FAMSACA - Podcast Details

Shows

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Enacting an “Empowerment Approach” After Sexual AssaultThis month we talk with sexual assault nurse examiner Pru Boylan. The paper discussed is:Driver M. Enacting an “Empowerment Approach” After Sexual Assault: The Views and Beliefs of Forensic Nurse Examiners and Crisis Support Workers. Journal of Forensic Nursing. 9 February 2024Host: Assoc Prof Kathy KramerGuest: Prudence Boylanwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2025-12-0810 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Characteristics of alleged sexual assaults involving non-fatal strangulationThis month we talk with FAMSACA’s Education Officer, Tracey Markham. The paper discussed is:Thomas R, Willmot K, Seimon R, Derrick N, Dinh MM, Templeton DJ. Characteristics of alleged sexual assaults involving non-fatal strangulation at a Sydney metropolitan emergency department: a prospective descriptive study. J Forensic Leg Med. 2025 Oct;115:102967Host: Assoc Prof Kathy KramerGuest: Tracey Markhamwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2025-10-1309 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Identifying the prevalence of genital injuriesThis month we talk with sexual assault nurse examiner Emily McGrath about injuries following digital-vaginal penetration. The papers discussed are:Majeed-Ariss, R., Martin, G. P., & White, C. (2024). Identifying the prevalence of genital injuries amongst patients attending Saint Mary’s sexual assault referral centre following an allegation of digital penetration. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 102. https://doi-org.www.ezpdhcs.nt.gov.au/10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102656Rossman L, Jones JS, Dunnuck C, Wynn BN, Bermingham M. Genital trauma associated with forced digital penetration. (2004). American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 22(2), 101–104. https://doi-org.www.ezpdhcs.nt.gov.au/10.1016/j.ajem.2003.12.012...

2025-09-1508 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters More than meets the eyeFAMSACA committee member and all-round good guy Cassie Noble talks us through the following study:Parekh V, McMinn J, Brkic A, Williams D, Boxx C, Bailey L, Reid K. More than meets the eye: Lid and conjunctival injuries in cases of non-sexual assault are frequently accompanied by non-fatal strangulation, Emerg Med Australas. 2024 Dec;36(6):849-855.Host: Assoc Prof Kathy KramerGuest: Cassandra Noblewww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2025-08-1810 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Ethical ConundrumIn this episode, Tracey Markham discusses the ability to consent to a sexual assault medical forensic examination in adult patients with serious mental illness.Host: Assoc Prof Kathy KramerGuest: Tracey Markhamwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2025-07-3113 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Prosecutors' Perspectives on Evidence in Sexual Assault CasesKath Evans discusses an American paper looking at how prosecutors utilise evidence that corroborates the victim's account.Reference:M.Alderden, T.Cross, M.Vlajnic and L.Siller. Prosecutors’ Perspectives on Biological Evidence and Injury Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases, Journal of Interpersonal Violence 2021, Vol. 36(7-8) 3880–3902Host: Assoc Prof Kathy KramerGuest: Kathryn Evanswww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2025-07-0309 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Non-Fatal StrangulationIn this episode, Assoc Prof Kathy Kramer talks about two recent studies that cover the same topic of non-fatal strangulation.References:Panagides et al. Enhancing foundational validity of forensic findings in nonlethal medico-legal strangulation examinations, Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Volume 109, 2025, 102800Parekh et al. Informing therapeutic care and legal process in assault cases involving non-fatal strangulation, Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Volume 110, 2025, 10282www.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2025-05-1509 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters "They made a hard day feel a little easier" - Patients’ experience of an integrated crisis response following recent sexual assaultThis study explores the experiences of recent sexual assault survivors who accessed integrated crisis response services in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. There is limited research on the experiences of victim-survivors, and most available studies rely on third-party accounts from counselors or advocates rather than direct perspectives from survivors themselves. In this research, we directly hear from victim-survivors themselves through feedback questionnaires, providing firsthand insights into their experiences.Link to article here: https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2025/march/they-made-a-hard-day-feel-a-little-easierHost: Assoc Prof Kathy KramerGuest: Dr Shalu Singh...

