FEMINISMS LUNCH LECTURE SERIES
ANNE KIRKNER
ASSESSING THE MEDICAL FORENSIC EXAM: THE ETHICS OF MEDICO-LEGAL ADVOCACY
Thursday, February 23
12:30 – 1:30 PM
WLRC/CAN Programming Room – 1101 West Taylor Street, 3rd Floor (above the Chicago Public Library)
This talk will focus on the role of the medical forensic exam in the anti-sexual violence movement, contrasting its stated purpose with its often harsh realities. There is an abundance of research documenting the physical and symbolic harm of forensic evidence collection and its limits in successful sexual assault case outcomes. Why do rape crisis centers embrace the medico-legal advocacy model? What are victims seeking from the medico-legal system and what do they get out of it in the short and long-term? The expansion of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs and the movement to 'clear the rape kit backlog' offer fruitful opportunities to assess the path of the mainstream anti-violence movement and recognize the carceral logic that is often embedded within the medico-legal advocacy model.
Anne Kirkner is a doctoral candidate in the department of Criminology, Law, & Justice. Her research focuses on sexual violence, victim advocacy, and youth violence prevention. She spent several years as a victim advocate and rape crisis center employee before returning for more education and this informs her research.
Lunch will be served. RSVP by 2/22 at can.wlrc@gmail.com.
This program is part of the FEMINISMS Lunch Lecture Series where we explore, discuss and highlight feminisms and examine them within various cultural locations and contexts. This series creates a safe space to explore the varied and complex realms of feminism. Guest presenters open up opportunities and guide us as we delve deeper into and broaden our understanding of this complex and multifarious movement while expanding the conversation about what it means to be a feminist.
Questions/accommodations? Please call 312.413.1025.
