Due to the nature of sexual abuse allegations, actual evidence of physical injury is not required in most states. There are times when the victim does not report the abuse immediately and only does so after another family member or friend learns of the alleged abuse and convinces the victim to report the crime. By this time the physical injury may have healed. However, there will have to be testimony of what constituted that physical injury. It is up to the defense attorney to challenge the credibility or bias of the witness concerning the physical abuse. Additionally, expert testimony will probably be required to rebut any testimony by the victim describing the physical abuse. Normal, consensual sexual relations leaves a small amount of evidence of physical injury. Therefore, an expert will be able to determine whether the described physical injury was consensual or against the person's will.

with a charge of sexual abuse, there does not have to be any evidence of physical injury. The victim may not have reported the crime right away and any injury may have healed. In sex cases, injury is not a requirement.