Instant Evidence Using Photographs to Document Abuse Linda Dawson, J.D. AAR Conference, October 15,...

Instant Evidence

Using Photographs to Document Abuse

Linda Dawson, J.D.

AAR Conference, October 15, 2007

A picture speaks a thousand words…

Memories fade;Images can be preserved for years

©2007 All Rights ReservedReinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

©2007 All Rights Reserved

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

Words, Drawings & Photos

Words: Drawings: Photographs:



Perceptions

Elders are often perceived as forgetful, clumsy, easily bruised, confused and generally not credible

Elderly and sick people die – it's expected, not suspect



Photographs

Effective & objective visual representation of injuries or other conditions observed

Means of collecting and preserving evidence

"Freeze" evidence at a point in time Corroborate, enhance and supplement



Photographs

Immediately capture the full extent of injuries Before healing begins Before memories fade Before victim's recant Before stories change

Decrease the number of likely court appearances; hold abusers accountable



Documentation

Protect victims from further maltreatment

Record findings in medical record Include victim's explanation or

description of incident Include others' explanations too Body map Detailed description – 5 W's



Look Carefully

Bruises, contusions, lacerations, burns Choking or Strangulation Location Cause



Scene

Presence of evidence Absence of evidence



Victim's Face

For identification – and to show emotion or demeanor



How?

3 x 2: Long range or overview Mid-range Close-up Two shots of each trauma area

Measure or object for reference Drape victim's body Document each photo taken Label, protect and preserve photos



What to use?

Digital Camera Polaroid Camera 35 mm Camera

Reference:

Safety NetWorks – AAR Information Memo #1 June 2007


Questions?


Instant Evidence Using Photographs to Document Abuse Linda Dawson, J.D. AAR Conference, October 15,...

Documents

Transcript of Instant Evidence Using Photographs to Document Abuse Linda Dawson, J.D. AAR Conference, October 15,...