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Cattaneo C, Tambuzzi S, De Vecchi S, Maggioni L, Costantino G. Consequences of the lack of clinical forensic medicine in emergency departments. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:139-150. [PMID: 36806756 PMCID: PMC10772006 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02973-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Most victims of physical violence sooner or later will access a hospital or medical cabinet because of that violence, and in particular emergency departments (EDs). This paper aims to analyze the performance of emergency ward clinicians in the forensic management of such victims by examining the activities carried out and the data reported. A total of 991 medical records were extrapolated from the database of the ED of the Policlinico of Milan in an average pre-pandemic 1-year activity. For each medical record, 16 parameters were analyzed in-depth including epidemiological data, information on the type of violent actions, injuries, and time between the infliction of the lesion and access to the ED. In the vast majority of cases, all the actions with medicolegal implications had been neglected by health professionals causing loss of data not only for the justice system but especially for correctly interpreting what happened and taking appropriate measures to protect the patient/victim. Hence, given that clinicians in EDs are busy with non-forensic clinical tasks (and rightly so), it should be ensured that there be specific forensic clinical personnel. However, it is crucial that when unfortunately there can be no forensic staff, at least the clinicians who work in the ED are properly trained to correctly apply essential medicolegal measures. Overall, timely and informed medical and forensic intervention is possible and necessary for the improvement and maintenance of the mental and physical health of victims of violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cattaneo
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Tambuzzi
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano De Vecchi
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Lidia Maggioni
- Istituto di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Costantino
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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2
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Health and Justice: Experiences of the forensic medical examination after sexual assault. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2022.100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Mognetti B, Bo M, Berta GN, Canavese A, Castagna P, Collini F, Santa V, Salomone A, Gino S. Sexual Harassments Related to Alcohol and Drugs Intake: The Experience of the Rape Centre of Turin. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15090. [PMID: 36429806 PMCID: PMC9690951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted that describes the characteristics of sexual violence episodes related to the intake of alcohol and drugs observed among women that turned to the "Centro Soccorso Violenza Sessuale" (SVS) of the Sant'Anna Hospital in Turin between 1 January 2008, and 31 December 2017. Two hundred twenty-two patients were enrolled, 25 of which were minors, 141 were Italians, and most of them knew their aggressor and were raped in a private home. One hundred and fifty-five of them declared to the healthcare personnel to have taken alcoholic substances and/or drugs in conjunction with the event (86 reported having drunk alcohol, 36 having taken drugs and 33 disclosed both alcohol and drug abuse). If the woman knew her abuser, alcohol consumption was described as voluntary in more than 80% of cases, while in relation to drugs the consumption was equally voluntary or fraudulent. About 73% of women who reported having drunk alcohol just had amnesia or amnesia related to other symptoms, while amnesia was present in about 63% of women who reported only drug use. Physicians observed physical injuries on 156 women. Patients who reported to have assumed alcohol presented a significantly higher risk to suffer any physical injury and have a significantly increased risk to suffer injuries to their head and/or neck. The results obtained underline how even in Northern Italy alcohol intake represents the most widespread psychoactive substance in case of drug-facilitated sexual assault. There is therefore a need to promote education and prevention campaigns among citizens, especially among the youngest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mognetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Bo
- Hospital Medical Direction, Local Health Trust TO5, Piazza Silvio Pellico 1, 10023 Chieri, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nicolao Berta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Antonella Canavese
- Centro Soccorso Violenza Sessuale, Sant’Anna Hospital, City of Health and Science, Corso Spezia 60, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Castagna
- Centro Soccorso Violenza Sessuale, Sant’Anna Hospital, City of Health and Science, Corso Spezia 60, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Collini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Veronica Santa
- Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Medicina e Chirurgia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Luigi (Orbassano), University of Turin, v. Verdi 8, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Salomone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, via Giuria 5, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Centro Regionale Antidoping, Regione Gonzole 10/1, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Sarah Gino
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Kaur S, Kaur S, Rawat B, Sharma R. A multidisciplinary approach in pre-pubertal child sexual assault cases - forensic evaluation and suggestions. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2022; 58:102097. [PMID: 35667134 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual assault is highly prevalent in India yet a handful cases are reported under POCSO (Protection against child sexual offenses) Act, 2012. Even though the victims' testimony alone is enough to arrest accused as regulated by the Supreme Court but forensic evidence is still critical for sentencing rapists. A systematic evaluation of such cases will estimate impact of Child sexual assault (CSA) and pinpoint important aspects required for progression of prevention strategies and provision of support. METHOD AND OBJECTIVE Present study reviewed cases pertaining pre-pubertal victims (up to 10 years age). Study included simple descriptive analysis of data highlighting significance of different variables in sexual assault cases involving child victims- perpetration, interventions, medical examination and forensic DNA analysis with the aim to improve primary preventive strategies and identify potential setbacks obstructing road to justice. RESULT The strengths and weaknesses of pre-pubertal sexual assault assessment were identified. This study analyzed socio-economic backgrounds, age of alleged accused and whether known to the victim. Frequently reported type of abuse was assessed and total reviewed cases that yielded DNA profile from exhibits of victims and alleged accused were determined. CONCLUSION As emerged in present study, pre-pubertal CSA is a complicated phenomenon grounded in interplay between societal influences, family support, evidence collection, legal delays, and medical hindrances that greatly affect DNA analysis. Prevalence of CSA is evidently alarming and demands stringent measures to be taken to prevent and control it. Joint and multidisciplinary assessment is important for forensic reporting rather than solo assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suminder Kaur
- DNA Fingerprinting Unit, Biology Division, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, New Delhi, India.
| | - Simarpreet Kaur
- National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi, India
| | - Banita Rawat
- DNA Fingerprinting Unit, Biology Division, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- Biology Division, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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Kaur S, Kaur S, Rawat B. Medico-legal evidence collection in child sexual assault cases: a forensic significance. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-021-00258-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Every year, millions of children face sexual exploitation worldwide. In India, 109 children (National Crime Records Bureau2018) were sexually abused everyday (22% jump from the previous year). Even with advanced DNA techniques, the conviction rate remains low. The methods used for forensic DNA evidence analysis vary around the world, but the primary step of biological evidence collection plays the most vital role. Proper and timely evidence collection from the victim by a trained medical professional is important.
Main body
Dynamics of child sexual assault being massively different from an adult rape demands altogether different approach of evidence collection. A standard sexual kit employed for evidence collection needs urgent modifications considering genital development of pre- and post-pubertal victims. In the present study, parameters including systemic collection and evaluation of forensic evidences, medico-legal examination, and developmental consequences of sexual assault on pre-pubertal victims were assessed. Further suggestions for separate evidence collection kit during medico-legal examination were given for pre-pubertal victims and alleged accused in sexual assault cases in order to streamline and for better evaluation of DNA analysis in forensic laboratories.
Conclusion
The importance of expert medical practitioners plays a significant role in collection of appropriate information and evidences from the victim of sexual assault. General guidelines for evidence collection in sexual assault cases are not well suited for pre-pubertal victims. Appropriate reforms pertaining to the age and genital development of victims are required. Securing clothing as forensic evidence is essential in most cases as it turned out to be the exclusive evidence bearing material. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness about the thorough medical examination and modified sexual assault kit for pre-pubertal victims and alleged accused for a better approach in evidence collection and conviction rate.
