Units / FOR5027
FOR5027 · Adult sexual assault
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Forensic Medicine
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
In this unit you will become familiar with role of nurses and midwives working in a therapeutic and forensic role with victims and alleged perpetrators of sexual assault. Theoretical and historical perspectives are considered to provide a thorough grounding for practical discussions on current legislation and police investigation. Forensic responsibilities are dealt with including specimen selection and collection, laboratory liaison and injury documentation and interpretation. The unit will address the medico-legal report and the role of the expert witness in court appearances. Workbooks and clinical case examples will be used to lay the foundations for some of the basic academic objectives of the unit. During a two-day face-to-face workshop, you will further develop knowledge through a series of demonstrations and practical skills in performing adult sexual assault examinations.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Southbank | Second semester | A combination of on-campus and online teaching in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Short answer questions (1,500 words) | Written | 25% | — |
| 2 | Research poster (1-page poster and 5-minute pre-recorded presentation) | Presentation | 20% | — |
| 3 | Clinical examination demonstration | Demonstration | 25% | — |
| 4 | Expert opinion preparation | Written | 30% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Provide clinical services to adult victims of sexual assault within the scope of professional practice.
- Execute forensic responsibilities in sexual assault cases within the scope of professional practice.
- Gather forensic evidence based on the application of relevant guidelines and scientific and legal methods theory.
- Outline the process aligned with the laboratory treatment of forensic evidence.
- Appraise legal, epidemiological, theoretical and cultural aspects across a broad range of circumstances in which sexual assault occurs.
- Compose industry-standard written and oral medicolegal evidence to assist the court on sexual assault matters.
Workload
5-6 hours per week of directed study and 3-4 hours per week of self-directed readings, assessment preparation and development. Attendance at and participation in two-day face-to-face (Southbank)workshop.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 14 hours |
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