Forensic markers in elder female sexual abuse cases.

Evidence exists that older adults are victims of sexual assault and rape. The scope of the problem, prevalence, and correlates of these sex crimes are relatively unknown. Such knowledge deficits are major barriers to detecting, prosecuting, and preventing sex crimes against older adults. Understanding how intentional sexual injuries are inflicted on older adults is a growing concern as the population over 65 increases. This study contributes critical information to guide the identification of physical and psychologic markers of elder sexual abuse to be integrated by clinicians and law enforcement as forensic medical evidence.