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GABBIN A, POLITI C, GINO S, CAENAZZO L. La gestione ospedaliera delle donne vittime di violenza sessuale alla luce del nuovo D.P.C.M. 24 novembre 2017. GAZZETTA MEDICA ITALIANA ARCHIVIO PER LE SCIENZE MEDICHE 2021. [DOI: 10.23736/s0393-3660.19.04284-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Bo M, Canavese A, Magnano L, Rondana A, Castagna P, Gino S. Violence against pregnant women in the experience of the rape centre of Turin: Clinical and forensic evaluation. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 76:102071. [PMID: 33075742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women can be victims of violence: as a matter of fact, far from being a protective factor, pregnancy can trigger or worsen episodes of abuse. Studies conducted by the WHO highlight that its incidence fluctuates between 1% and 28%. Therefore violence during pregnancy is endemic all over the world and involves all social strata. We analysed 113 medical records concerning pregnant women (average age 27.9 ± 6.0 years, 80 foreigners), who turned to the Centro Soccorso Violenza Sessuale, one of the two Italian Rape Centre, in Turin between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2017. Fifty-three women were visited in the first trimester, 41 in the second, and 16 in the third, while 3 during the puerperium. The current partner was accused to be the abuser by the 84.4% of the Italian women and by the 69.2% of the foreigners. Sixty-eight women suffered multiple forms of violence, while 98 suffered only physical violence, and 3 reported only sexual abuse. According to 20 women, violent episodes increased during pregnancy. The clinical history of these women was characterized by some recurrent physical symptoms, such as pelvic pain, abdominal pain, facial pain and headache and 54 women presented injuries (abrasions and ecchymosis). Our results confirm that violence in pregnancy is a social and public health problem. Therefore it is important that the health personnel should be prepared not only to care for women seeking help, but above all its better preparation could also identify victims of violence, which do not report abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bo
- Legal Medicine Unit, Local Health Trust TO5, Piazza Silvio Pellio 1, 10023, Chieri, (TO), Italy
| | - Antonella Canavese
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy; Città della Salute e della Scienza, Presidio Ospedaliero Sant'Anna, Centro Soccorso Violenza Sessuale, corso Spezia, 60, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Magnano
- Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Medicina e Chirurgia, University of Turin, v. Verdi 8, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Alice Rondana
- Corso di Laurea Triennale in Ostetricia, University of Turin, v. Verdi 8, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Castagna
- Città della Salute e della Scienza, Presidio Ospedaliero Sant'Anna, Centro Soccorso Violenza Sessuale, corso Spezia, 60, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Sarah Gino
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy.
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Rasool N, Rasool M. DNA evidence in sexual assault cases in Pakistan. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2020; 60:270-277. [PMID: 32576088 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420934240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault is becoming a global epidemic, affecting close to a billion women throughout the world. This paper explores the challenges in the admissibility of DNA evidence in rape cases in Pakistan. Delays in the medical examination of victims, and improper collection and packaging of evidentiary material, compromise the probative biological evidence. In the last few years, existing laws have been amended to increase the utility of DNA evidence during criminal trials. However, various issues - for example lack of proper knowledge of DNA evidence by lawyers and judicial officers, inadequacies in existing laws and conflicting decisions of apex courts - can affect the admissibility of DNA evidence during criminal trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouman Rasool
- Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Pakistan
- Center for Professional Studies, Pakistan
| | - Muzamal Rasool
- Advocate, Lahore High Court, Pakistan
- Post Graduate Institute of Law, University of Lahore, Pakistan
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Evaluation of critical aspects in clinical and forensic management of sexual violence: A multicentre Ge.F.I. project. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Tozzo P, Gabbin A, Politi C, Da Pian M, Caenazzo L, Causin V. Combined Statistical Analyses of Forensic Evidence in Sexual Assault: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature. J Forensic Sci 2020; 65:1767-1773. [PMID: 32615002 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA analysis has been widely used in the forensic field in order to contribute to identifying the perpetrator of a crime. Forensic investigation in sexual assaults usually focuses on locating and identifying biological fluids, followed by DNA analysis. The identification of certain compounds present in condoms can be useful to reconstruct the occurred event, especially in cases of sexual assaults where the DNA analysis did not show the presence of a male profile and where RNA analysis did not show the presence of sperm markers. Herein we describe the case of a woman reporting to be victim of sexual assault, who was not able to provide accurate information concerning the dynamics of the event; she remembered only forced penile-vaginal penetration by a single perpetrator. We performed short tandem repeat (STR) analyses and mRNA typing for forensic genetics testing on vaginal and rectal swabs collected on the victim, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) followed by chromatographic analyses for the detection of condom compounds on the same swabs. The STR analysis showed only the victim's genetic profile, and RNA analysis showed only the presence of vaginal and skin markers. In this situation, the identification of condom compounds residues on vaginal swabs became important as it complemented other collected evidences allowing the Court to reconstruct the events. A proposal of likelihood ratio (LR) calculation for the assessment of the weight of evidence in this case is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Tozzo
- Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, Padova, 35121, Italy
| | - Andrea Gabbin
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, Padova, 35121, Italy
| | - Caterina Politi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, Padova, 35121, Italy
| | - Marta Da Pian
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 1, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, Padova, 35121, Italy
| | - Valerio Causin
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 1, Padova, 35131, Italy
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