NCJ Number
110649
Journal
American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (1986) Pages: 94-96
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article outlines elements of a successful child abuse investigation, with attention to examining and documenting the crime scene.
Abstract
Few articles on child abuse and neglect address scene investigation. The most common explanation for this deficit is the time delay between infliction of the injury and discovery. Child abuse cases submitted to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology repeatedly show shortcomings in the scene investigation and its documentation. In discussing investigation procedures, this article considers questioning neighbors, personalities of child victims, and injury evaluation. Studies of sexually abused children are reviewed to illustrate characteristics of victims and abusers. The author defines the crime scene in a child abuse investigation and explains the three types of evidence usually found: objects, body materials, and impressions. A course of action for the investigator at the scene is outlined. Additional elements covered include witness statements, laboratory reports, collaboration of witness statements, evidence collection, and the chain of custody. Special evidentiary concerns in sexual abuse cases and areas addressed by the final investigative report are discussed. 25 references. (Author abstract modified)