Instant Evidence

1. Instant Evidence Using Photographs to Document Abuse Linda Dawson, J.D. AAR Conference, October 15, 2007

2. A picture speaks a thousand words… Memories fade; Images can be preserved for years ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

3. Words, Drawings & Photos • Words: • Drawings: • Photographs:

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Look Carefully • Bruises, contusions, lacerations, burns • Choking or Strangulation • Location • Cause

9. Scene • Presence of evidence • Absence of evidence

10. Victim's Face • For identification – and to show emotion or demeanor

11. 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

12. What to use? • Digital Camera • Polaroid Camera • 35 mm Camera

13. Reference: Safety NetWorks – AAR Information Memo #1 June 2007 ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

14. Questions? ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.