Achados necroscópicos e vestígios biológicos na violência sexual com desfecho fatal: revisão narrativa estruturada e proposta de protocolo pericial

Abstract

Background: the investigation of deaths with suspected sexual violence requires systematic anatomical examination, early trace collection, and interpretation that recognizes the limited specificity of isolated findings. Objective: to synthesize evidence on postmortem findings, semen and male DNA detection, environmental effects, and collection strategies, and to propose a forensic protocol for intact or decomposed bodies. Methods: structured narrative review of PubMed/MEDLINE using five thematic strategies, covering January 2000 through September 21, 2026, supplemented by citation chaining. Of 506 records, 445 remained after deduplication; 24 met the direct criteria and six were added through supplementary searching. Results: anogenital injuries are more frequent after assault than after consensual intercourse, but are absent in a substantial proportion and are not diagnostic in isolation. PSA/p30 is a screening test, particularly in postmortem material. Microscopy, seminal markers, and genetics should be integrated. Y-STR improves male DNA recovery in mixtures and sperm-negative cases, but represents paternal lineage and requires contextual interpretation. Substrate, environmental exposure, decomposition, and chain of custody affect sensitivity and contamination risk. Conclusion: no universal postmortem interval can exclude sexual violence. Reports should distinguish observations, analytical results, and inferences while stating limitations and alternative explanations.