Medicolegal Aspects and Sperm Examination Procedures in Rape Cases: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Sexual violence is usually a covert case where the witnesses are the victim and the perpetrator. For various reasons, even victims may not be able to provide complete information about the perpetrator or the identity of the rapist. With limited initial information, physical and biological evidence found from victims, crime scenes, and perpetrators will play an important role in the objective and scientific reconstruction of the incident. This literature review aimed to describe various sperm examination methods and medicolegal aspects of rape cases. Identification of one or more intact spermatozoa is conclusive evidence of the presence of semen, further confirming sexual contact. The conditions and the sperm collection area play an important role in determining the time interval between deposition and sample collection. Examination of spermatozoa can be done without staining and with staining. Examination of semen can be done by examination (tactile, visual, UV light, acid phosphatase reagent, zinc spot test, and baecchi stain).