of smegma examination in cases of alleged recent sexual
intercourse?
a) Presence of smegma confirms intercourse
b) Absence of smegma suggests recent washing only
c) Absence of smegma within 12–24 hours suggests recent intercourse
d) Presence of smegma indicates habitual sexual activity
Answer: c) Absence of smegma within 12–24 hours suggests recent intercourse
Explanation: Smegma is a white cheesy secretion that accumulates over 12–24 hours. Its absence
may indicate recent washing or intercourse, supporting recent genital contact.
2. In a forensic examination of an adult female alleging vaginal penetration, which of the
following findings alone is not sufficient to confirm recent sexual intercourse?
a) Laceration of posterior fourchette
b) Fresh hymenal tear with bleeding
c) Acid phosphatase-positive vaginal smear
d) Congestion of vaginal mucosa
Answer: d) Congestion of vaginal mucosa
Explanation: Vaginal congestion may be nonspecific and also occur in infections or trauma. It is not conclusive evidence of recent sexual intercourse unless corroborated by other signs like acid
phosphatase or hymenal tear.
3. Which of the following is a characteristic post-assault psychological reaction commonly
observed in rape survivors?
a) Expressed hostility toward medical personnel
b) Rape trauma syndrome with acute and long-term phases
c) Prolonged sleep followed by complete emotional detachment
d) Total loss of memory of the incident
Answer: b) Rape trauma syndrome with acute and long-term phases
Explanation: Rape trauma syndrome is a recognized psychological response with two phases: an
acute phase (shock, anxiety, guilt) and long-term reorganization (social withdrawal, phobias).
4. What type of perianal findings would strongly suggest habitual passive sodomy in a male
adolescent?
a) Circular superficial tears of anus
b) Edematous anal mucosa
c) Deep fissures and hyperpigmentation
d) Thickened perianal skin with loss of rugosity
Answer: d) Thickened perianal skin with loss of rugosity
Explanation: Habitual passive sodomy causes skin thickening, loss of folds, and keratinization
around the anus due to repeated penetration. It contrasts with acute tears seen in recent assaults.
5. Which of the following best describes the diagnostic utility of acid phosphatase in forensic
sexual assault investigations?
a) Indicates vaginal trauma
b) Suggests hormonal imbalance
c) Confirms presence of semen
d) Measures victim's fertility
Answer: c) Confirms presence of semen
Explanation: Acid phosphatase is a seminal enzyme present in high concentration. It is used in
presumptive testing for semen detection, especially when sperm are absent (e.g., vasectomy).
6. The presence of intact hymen in a pubertal girl alleging repeated sexual intercourse indicates:
a) No intercourse has occurred
b) The victim is lying
c) The hymen is elastic or the penetration was partial
d) Abuse was limited to digital contact only
Answer: c) The hymen is elastic or the penetration was partial
Explanation: An intact hymen does not rule out intercourse, especially in elastic types. Full
penetration may occur without rupture. Hence, its integrity is not conclusive evidence of virginity or absence of intercourse.
7. In sexual assault investigation, which of the following methods is most sensitive and specific
for establishing identity of the assailant?
a) Blood typing from vaginal swab
b) Acid phosphatase test
c) Sperm motility under microscope
d) DNA profiling
Answer: d) DNA profiling
Explanation: DNA profiling from semen, blood, or epithelial cells offers the highest specificity in
linking assailants to the victim or scene, and is admissible in court under the category of expert
evidence.
8. Which feature in a child is the most suggestive of penetrative sexual abuse?
a) Vaginal discharge with itching
b) Acute tear in the posterior hymen
c) Torn underwear
d) Emotional withdrawal
Answer: b) Acute tear in the posterior hymen
Explanation: A fresh posterior hymenal tear, especially in a prepubertal girl, is considered a
strong indicator of penetrative sexual abuse. Non-specific symptoms like discharge or mood changes need correlation.
9. The purpose of collecting fingernail scrapings from a sexual assault victim is to:
a) Detect presence of lubricant
b) Identify victim’s DNA
c) Retrieve foreign epithelial cells for DNA analysis
d) Assess trauma to hands
Answer: c) Retrieve foreign epithelial cells for DNA analysis
Explanation: Fingernail scrapings often contain skin cells from the assailant if the victim scratched during resistance. These samples are used for DNA profiling to identify the perpetrator.
10. What is the rationale behind collecting control swabs during evidence collection in sexual
assault?
a) They eliminate the need for DNA profiling
b) They confirm presence of semen
c) They act as negative controls to detect contamination
d) They replace the need for victim’s statement
Answer: c) They act as negative controls to detect contamination
Explanation: Control swabs (e.g., unused swab passed near sampling site) help ensure that any
detected material is truly from the sample and not from environmental or handling contamination.
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