2025-04-2111 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Doxycycline - a potential game changer in STI prevention?In this episode, we dive into the latest research on doxycycline as a potential game-changer in STI prevention. A new systematic review and meta-analysis has shown promising results for using doxycycline as a prophylactic treatment to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Join Dr Gemma Halliday and Dr Kathy Kramer as we break down the findings and discuss the implications for this with regard to the sexual assault medical consultation.Link to article here: Doxycycline prophylaxis for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed...

2025-04-2113 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Survivor PerspectiveIn our final and most important episode, two victim-survivors who both had a medical and forensic examination, hold up a mirror to our profession. It's not easy to listen to but we owe it to them to sit with our discomfort and hear their messages. www.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-10-2550 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Self-CareIn this conversation with experts Elisabeth Awad and Carolyn Cousins, we discuss self-care - how can we protect ourselves from our work?Guests: Elisabeth Awad and Carolyn CousinsHost: Kathy Kramerwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-10-2132 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Cross-examination – what could possibly go wrong?Tracey Markham and Kathy Kramer put their acting skills to the test as experienced advocate Hayley Dean demonstrates good, bad, and downright ugly expert witness testimony.Hosts: Kathy Kramer and Tracey MarkhamGuest: Hayley DeanReferences:Horan, Jacqueline & Goodman-Delahunty, Jane. (2020). ‘Expert Evidence to Counteract Jury Misconceptions about Consent in Sexual Assault Cases: Failures and Lessons Learned’. The University of New South Wales law journal. 43. 10.53637/FDBI9255.www.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-10-111h 13

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters LGBTQI IssuesIn this episode the delightful Hamish Whelan, Sexual Violence Consult Service Lead at ACON, talks us through ways to engage with LGBTQI+ patients – how to earn trust and tailor our care to individual needs.Host: Kathy KramerGuest: Hamish WhelanHere are some resources Hamish generously provided:ACON's Pride Inclusion - Pride Inclusion Programs | ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs offer a range of services to assist employers, sporting organisations and service providers with all aspects of LGBTQ inclusion.ACON's Pride Training - ACON Pride Training - LGBTQ+ Awareness and Inclusion TrainingIt Left No Mark...

2024-10-0739 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters StrangulationIn this episode, FAMSACA has had the good fortune to interview one of Australia’s absolute experts on presenting evidence about non-fatal strangulation in court, Dr Anousha Victoire.Host: Kathy KramerGuest: Dr Anousha VictoireHer excellent paper will also be helpful: Victoire A, De Boos J, Lynch J. ‘I thought I was about to die’: Management of non-fatal strangulation in general practice. AJGP. 51(11) Nov 2022.Other useful references:De Boos J. Review article: Non-fatal strangulation: Hidden injuries, hidden risks. Emerg Med Australas. 2019;31(3):302-308. Glass N, Laughon...

2024-09-3040 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Medical CareSeason 2 is a deep dive into various topics, starting with medical care with our special guests Ellie Freedman and Kath Evans. How has medical care following sexual assault evolved and where is it heading?Host: Kathy KramerGuests: Dr Ellie Freedman and Kathryn EvansPlease note that this is a general discussion and is not medical advice for specific cases.References:Kink A et al. Management of acute sexual assault presenting to a large Australian sexual health clinic in 2012-2021: a retrospective clinical audit. Sexual Health 21, 2024 AprParekh VR et al. Sexually...

2024-09-181h 04

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters A Reflection on Clinical Forensic MedicineProfessor David Ranson reflects on changes in forensic medicine over his long career and gives his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of different models of forensic service delivery in Australia. He talks about interesting new developments in the use of imaging in forensic medicine.Host: Carol StevensonGuest: Professor David Ransonwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-09-1039 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Communicating Expert EvidenceProfessor Kristy Martire discusses her fascinating work looking at communicating expert evidence, communicating uncertainty, bias and the impact of witness likability.Host: Carol StevensonGuest: Professor Kristy Martirewww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-08-1939 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Preparing for CourtIn this episode Dr Shalu Singh and Dr Kathy Kramer talk about prepping for court and ideas for debriefing afterwards.www.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-08-1119 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Writing an Opinion - Part 2In this episode we continue our discussion on how to set out an opinion and the use of standard opinion paragraphs.Hosts: Carol Stevenson and Kathy Kramerwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-08-0219 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Writing an Opinion - Part 1In this episode we will discuss how to set out an opinion and the use of standard opinion paragraphs.Hosts: Carol Stevenson and Kathy Kramerwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-07-2622 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters The Content of the OpinionIn this episode we discuss what should be covered in the opinion section of a report.Hosts: Carol Stevenson and Kathy KramerGuests: David Ranson and David Wellswww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-07-2220 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Observations and exam findings: Part 2In episode 11 we discuss controversial areas influencing decisions to document examination findings and general observations. We discuss observations of demeanour, mental state, and the examination of a patient with a history of recent alcohol and drug consumption.Hosts: Kathy Kramer and Carol StevensonGuests: David Ranson and Peter Skidmorewww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-07-0522 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Observations and exam findings: Part 1In episodes 10 and 11 we discuss controversial areas influencing decisions to document examination findings and general observations. We will cover the physical examination, observations of demeanour, mental state observations, and the examination in a patient with a history of recent alcohol and drug consumption.Hosts: Kathy Kramer and Carol Stevensonwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-06-2814 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Describing forensic examination proceduresIn this episode we talk about the modern trend of including more procedural detail in reports. We'll also discuss the use (and abuse) of appendices.Hosts: Carol Stevenson and Kathy KramerGuests: David Ranson and Kristy Martirewww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-05-2415 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Other sources of informationIn this episode we will talk about how to obtain and record information that is relevant to a criminal case. How are decisions made about report inclusions? What should be in and what should be out?Hosts: Carol Stevenson & Kathy KramerGuests: David Ranson and Peter Skidmorewww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-05-0314 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters What to include in the patient history section of the reportIn this episode we will consider the forensic and medical patient history, and what to include in the report.Hosts: Carol Stevenson & Kathy KramerGuest: David Ransonwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-04-2718 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Explaining your QualificationsThe author of a report must explain their qualifications and experience effectively. In this episode we explore this topic and hear what happens when your qualifications are challenged.Host: Carol StevensonGuests: Peter Skidmore, Marion Brown, Kath Evanswww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-04-1816 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters How to Write GoodExcellent writing standards are needed to communicate effectively in court reports. Poorly written reports will attract unwanted scrutiny in court and may be misleading.Hosts: Kathy Kramer and Carol Stevensonwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-04-1124 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Expert Evidence to Counteract Jury Misconceptions.In this episode we hear from Professor Jaqui Horan who conducted a research projectexploring jury reactions to expert evidence in criminal trials.Host: Carol StevensonGuest: Jaqui Horanwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-04-0415 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Report Writing TemplatesHow do we decide what goes in a report writing template? Must we follow the instruction in the template?Hosts: Kathy Kramer and Carol StevensonGuest: Lang Goodsellwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-03-2825 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Report writing: How the process is managed.How is the process of report writing managed? What happens in services where staff work offsite? How do we maintain quality?This is a podcast about expert testimony. It is for general information purposes only It’s not a substitute for professional legal advice It’s based on opinion and experiences onlyThe contents may not be applicable in all circumstancesHosts: Kathy Kramer and Carol StevensonGuests: David Wells, Anousha Victoirewww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-03-2119 min

FAMSACA Medicolegal Matters Introduction, the court system, expert evidence.This is a podcast about expert testimony. It is for general information purposes only It’s not a substitute for professional legal advice It’s based on opinion and experiences onlyThe contents may not be applicable in all circumstancesIn this episode we provide an overview of the Australian court system and the role of Expert Evidence in criminal jurisdictions.Hosts: Kathy Kramer and Carol StevensonGuests: Peter Skidmore and Marion Brownwww.famsacaustralia.org.auinfo@famsacaustralia.org.au

2024-03-1117 min