Fig. 21.—Photo-micrograph of human spermatozoa, × 1000.
(R. J. M. Buchanan.)

Can a Woman become Pregnant by an act of Rape?—The answer to this question is most decidedly in the affirmative. It is not necessary for a woman to experience any sexual pleasure during connection in order that she may conceive. A woman may become pregnant if fresh semen be injected into the vagina with a glass syringe.

Signs of Rape in the Dead.—In the case of a woman found dead, the question may arise as to her having been violated prior to death. The reply to the question is by no means easy. Severe injury to the genitals is a presumption in favour of rape, but cases are by no means rare in which men failing to accomplish coïtus have injured the parts with their fingers. The presence of spermatozoa in the vaginal mucus is good evidence of a recent coïtus, but is no direct evidence of a rape. Collateral evidence will in most cases decide the point.

Physical Signs of Rape
in Adult and in Child

In the Adult.In the Child.
1. If examined soon after the1. There may not be sufficient
commission of the offence, thepenetration to rupture the hymen,
hymen of the adult virgin mayconsequently there will be
be ruptured, and the fourchetteno hæmorrhage. In other cases
may be lacerated, and the partsthe external organs will be
covered with blood.bruised, and in many cases
severely lacerated, the lacerations
depending on the amount of
penetration and force used.
2. Difficulty in walking, in2. Same as in the adult, but
passing water, and sometimeslasting for a longer time—from
when the bowels are relieved.eight to fourteen days.
These signs in the adult pass
off in a day or two.
3. Injuries on the person abused,3. For obvious reasons these
such as scratches and ecchymoses,do not occur on children.
may be present as the result of a
struggle. These may be self-inflicted.

Directions as to manner of making a Medico-Legal
Examination in a Case of Alleged Rape.

1. Be careful to note everything, for it is in such cases as the one under discussion where apparently unimportant signs may become of the greatest moment.

2. Give the female no time for preparation, but make your visit, and at once proceed to an examination. The visit to be of any practical service should not be delayed beyond the third or fourth day after the alleged offence, “by which time the lacerations will have healed, the cicatrices disappeared, and the torn hymen be in such a state as to make it difficult to say whether it had been divided recently or at an earlier period.” But remember that you are not justified in using force; and in this, as in cases of suspected pregnancy, if you examine a woman against her will you render yourself liable for an action for assault, and may have to pay heavily for your enthusiasm.