Date of Award
5-2025
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Academic Program
Biological Sciences BS
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Annabelle Frazier Ph.D
Advisor Department
Criminal Justice
Abstract
Following a sexual assault, survivors may seek medical forensic examinations (MFEs) at hospitals. MFEs can be important in identifying and prosecuting the assailant and in receiving necessary physical and psychological care, yet many survivors choose not to undergo the examination. In this qualitative study, I explored survivor experiences of MFEs at United States hospitals to identify possible areas for improvement of the MFE experience. Understanding these experiences is essential to reducing barriers to care, minimizing further harm, and supporting survivor recovery.
Copyright
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Recommended Citation
Simonsen, Brielle, "The Sexual Assault Survivor Experience of Medical Forensic Examinations" (2025). Honors Theses. 1047.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/1047