Informing therapeutic care and legal process in assault cases involving non-fatal strangulation

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102826

Vanita Parekh , Anna Brkic , Janine McMinn , David Williams , Caleb Boxx , Laura Bailey , Jane Van Diemen

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is a major risk factor for female homicide. Victims may present in a variety of clinical settings. In this study, we analysed reported signs, symptoms and injuries following NFS.

Methods

This is a clinical audit of 170 NFS victims who underwent a documented clinical examination, including forensic photography.

Results

Patients reported neck pain (77.6 %), an inability to breathe (60 %), headache (55.9 %), sore throat (52.9 %) and voice changes (47.1 %). In 76.5 % neck injuries were detected comprising non-petechial bruising (59.2 %), linear abrasions (scratch marks) (25.4 %), neck swelling (12.3 %), petechial haemorrhage (7.7 %) and ligature marks (1.5 %) with no detectable neck injury in 23.5 % of cases. There was no typical patient profile of NFS signs, symptoms or injuries or correlation of any signs, despite extensive interrogation by statistical analyses.

Conclusions

To assist with therapeutic care and forensic evidence collection following NFS, signs, symptoms and injuries should be documented. A lack of detectable injury to the neck following NFS does not exclude NFS. In addition, detectable injury may indicate a defensive response by the patient and/or multiple applications of force.

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来源期刊

Journal of forensic and legal medicine MEDICINE, LEGAL-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.70%

发文量

106

审稿时长

57 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine publishes topical articles on aspects of forensic and legal medicine. Specifically the Journal supports research that explores the medical principles of care and forensic assessment of individuals, whether adult or child, in contact with the judicial system. It is a fully peer-review hybrid journal with a broad international perspective. The Journal accepts submissions of original research, review articles, and pertinent case studies, editorials, and commentaries in relevant areas of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Context of Practice, and Education and Training. The Journal adheres to strict publication ethical guidelines, and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication.